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The Golden Globe Effect
What Creators Can Learn from Hollywood's Awards Season
Angela Hollowell
January 13, 2025
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Hey honeys and hustlers,
In a previous article, I took a shot at awards like Forbes 30 Under 30, and I may have been too quick to pass judgment. Once upon a time, awards season wasn't just about glittering statues and designer gowns - it was the ultimate season for the creator economy of its era. For artists, directors, actors, and other creative professionals, these ceremonies represented more than just recognition; they were career-defining moments that could transform talented individuals into industry legends. In the pre-digital age, these award shows served as the original "viral moments." A single win at the Oscars or Golden Globes could catapult a creator from relative obscurity to worldwide recognition. Unlike today's instant metrics of likes and views, these accolades carried a weight that could sustain careers for decades (cue Denzel Washington saying that he hasn’t had to audition for a role since his Academy Award win in 1989). That is literally unheard of since the 2010s.
 This iconic man is about to retire. |  Demi Moore wins her first Golden Globe at age 62. |  Zoe Saldana wins her first Golden Globe. She is the only actor ever to star in four films that have grossed over $2 billion |
Today, the creator economy operates completely differently. While traditional awards still hold prestige, modern creators have access to immediate feedback, diverse revenue streams, and direct audience connections. Success is no longer governed by annual ceremonies but by consistent engagement and community building. Slow and steady wins the race. While the digital age has democratized content creation, the fundamental principles that made awards season special - excellence, peer recognition, and lasting impact - remain relevant for modern creators.
The lesson isn't to yearn for the old days of awards season (though it does sound nice!), but to understand what made that recognition valuable: authentic creativity, dedication to craft, and the ability to create work that resonates deeply with both peers and audiences. Validation wasn't instant - creators spent years perfecting their craft before receiving recognition. Success was measured by peer recognition rather than algorithmic performance. There are still remnants of this today via film festivals and industry events like VidCon, etc. Quality over quantity was the governing principle, although you need quantity to understand how to produce quality. Networking happened in person, creating deeper industry connections. I know your online mutuals appreciate your undying support of their posts, but get outside and try to meet folks in person.
I've got big plans for 2025 (including the launch of new video courses, weekly YouTube videos, seasonal creative sprints, and Notion docs and templates), but I can't do it without your help! I'm currently at 5 paid subscribers and would love to reach 10 by my birthday, January 27th. When you become a paid subscriber, you're not just supporting me, you're investing in your education and supporting the work of telling more inclusive stories.
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I’ve been singing their praises but awards season has also perpetuated systemic inequalities within the entertainment industry. Creators of color have consistently been underrepresented in nominations and wins, despite delivering powerful, culturally significant performances and productions. A prime example is Angela Bassett's journey at the Academy Awards. Despite delivering powerful performances throughout her decades-long career, including her role as Tina Turner in "What's Love Got to Do with It" and Queen Ramonda in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," she has yet to win an Oscar despite widespread critical acclaim. Her situation reflects a broader pattern where exceptional talent from underrepresented groups often goes unrecognized by traditional awards institutions.
The recent WGA, DGA, and SAG strikes highlighted deeper issues within the industry: fair compensation, working conditions, and the impact of streaming and AI on creative professionals. These challenges have further exposed the limitations of traditional recognition systems. While agreements were reached, the aftermath of the strikes continues to affect many in the industry. Writers report struggling to find work in a landscape where studios are producing fewer shows and operating with reduced budgets. Many actors, particularly those in supporting roles or early in their careers, face similar challenges with fewer opportunities and increased competition for available roles.
The rise of mini-rooms (where shows are developed with smaller writing teams) and shortened season orders has meant less stable employment for writers. Meanwhile, the proliferation of AI tools, despite new contractual protections, has created anxiety about job security and creative ownership. For working-class actors and writers who don't command top-tier salaries, the economics of pursuing their craft in major entertainment hubs like Los Angeles and New York remains challenging (sending love, prayers, and resources to the folks affected by the fires in Los Angeles).
The current creator economy has the opportunity to build more equitable systems of recognition. The challenge will be maintaining the prestige and quality standards that make traditional awards valuable while embracing more inclusive and equitable forms of recognition. Creating a shift in recognition systems isn't just about correcting past inequities - it's about building a future where creative success is measured by meaningful impact, sustainable practices, and the ability to inspire positive change across diverse communities. The future of creative recognition lies not in dismantling existing systems, but in evolving them to reflect the rich diversity and dynamic nature of modern creative expression.
I haven’t said much about Meta’s complete and immediate dismantling of their DEI programs and policies or TikTok’s alleged abrupt halt of US operations by January 19th. Quite frankly, I think the creator economy is bigger than those two platforms, and our safety on the platforms we use is ours to demand. While not denying the massive influence these platforms have had in helping elevate lesser-known creators over the years, the question I have now is: how will creators play a role in determining the spaces they occupy (both online and offline) and consider to be prestigious, worthy of our time and talents?
If you made it this far and you haven’t subscribed yet…well, I’d love to have you join us! I want to help you grow as a creator.
Two weeks until my birthday and I have nothing planned. Please Hustle Responsibly,
🤙🏾✨
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