Last year's Golden Globe Awards [1] were not to be missed, but we'll try to forgive you if you did. Things were hot from the start with a sizzling homage to La La Land in the opening sequence, and there was nowhere to go but up from there. We have the night's biggest highlights here, ahead of this year's festivities, touching on every notable thing that happened after all those spectacular dresses walked the red carpet [2] right up until the final title on the winners' list [3] was announced. Check them out and then watch this year's show on Jan. 7!
The Cold Open
In what must be one of the most stunning opening sequences in years, Jimmy Fallon [7] pulled off the ultimate La La Land homage [8] complete with cameos from Kit Harington, Justin Timberlake [9], and even the Stranger Things [10] gang.
A Piece of History
Not only did Tracee Ellis Ross accept her best comedic actress award with a dedication to women of color [11] everywhere, but she also hit a huge benchmark. Ross is the first black actress to win [12] the award since 1983.
The "Hidden Fences" Flubs
The tragic mashup of Hidden Figures and Fences happened not just once, but twice. Jenna Bush mistakenly used the title while interviewing Pharrell Williams [13] on the red carpet, and Michael Keaton said it again on stage [14]. People were not pleased.
Kristen Wiig and Steve Carell's Hilarious Downers
Kristen Wiig and Steve Carell [15] were selected to present the award for best animated film, but things quickly took a dark turn [16]. Both parties shared the story of their first time seeing an animated film, and both stories had tragic, tragic twists. It sounds sad, but we promise you won't be able to stop giggling.
Ryan Gosling's Sweet Dedication
Ryan Gosling [17], a human angel, won the award for best leading actor in a musical or comedy, and his accompanying acceptance speech [18] is not to be missed. Not only did he give a shout-out to his "sweetheart" Eva Mendes [19], but he also honored her late brother.
The Kiss We Almost Missed
While Ryan Gosling [20] was accepting his Golden Globe Award for best actor, the other Ryan was getting down. In a surprise move, Ryan Reynolds locked lips with Andrew Garfield [21], and we're just lucky we have this GIF to remember the iconic moment. We're as delighted as Blake Lively [22] seemed to be.
Emma Stone's Acceptance Speech
Emma Stone [23] got a little choked up while accepting her award for best actress [24] in a comedy or musical. The actress revealed that it had been almost exactly 13 years since she moved to LA to pursue her dreams and that her award would go out to all those other dreamers out there.
Viola Davis's Glowing Dedication to Meryl Streep
Viola Davis had the honor of presenting Meryl Streep [25] with her Cecil B. Demille Lifetime Achievement Award, and she couldn't have done a better job. Between her anecdotes about working with the iconic actress and her sentiments about what it means to be an artist, we couldn't help but get a little misty.
Streep's Brief Carrie Fisher Tribute
Oh, and did we mention that Streep slipped in a heartening tribute to Carrie Fisher [29]? Because she totally did, and we totally cried all over again.
The Most Awkward Hug of All Time
When Damien Chazelle won the award for best screenplay, everyone at the table leaped up to congratulate him at once. While Ryan Gosling [31] managed to sneak in a lightning hug immediately, Emma Stone [32] nearly collided with Chazelle's girlfriend [33], Olivia Hamilton . . . who, you know, was trying to have a moment with her man.
Brad Pitt's Sneak Attack
Oh, Brad Pitt [34], how we missed thee! The actor made a surprise appearance [35] near the end of the show. He popped up on stage to introduce a clip of Moonlight, which ended up winning the award for best picture! Pitt was totally the executive producer on that one, by the way.
A Delightfully Blind Goldie Hawn
Amy Schumer and Goldie Hawn [36] had quite the time presenting their award. For half of the bit, Schumer was just trying to get closer to the mic. And for the rest of the time, Hawn was desperately straining to read the names of the "tainted" (talented) actors on the teleprompter. Cue the laughs.
A Heartbreaking Tribute
We had a feeling the Globes would place a special focus on the late Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds [37]. Needless to say, we were crying all over again.