Awards season often reinforces negative stereotypes about Hollywood and its celebrity denizens, inviting them to bare their egos and beat their chests all while draped in outfits that cost more than a Honda Civic. Carol Burnett used her speech at Sunday’s Golden Globes to put on a clinic in doing the opposite.
Accepting the inaugural lifetime achievement award named in her honor, Burnett’s authentic humility, gratitude, and deep passion for her craft were on full display. Watching the 85-year-old icon struggle to hold back her tears was a bright spot in an otherwise underwhelming broadcast.
There’s always something striking about seeing professional funny people in serious contexts. Humbly accepting the honor, Burnett told her story, and reflected wistfully on the state of her beloved small-screen industry. Remembering her experiences watching movies and television growing up, Burnett said, “I wished and I hoped that maybe someday I could have the chance to do the same thing.”
The whole speech is very moving, and can be watched in full below. It’s a well-deserved honor for Carol Burnett.
