The Golden Globes are always a lively event, full of emotional speeches, awkward moments, and endless chatter on social media. This year, host Nikki Glaser didn’t hold back, poking fun at Timothée Chalamet’s budding mustache, Benny Blanco’s “wife guy” persona, and the ongoing controversy surrounding rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs. Known for its casual vibe, the Golden Globes often feel like a looser version of the Oscars, especially since guests can drink alcohol while seated.
This year’s nominees showcase a range of film genres, from the body-horror flick The Substance to the musical Wicked, which makes for a diverse and exciting set of nominees. As always, the stars on stage introduced new phrases into the lexicon, such as “popcorn actress” and “zaddy,” adding more fun to the night.
Demi Moore’s Big Win: What is a ‘Popcorn Actress’?
Demi Moore, who won her first Golden Globe for her role in The Substance, was emotional in her acceptance speech. She shared a story from 30 years ago when a producer called her a “popcorn actress,” meaning she was just a star for lightweight, entertaining movies. Moore explained how this comment affected her for years, making her feel like she didn’t deserve serious recognition. However, The Substance, a satirical horror film about Hollywood’s obsession with youth, allowed Moore to prove her range and silence critics. She mentioned that at one point, she wondered if her career was over, but this role brought a fresh spark to her career.
Jeff Goldblum and the Mystery of ‘Zaddy’
Jeff Goldblum, who stars in Wicked, appeared on stage with co-star Michelle Yeoh. They joked about being called “zaddy,” a term that confuses Goldblum. A “zaddy” is a term used online to describe an older, attractive man, and Goldblum was both amused and puzzled by the term.
Michelle Yeoh: ‘Serving Mother’ and ‘Slaying the House Down’
Michelle Yeoh also joined in on the fun, talking about being called “serving mother” and “slaying the house down.” These internet terms, often used in queer culture, refer to someone performing exceptionally well and looking amazing while doing it. Yeoh joked about “slaying” but clarified she wouldn’t be causing any more houses to fall, referencing the famous scene from The Wizard of Oz.
Despite not fully understanding the slang, Goldblum and Yeoh appreciated the playful new language and embraced it with humor, celebrating their younger, more diverse fanbase.