Jo Koy’s Golden Globes Joke Sparks Controversy
Comedian Jo Koy made waves at the 2024 Golden Globe Awards on January 7 with a joke that drew backlash from many viewers. During his monologue, Koy compared Greta Gerwig’s Barbie to 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 oversimplified Barbie and sparked criticism, with many feeling it undermined the depth and cultural significance of Gerwig’s film. However, Gerwig herself took a more lighthearted approach when discussing the joke during an appearance on BBC Radio 4’s Today show.
“Well, he’s not wrong,” Gerwig responded, laughing. “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’s relaxed reaction to the joke showcased her ability to brush off the critique with humor while still acknowledging the nature of the character and the film.
Gerwig Reflects on the Depth of Barbie
Despite the lighthearted tone, Gerwig emphasized the deeper meaning behind Barbie. The film, which became a cultural phenomenon, challenged expectations and sparked conversations about identity, feminism, and societal roles. Gerwig noted that while Barbie might have started as a simple toy, her story has evolved into something much more complex, reflecting the changing landscape of gender and expectations.
“Barbie by her very construction has no character, no story; she’s there to be projected upon,” Gerwig explained. She also referenced the origins of the doll, created by Ruth Handler in 1959, who understood her daughter’s desire to play adult roles rather than motherly ones. This insight led to the creation of Barbie, and Gerwig’s film expanded on the doll’s potential for narrative depth, turning what was once seen as superficial into a rich exploration of self and society.
The Impact of Barbie at the Golden Globes
Despite the controversy surrounding Koy’s joke, Barbie’s success was undeniable at the Golden Globe Awards. The film earned nine nominations, the most of any film that year. It also took home the inaugural Cinematic and Box Office Achievement Award, a testament to its success both commercially and critically. Additionally, Billie Eilish’s song “What Was I Made For?” from the film won the award for Best Original Song, further cementing the film’s cultural impact.
Jo Koy Defends His Performance
While some of Koy’s jokes, including a swipe at Taylor Swift’s NFL appearances, didn’t land as intended, the comedian defended his performance during the ceremony. “I got the gig 10 days ago! You want a perfect monologue? Yo, shut up. You’re kidding me, right? Slow down,” he said, admitting that some of his jokes didn’t go over as planned. He later clarified that his comments about Swift were meant as a jab at the NFL, but the execution didn’t resonate with the audience as he had hoped.
Barbie’s Success Beyond the Controversy
Despite the controversy surrounding Jo Koy’s remarks, Barbie’s success both at the Golden Globes and with audiences worldwide remained unaffected. Gerwig’s ability to turn a beloved toy into a thought-provoking cinematic exploration of contemporary issues proved to be a triumph. The film’s commercial success, critical acclaim, and cultural relevance have solidified Barbie as one of the most impactful films of the year, overshadowing the fleeting controversy surrounding Koy’s remarks.
