So much can happen on one of the biggest nights of the year in Hollywood – and it did, right from the moment host Jimmy Fallon took to the stage at the 74th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton.
The beloved comic and first-time host, 42, opened with a flashy musical number adapted from the opening scene of Golden Globe best picture nominee La La Land. And all the nominees were there, from Sarah Paulson (The People vs. O.J. Simpson), to Nicole Kidman (Lion), Amy Adams (Arrival) and those kids from Stranger Things.
It was comedian Jimmy Fallon's first time hosting the Golden Globes
Even Vancouver-born Ryan Reynolds made a guest appearance in the opening montage as The Tonight Show host recreated another musical number from the film on the piano (of course, Canada's other Ryan, Ryan Gosling, originates the role of the jazz musician onscreen).
The Golden Globe winner for Best Actor in a musical or comedy couldn't hold back his laughter at the expertly recreated skit. That's when Jimmy's longtime pal and frequent collaborator Justin Timberlake stepped in for a ballroom dance sequence that rivalled Emma Stone’s breathtaking performance in both grace and charm.
But the real fun was when the host finally came out onstage for his highly anticipated monologue, only to announce that the teleprompter was down. "It's already a GIF," he proclaimed with a laugh. "I'm happy I didn't trip." Perhaps a nod to Jennifer Lawrence's famous spill while heading to the stage at the Oscars in 2013?
The star had the audience in stitches during his opening monologue
Lovingly referred to as "Hollywood's biggest fan", the comic kept the tone light-hearted throughout the speech, even as he commented on the rocky U.S. political culture; he called the Golden Globes "one of the few places left where America honours the popular vote," a reference to the recent U.S. election. His biggest laugh came as he called out Best Actor winner Casey Affleck, noting that his film Manchester by the Sea was the only thing sadder than 2016.
He wrapped up on a positive note, reminding the A-list crowd and viewers at the home that this "is the biggest party of the year". And not just because there's free-flowing Moet & Chandon all night. Having a double dose of Canadian Ryans present this year definitely helps.
