‘Power of the Dog,’ ‘West Side Story’ take top Golden Globes at off-screen ceremony

By Lisa Richwine

LOS ANGELES – Dark Western “The Power of the Dog” and a remake of “West Side Story” won the biggest awards on Sunday at a diminished Golden Globes ceremony held privately without the usual glitzy lineup of Hollywood’s top television and movie stars.

Actors, directors and film studios largely ignored the Globes this year after criticism in 2021 that its organizers, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), operated with questionable ethics policies and no Black members. Longtime broadcaster NBC opted not to air this year’s awards.

The HFPA, which has expanded and diversified its membership and overhauled its practices, announced its picks at a Beverly Hills ceremony held behind closed doors. Recipients of HFPA philanthropic grants sat in the audience and announced winners. Honorees were revealed via social media and a live blog.

Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story,” a tale of young love set among rival street gangs, was named best musical or comedy film. Released by Walt Disney Co., the film earned three trophies overall, including best actress for Rachel Zegler.

Netflix’s “The Power of the Dog” also won three awards including best director for Jane Campion.

Other acting honors went to Will Smith for playing the determined father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams in “King Richard” and Nicole Kidman for her role as Lucille Ball in “Being the Ricardos.”

“Thank you for the acknowledgement!” Kidman, one of few winners to acknowledge their award, wrote on Instagram. “Lucille, this is for you and all the other incredible women nominated.”

Andrew Garfield won a best actor award for his role as playwright Jonathan Larson in musical “Tick, Tick… Boom!”

For television, cutthroat corporate family saga “Succession” received the best drama award and “Hacks,” about a fading female comedian, was crowned best comedy.

Netflix led all studios with four film awards. HBO and HBO Max landed the most television honors, with six.

Mj Rodriguez was named best TV drama actress for “Pose.” It was the first Golden Globe given to a transgender actress.

“Wow! … Thank you!” she wrote on Instagram. “This is the door that is going to open the door for many more young talented individuals.”

“West Side Story” stars Zegler and Ariana DeBose, who won best supporting actress, also acknowledged their wins.

“There is still work to be done, but when you’ve worked so hard on a project- infused with blood, sweat, tears and love- having the work seen and acknowledged is always going to be special. Thank you,” DeBose tweeted.

The Globes normally draw millions of TV viewers to a celebrity-filled red carpet and champagne-fueled dinner that makes for a glamorous yet informal contrast to the Academy Awards, the industry’s highest film honors.