Industrial Business Zones | The Foundation of our City’s Economy - Part 2

Created in 2006 to support manufacturing in New York City, Industrial Business Zones (IBZs) provide a relocation tax credit of $1,000 per employee and up to $100,000 to industrial and manufacturing firms choosing to move into IBZs. 

These 21 zones – all in existing manufacturing zoned space in the outer boroughs – are billed as “safe havens” for manufacturing and other industrial companies.

The IBZs provide financial incentives for maximum growth, broadening access to state-of-the-art technology and connecting manufacturers to the City’s talented workforce. The jobs that the IBZs bring to their communities are high paying, provide generous healthcare benefits, have union protections, and are open to workers without college degrees.

As we mentioned in part one of our series, the average wages for NYC manufacturing workers have grown 12.4% (inflation-adjusted) from 2012 to 2022. According to Zip Recruiter, the average entry-level annual salary for manufacturing jobs in New York City is $62,851.

Moreover, 81% of workers in industrial business zones are people of color. And more than 50% of New Yorkers employed at workplaces in industrial business zones are immigrants. As City Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez, District 34, said, “I know people whose parents, when they got here, were employed in (manufacturing-zoned land) and whose family have really been able to thrive.”

Christopher Casey of the Association for Neighborhood and Housing Development said, “A thriving industrial sector is not only critical in meeting NYC’s overall economic and sustainability goals, but also a key strategy to expand the availability of good-paying jobs, especially in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) communities.” 

Beyond creating jobs, manufacturing is a boon to the City’s economy. In 2020, the manufacturing industry contributed $61 billion to New York’s GDP. From the beginning of 2016 through July 2023, NYC’s advanced manufacturing sector saw $270 million in venture capital funding.

City manufacturing includes traditional industries like furniture makers, fabricated metal facilities, and garment makers. But the future is bright as new sectors are growing within these economically safe havens.

Brooklyn Navy Yard President and CEO Lindsay Greene noted, “We have people that make kombucha, we have people that make jewelry, we have people that make garments – and that ranges from fast fashion-type stuff to very highly engineered and technically sewn apparel for the military.” 

In fact, New York has seen a rise in technical manufacturing. This includes computer products, mobile devices, video games, 3-D printing, and general software engineering tools. These jobs tend to pay well above the average state wage.

Regarding the City’s investment in its manufacturing future, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams said, “The city can achieve its green energy goals, expand job opportunities with low barriers to entry and sustainable wages, and meet citywide needs.” Broadway Stages sees the value of these investments every day, and we not only play a key role in the success of the IBZ, but also support numerous manufacturing jobs that are vital to the film and TV industry. From plumbers, carpenters, and painters to costume designers, scenic artists, electricians, and more; we work with countless people from all backgrounds with amazing talents and with multiple local manufacturing businesses that provide jobs that drive our industry and the economy. We look forward to the bright future the IBZs are creating for all of us today, and into the future. 

Check back for our next installment on the “Foundation of our City’s Economy – the IBZs.” 

Inside Broadway Stages | What's Filming

After the months-long strikes, our soundstages are beginning to buzz again. Many of our shows will be airing new episodes soon, and we can't wait to tell you all about them! We love that New York's film and television industry is working its way back, albeit slower than expected. Here are updates on a few of the shows and films that call Broadway Stages home.

Melissa McCarthy Grants Holiday Wishes on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

Melissa McCarthy filmed the holiday-themed made-for-TV movie "Genie" at our facilities, and last month she promoted the production by making wishes come true for teachers, volunteers, and kids from Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

In the film, a remake of the 1991 made-for-TV movie "Bernard and the Genie" written by Richard Curtis ("Love Actually"), McCarthy plays a wish-granting genie who befriends a workaholic art dealer played by Paapa Essiedu ("I May Destroy You"). On "Kimmel," she gave away bicycles, video games, and thousands of dollars in gift cards to deserving individuals.

Be sure to watch "Genie," currently streaming exclusively on Peacock.

Major Shake-Ups as "Law & Order" and "Law & Order: Organized Crime" Return

When we last saw Detective Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni), he was attending the funeral of fallen Detective Jamie Whelan (Brent Antonello) and again parting ways with his longtime partner Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) from "Law & Order: SVU."

