Photography by Paul Drinkwater/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Golden Globes 2017: Everything You Need to Know If You Missed the Show

Date January 8, 2017

The Golden Globes are definitely not the most prestigious awards show, but they can always be counted on to be the most entertaining. This year was no exception. There were a handful of incredible speeches that had the Internet abuzz, and, as always, there were many surprises, especially when it came down to the winners. If you’re wondering what we’re talking about (because you slept through it), here’s everything you need to know about the 2017 Golden Globes.

Jimmy Fallon’s star-studded opening was incredible

It’s no secret that Jimmy Fallon loves a big opening number. (Remember his 2010 Emmys opening?) In an homage to Damien Chazelle’s La La Land, Fallon and this year’s top nominated stars recreated the opening scene of the flick, and it was everything. Highlights included Sarah Paulson with a white Ford Bronco, Kit Harrington being brought back to life at the sound of a horn and the kids from Stranger Things rapping in the back of a truck, followed by fellow cast mate Barb emerging from a pool with a synchronized swimming routine. Yes, people: Barb is alive and well!

La La Land won pretty much everything

Speaking of La La Land (which just so happened to be the film with the most nods of the night), the musical-drama won all seven awards it was nominated for and set the record for most awards given to a production in a single year. This bodes well for the film, which is already considered the frontrunner for the Best Picture Oscar, and this means that Emma Stone will likely be walking home with a little gold statue next month.

Tracee FTW!

Tracee Ellis Ross took home her first major award for her wonderful performance in Blackish. Ross, who seemed genuinely surprised, dedicated her award to women of colour, spoke about how honoured she is to be on the show, and how pleasing it is that the industry to finally telling diverse stories.

Sofia Vergara’s slip-up

Anus? Anal? Annual Awards? Vergara engaged in some risky wordplay when introducing this year’s three Miss Golden Globes, all daughters of Sylvester Stallone. This bit continued later in the show with Amy Schumer helping Goldie Hawn as she delightfully “misread” the teleprompter, saying “tainted actors” instead of “talented ones.” (Goldie we missed you!) Those two make a great team, and we’re looking forward to their new movie, Snatched.

Viola finally got her due

Meryl Streep hastily gestured for her tablemates to get out of the way for her close friend Viola Davis to walk to the stage to accept the award for best supporting actress in a motion picture. After five nominations, and no wins, Davis joked that she finally got it done after schmoozing with the members of the HFPA. In one of the night’s most moving speeches, Davis tearfully thanked co-star and director Denzel Washington, as well as her family. She finished it off by sharing the story of her father who had a fifth-grade education and couldn’t read until he was 15, but whose story was represented in her film Fences by the late playwright and screenwriter August Wilson.

Kristen Wiig and Steve Carrell’s skit was flat-out hilarious

The best presentation of the night came from comedy greats Kristen Wiig and Steve Carrell. They both recall stories of loss after seeing their first animated film, and as such have never forgotten those experiences. On paper this might seem sullen, but their delivery was flawless. Embracing each other, teary-eyed, they presented the award for Best Animated Feature to Zootopia.

Ryan Gosling thanked Eva Mendes in the most-romantic speech ever

Ryan Gosling took home the award for lead actor in a Comedy or musical. After thanking his co-star, and the film’s director, the Gos got personal. He thanked his partner, Eva Mendes, for looking after their two children while also taking care of her brother who was battling cancer. He acknowledged that without her love and sacrifice, he couldn’t have had the best work experience of his life. Swoon.

Dame Streep diplomatically called out Trump

In what was undoubtedly the most-talked about moment on social media, Meryl Streep received the Cecil B. Demille Award. Presented by close friend Viola Davis, Streep was an inevitable recipient of this lifetime achievement award, given that’s she’s been nominated for 30 Golden Globes—the most in history. Meryl lost her voice but still commanded the room. Picking up where Hugh Laurie left off, Streep spoke about the international nature of Hollywood and the importance of seeing the stories of people from different walks of life. Without mentioning the President-Elect by name, she sent a powerful message about the power of empathy and the need for fair and effective journalism. It’s another standout Meryl moment that will resonate for years to come.