By JOHN DALY
Music took center stage at The 74th Golden Globes Sunday night at The Beverly Hilton Hotel.
La La Land captured Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, Best Original Score and Best Original Song, topping formidable contenders. Our favorite in the best musical category is Sing Street, an Irish picture about kids who form a band to fit in at school.
La La Land helmer Damien Chazelle, who came to prominence for his award-winning film “Whiplash” about a music teacher who drives his prize student, this year won best director.
Meryl Streep, known for her portrayal of Donna Sheridan in the film version of the Abba-based musical Mama Mia!, was awarded the Cecil B. DeMille Award. Her speech was to the point saying that we must continue to make creative arts a priority. She honored the recently passed Carrie Fisher saying that her friend told her to “turn your broken heart into art.”
Best Original Song, “City of Stars,” which bears a strong similarity to the old tune, “Peg O’ My Heart,” beat out a strong field of contenders including the song “Gold,” by Iggy Pop. Iggy appeared at the Golden Globes event not shirtless, but instead sporting a tuxedo and his now trademark long, blond hair.
Marc Platt, producer of La La Land told the audience at the Beverly Hilton that music and the arts are now more important than ever.
Justin Timberlake joined host Jimmy Fallon in a cold open skit that paid homage to the films and TV shows that received nominations.