Jo Koy’s Golden Globes Joke Sparks Controversy
Comedian Jo Koy stirred up controversy with his remarks during the Golden Globe Awards, but filmmaker Greta Gerwig isn’t letting the critique get under her skin. Koy, during his monologue at the 2024 Golden Globes on January 7, made a comparison between Gerwig’s Barbie and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, calling the latter a “721-page Pulitzer Prize-winning book about the Manhattan Project” and the former simply “a plastic doll with big boobies.”
The remark sparked backlash, with many viewers feeling that Koy’s joke oversimplified Gerwig’s groundbreaking film. However, Gerwig herself took a more lighthearted approach to the jibe when asked about it on BBC Radio 4’s Today show. “Well, he’s not wrong,” Gerwig said, chuckling at the comment. “She’s the first doll that was mass-produced with breasts, so he was right on. And you know, I think that so much of the project of the movie was unlikely because it is about a plastic doll.”
Gerwig Reflects on the Depth of Barbie
The Barbie film, directed by Gerwig, became a cultural phenomenon, challenging expectations and shedding light on important themes surrounding identity, feminism, and the role of women in society. The doll itself, an icon since 1959, is known for her ever-evolving roles—from villain to hero—and Gerwig noted how the film turned this seemingly superficial character into a rich narrative.
Gerwig expanded on this point, drawing attention to Barbie’s unusual origins, saying, “Barbie by her very construction has no character, no story; she’s there to be projected upon.” This aligns with the insight from Barbie creator Ruth Handler, who understood that her daughter wanted to pretend to be an adult rather than a mother, which led to the creation of the doll.
The Impact of Barbie at the Golden Globes
Despite the controversy over Koy’s joke, Gerwig emphasized how the film had the potential to tell a deeper story, stating that Barbie served as a platform for exploring a variety of human experiences. She elaborated on how the film was able to delve into identity, representation, and societal expectations, despite the doll’s original lack of depth.
At the Golden Globe ceremony, Barbie was one of the most recognized films, earning nine nominations, the most of any film that year. The movie also won the inaugural award for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, acknowledging its impressive success both in terms of revenue and impact. Additionally, Billie Eilish’s song “What Was I Made For?” from the movie took home the award for Best Original Song.
Jo Koy Defends His Performance
As for Jo Koy’s performance, while some of his jokes fell flat, including a swipe at Taylor Swift’s NFL appearances, Koy defended his performance during the show. “I got the gig 10 days ago! You want a perfect monologue? Yo, shut up. You’re kidding me, right? Slow down,” he told the audience, admitting that some of his jokes didn’t land as intended. He later clarified that his comments about Swift were meant as a jab at the NFL, but it didn’t quite come across as planned.
Barbie’s Success Beyond the Controversy
Koy’s controversial moments didn’t overshadow the success of Barbie, a film that proved both commercially and critically successful, and Gerwig’s ability to turn a toy into a cinematic reflection of contemporary issues.