What You Didn't See At The 2021 Golden Globes

The 2021 Golden Globes on Feb. 28, 2021, was bound to be a far different show from previous years because of COVID-era restrictions. Fortunately for television and film fans and creators alike, the 2020 award show aired as planned just before the entertainment industry was shut down due to the onset of the pandemic.

Last year's show was full of big moments — some of them being behind-the-scenes details that didn't make it onto the televised event. For instance, last year's Globes transformed into a vegan event, featuring an appetizer of chilled beet soup and a main course of king oyster mushroom made to look just like a real oyster, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Publicly, fans were well aware that the movie adaptation of the musical Cats didn't do well in the box office and was even "pulled from Universal's awards season website," per the Los Angeles Times. What fans didn't know is that the movie's harsh reviews didn't stop star Taylor Swift from enjoying her night with boyfriend Joe Alwyn, who upon arriving at the event, supposedly headed straight for the bar, according to Los Angeles Times reporter Amy Kaufman. Then, there was behind-the-scenes seating drama and some no-shows, according to Variety. We're looking at you, Russell Crowe and Christian Bale! 

Luckily, the 78th Golden Globes was able to remain COVID-safe while offering some stars an in-person event. So, what happened at the show this year that fans didn't get a look at on television? Keep scrolling to find out.

Although there was still a red carpet lined with elegantly dressed celebrities, the 78th Golden Globes was clearly smaller than in previous years. That is due to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) and Dick Clark Productions's decision to have presenters live on stage during the show and allow nominees and recipients to stay home, Deadline noted. Fortunately, that didn't stop fans from seeing their favorite actors and actresses during the ceremony. Similar to the 2020 Emmys, the Golden Globes sent cameras into the homes of dozens of stars to give viewers a more live and authentic experience.

"What we're doing is we're going to get candid shots of the people at home and as they're getting ready for their category," longtime Golden Globes Executive Producer Barry Adelman told Deadline in February 2021. "And we found a way, without giving away too much, where they can kind of talk to each other if they're in the same category and communicate with each other."

According to the publication, the show worked from more than 100 feeds worldwide to get the most normal award show experience possible. "So, it gives them a sense of camaraderie and it gives the audience a chance to see these wonderful actors and actresses communicating with each other like they would've done in the ballroom," Adelman added.

Although most stars participated in the 78th Golden Globes from the comfort of their own home, they still got dressed up to the nines. Since they weren't able to walk the carpet and talk to the press, it seems that many stars decided to share their extra time with fans by giving behind-the-scenes looks at their time prepping for the show.

Amanda Seyfried shared a series of snaps on her Instagram Story from her pre-show routine, including an adorable photo of her daughter brushing some makeup on her hand with a blush brush. "I wouldn't let her do my makeup tonight so she brushed my hand," the You Should Have Left actor wrote on the photo, per Glamour. Seyfried also shared a shot of her final makeup touch-ups before posting herself wearing a coral Oscar de la Renta gown. She told E! News pre-show that she feels her dress is "very springy" and unique. "The flowers, the color, I've never worn anything like this," Seyfried said. The mother of two also revealed that she made the night a family affair, with her 5-month-old son dressing up in a tuxedo.

Actor Jane Levy also looked red carpet ready, having chosen an Oscar de la Renta out of four dress choices, per E! News. Kaley Cuoco and Elle Fanning posted in gorgeous floor-length gowns they donned for the night as well.

Jason Sudeikis won his first Golden Globe from the comfort of his home for his starring role in the Apple TV+ comedy Ted Lasso. "I want to give a shout-out to everyone I get to act with on this show because they're incredible. Do they make me the best? No," he said during his acceptance speech, per Deadline. "But I know for a fact that they make me better." His win and heartfelt speech aren't what got people talking, though; It was his outfit.

The actor appeared in a tye-dye hoodie, which according to NBC Los Angeles reporter Robert Kovacik, is a sweatshirt from his sister's dance studio and, as of this writing, is currently sold out. The reporter tweeted that in a backstage interview, Sudeikis responded to a comment about his outfit by saying he was being a "good brother by supporting his sister's dance studio."

Although one viewer thought his laid-back look was award-worthy on its own and another commented that it was "the hottest thing" he had ever seen, others thought his outfit was a bit too relaxed, especially compared to some of his fellow actors. "Lmao at Jason's outfit like no hate but of course a white dude can wear a tie dye hoodie to the golden globes," one disappointed viewer tweeted. But hey, it was all for a good cause!

Celebrities don't leave award shows empty-handed, winner or not. A special part of the award show season is how companies advertise themselves by donating their products or services to the luxurious gift bags handed to celebrities who attend the various award shows throughout the season. For instance, 2020's Golden Globes included Armani Si Passione Eau de Parfum, Living Proof Triple Detox, and Lavazza coffee beans, according to a press release.

The gift bags didn't go away this year and still included products from a range of high-end travel, wellness, beauty, and lifestyle brands, The Hollywood Reporter noted. However, the gift bags got handed out in a completely new way. Nathalie Dubois, president and CEO of DPA, told the publication that she and a small team from her company hosted a drive-thru event for celebrities to pick up their gifts. She explained that her staff was masked and gloved to give out 115 bags, including 10 for lucky health care workers. "I am very proud of these gift bags and of each of these companies," Dubois said. "It should give all our nominees some good vibes and the hope of a return to normalcy soon." Talk about making it work!