Did you know that Cousin Richie went to Columbia??

We need to talk about film and TV awards season and how Barnumbia alum have been absolutely sweeping this year. Yes, this is an excuse for me to talk about The Bear and Succession, sue me. 

Succession sweeping this year’s Golden Globes and Emmys came as absolutely no surprise to me, but what I didn’t know was that its crew included producer Scott Ferguson (Arts ‘90) and directors Shari Springer Berman (Arts ‘95) and Robert Pulcini (Arts ‘94). Bringing home awards for Best Drama Television Series, Best Actor and Actress in a Drama Television Series, Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series, Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series, and Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series, Succession completely dominated the game. 

The Bear also swept in its category, which made my heart incredibly happy. When I learned that Ebon Moss-Bachrach (CC ‘99), who plays the character Richie in the show, is an alum, it made my heart even happier. He earned the Emmy for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. The Bear also took home the awards for Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actor, Outstanding supporting actress, Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, and Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series. At the Golden Globes, it was awarded Best Musical or Comedy Television Series and Best Actor and Actress in a Musical or Comedy Television Series. I was absolutely delighted at these decisions and thought they were completely correct and deserved.

Barbie, of course, was and is a big one, winning the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement award at the Golden Globes, as well as the award for Best Original Song, “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish. Spearheaded by our beloved Greta Gerwig (BC ‘06) and starring actresses Kate McKinnon (CC ‘06), Ana Cruz Kayne (BC ‘07), and Hari Nef (CC ‘15), Barbie truly popped off with the Barnumbia representation. 

Beef, which swept the Emmys and the Golden Globes in its categories as it absolutely should, had writing alumna Jean Kyoung Frazier (Arts ‘18) in its writing room. 

There were several other films which were nominated for Golden Globes that were written by alumni. Among my favorites are Past Lives, written and directed by Celine Song (Arts ‘14), and The Holdovers, written by David Hemingson (LAW ‘90).

It’s been an incredible year for film and TV, and clearly an incredible year for our talented alumni. Congratulations to all of our nominees and winners! Thank you Ebon Moss-Bachrach for delivering the most incredible character arc possibly ever and shoutout to Greta Gerwig for being Greta Gerwig! I will now begin my campaign for Weird Barbie’s Oscar nomination. Yes, chef! See you in March!

Header image via Bwog Staff