Film

‘West Side Story,’ ‘Encanto’ & More Win Big at 2022 Golden Globes

Lead Photo: Art by Stephany Torres
Art by Stephany Torres

The Latine talent at the center of West Side Story, Rachel Zegler and Ariana DeBose, were some of the big winners at the 2022 Golden Globe Awards, which took place Sunday (January 9) – without its usual live telecast and celebrity audience.

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) announced the winners on Twitter. After a year embroiled in scandal, which began when it was revealed the HFPA didn’t have a single Black member for two decades, NBC pulled the plug on broadcasting this year’s ceremony. Since then, the HFPA has made reforms to its organization, although criticism of those changes continues.

Despite the problems the HFPA has faced, the association handed out awards in 25 categories in TV and film. Zegler took home the Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy for her lead role as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s reimagining of West Side Story.

DeBose, Zegler’s co-star in the film, won Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for her role as Anita. It’s been 60 years since screen icon Rita Moreno won the same award for the same role in the original West Side Story film. Along with Zegler and DeBose’s wins, West Side Story won the Globe for Best Picture, Musical or Comedy.

Pose actress Michaela Jaé Rodriguez made history this year becoming the first transwoman to win Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series, Drama.

Encanto also picked up a win for the Latine community in the Best Motion Picture, Animated category.

It’s important to note, just because West Side Story, Encanto, and those in our communities saw their work being recognized for the greatness it is, doesn’t mean that the work is done when it comes to diversity. Hollywood and the HFPA still have a lot of reform ahead of them. Especially the kind that will allow creators and stories about our communities to shine bright and stand on their own.

Until then, the 2022 Golden Globes are the right step forward. Just not the last.