The star-studded evening of the Golden Globe Awards was noticeably dimmed by the absence of Hollywood’s beloved duo, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. Despite Reynolds’ film Deadpool & Wolverine receiving nods for the Cinematic & Box Office Achievement Award, the couple chose to skip the event, stirring up whispers and speculation across the industry.
The Spark Behind the Absence
The roots of their absence trace back to a year fraught with controversy for Blake Lively. Following her explosive accusations against Justin Baldoni, her director and co-star in It Ends With Us, for sexual misconduct and leading a smear campaign, Lively’s request to present at the Golden Globes was flatly denied by the network. This rejection, as sources suggest, is the reason behind the couple’s decision to sidestep the limelight of the Golden Globes.
Hollywood’s Reaction and the Ripple Effect
Hollywood’s corridors have been buzzing not only about Lively’s allegations but also about her attempts to salvage her career amidst the fallout. Tweets from influencers like Eric B hint at a career teetering on the brink: “It Ends With Blake? Hollywood seems to think so. Her team at WME begged CBS and Dick Clark Productions to let her present a major award and revive her career. They said no. Hollywood has moved on.”
Amid these tumultuous times, Lively’s public image took further hits as past interviews and promotions for It Ends With Us resurfaced, painting her in an increasingly unflattering light. Critics and fans alike have speculated whether these developments mark a turning point in her career trajectory, with whispers of a downfall becoming louder in entertainment circles.
A Show Free of Controversy: Nikki Glaser’s Stand
In a move away from the typical roast-style humor that often marks such events, Golden Globes host Nikki Glaser opted to sidestep the controversy altogether. Glaser’s decision to avoid making light of the Lively-Baldoni situation reflects a sensitivity to the current climate in Hollywood. “I think the Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni thing is such a hot-button thing right now that even a mere mention of it will seem like I could be on the wrong side of things,” Glaser remarked, indicating a cautious approach to modern hosting duties at award shows.
The Wider Implications for Hollywood Events
The absence of Lively and Reynolds at the Golden Globes serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between personal controversies and professional milestones in Hollywood. As the industry continues to navigate these choppy waters, the responses of networks and producers to such situations will undoubtedly shape the narrative and the nature of future award ceremonies.
Will Hollywood’s elite find a way to balance the celebration of artistic achievements with the growing demand for accountability and ethical conduct? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, the Golden Globes will roll on, perhaps with less glitter but with no less anticipation for the dramas that unfold both on and off screen.