Judd Apatow Breaks Silence on Decade-Long Golden Globes Boycott
Judd Apatow finally revealed why he quietly avoided the Golden Globes for ten years, sharing the story onstage with a mix of humor and candor. Discover what sparked his silent protest and how he addressed it in front of Hollywood’s elite.
For a full decade, Judd Apatow kept his distance from the Golden Globes, never making a fuss or drawing attention to his absence. That all changed during a recent awards ceremony, when the acclaimed comedy filmmaker took the stage to present Best Director and decided it was time to let everyone in on his secret.
Why Apatow Stayed Away
As he addressed the audience, Apatow admitted,
Because I’ve been boycotting the ceremony for about 10 years. A very quiet boycott, no one seems to have noticed. We’ve had beef ever since my film ‘Trainwreck’ lost best comedy to Ridley Scott ’s ‘The Martian.’
The two films, both released in 2015, found themselves competing in the same category. While Ridley Scott’s space epic was technically a sci-fi adventure, it landed in the comedy category at the Globes, thanks to its witty lead character and lighter moments.
With his trademark sarcasm, Apatow continued,
You know, Ridley Scott. America’s favorite comedy director. Director of such hilarious comedies as Gladiator, Blade Runner, and Alien. I can’t wait till later tonight when Best Comedy is won by Hamnet.
He poked fun at the blurred lines between genres and the sometimes questionable logic behind award show categories.
Making Amends on Stage
Before handing out the night’s top directing honor, Apatow took a moment to reflect on the years since his film lost out. He referenced the many changes the world has seen, joking,
We’ve had COVID. I believe we’re a dictatorship now. And I’m still pretty focused on this Martian thing. I gotta be honest with you.
But in a surprising turn, he decided to let bygones be bygones, telling the crowd,
As an example to inspire America, I’m going to squash that beef and start the healing right now.
With that, he put the long-running grudge to rest and moved on to present the award.
The debate over what counts as comedy at the Globes has always been a hot topic. Apatow’s playful jabs highlighted just how subjective the category can be, especially when a survival thriller like The Martian is considered a comedy simply for its optimistic tone and a few well-placed jokes.
The Martian’s Controversial Win
Back in 2016, the awards season was packed with heavy dramas, making the comedy category a strategic choice for studios looking to boost their chances. The Martian, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Matt Damon, was submitted as a comedy, a move that paid off with wins for both the film and its lead actor.
Apatow’s frustration with the decision was well known at the time, and the controversy led to a rule change the following year. The new guideline, often called The Martian Rule, stated that dramas with comedic elements should be entered as dramas, not comedies. This shift aimed to prevent future category confusion and level the playing field for true comedies.
Key Details and Lasting Impact
The Martian, released on October 2, 2015, featured a cast led by Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, and Kristen Wiig. The film earned critical acclaim, an 8/10 IMDb rating, and a 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes, grossing $630 million worldwide. Its success at the Globes, however, sparked a debate that changed the way films are categorized at the awards.
Judd Apatow’s candid remarks and willingness to move past the old rivalry offered a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes drama of Hollywood ’s awards circuit, reminding everyone that even the biggest names can hold a grudge—and eventually let it go.