The season premiere of season four of the Stabler-centric spin-off "Law & Order: Organized Crime" aired last week, and the new season brings new names and faces. Dean Norris of "Breaking Bad" has joined the cast as Stabler's older brother Randall, while Michael Trotter of the recent television adaptation of "The Right Stuff" portrays his younger brother Joe Jr.

The new season also brings in veteran television writer, director, and producer John Shiban as the show's fifth showrunner in four seasons. Shiban is known for writing dozens of episodes of "The X-Files" and multiple episodes of "Breaking Bad," "Ozark," and "Supernatural."

The original "Law & Order" also returned last week with some big changes. Jeffrey Donovan, who played Detective Frank Cosgrove in seasons 21 and 22 of the rebooted series, did not return for season 23. Reid Scott, who recently appeared on the final season of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," has joined the cast as Detective Vincent Riley, Jalen Shaw's (Mehcad Brooks) new partner.

We welcome all newcomers to the Broadway Stages family! New episodes of both shows air Thursdays on NBC and stream on Peacock the following day.

"FBI" and "FBI: Most Wanted" Coming Back in February

CBS's popular series "FBI" will begin its sixth season on Tuesday, February 13, followed an hour later by the return of spin-off "FBI: Most Wanted" for its fifth season. In late November, "FBI" star Missy Peregrym posted a short video on Instagram about how excited she was to return to the set following the strikes. The feeling is mutual! Welcome back to the cast and crew!

In casting news, Alexa Davalos, who played agent Kristin Gaines on "FBI: Most Wanted" in seasons three and four, will not return. However, Shantel VanSanten's special agent Nina Chase, first introduced in season four of "FBI," will be moving to "FBI: Most Wanted" as she raises her newborn son with "FBI" special agent Stuart Scola, played by John Boyd.

Hulu Bringing Back Amy Schumer's "Life & Beth"

On Friday, February 16, Amy Schumer and Michael Cera will return as Beth and John for a second season of "Life & Beth." All 10 episodes of the series will drop on Hulu at once.

Schumer wrote, directed, and executive produced the critically acclaimed first season, which followed wine distributor Beth as she dealt with the sudden loss of her mother by examining her past in the hopes of creating a happier future. Along the way, she left her successful fiancé to start a more meaningful relationship with John, a farmer and groundskeeper at a local vineyard.

Since the first season of "Life & Beth" aired in March 2022, Schumer has released a Netflix comedy special ("Amy Schumer: Emergency Contact") and brought her popular series "Inside Amy Schumer" back for a long-anticipated fifth season. Cera co-starred in this summer's blockbuster "Barbie" as Allan, the only man in Barbie Land not named Ken.

The season two trailer hints at what's in store for Beth and John and shows off an impressive collection of celebrity guest stars, including Amy Sedaris, Jennifer Coolidge, Tim Meadows, Beanie Feldstein, and Margaret Cho.

Queen Latifah's "The Equalizer" Set to Return in February

On Sunday, February 18, fans of "The Equalizer" will finally learn the fates of Robyn McCall (Queen Latifah) and several of her colleagues who were being held captive and left for dead in a burning building in the season three finale.

It has been more than eight months since viewers last saw the team, and while one would assume that Robyn will find a way out, it is difficult to predict what will happen to Mel (Liza Lapira), Harry (Adam Goldberg), and Dante (Tory Kittles).

The series is adapted from the television show of the same name, which ran for four seasons on CBS from 1985 to 1989. Over the summer, a third film based on the original series was released starring Denzel Washington.

Last month, Latifah was celebrated as part of the 2023 Kennedy Center honorees. Congratulations to the Queen from all of us at Broadway Stages on this amazing achievement!

"Harlem" Renewed for a Third Season

Camille, Quinn, Angie, Tye, and Ian will remain in Harlem for another season. Amazon has renewed Tracy Oliver's comedy series "Harlem" starring Meagan Good, Grace Byers, Shoniqua Shandai, Jerrie Johnson, and Tyler Lepley. Filmed at our Foster Avenue studio in Brooklyn, the show follows four 30-something Black women who support each other as they forge their respective career paths and look for love in New York City.

Oliver, co-writer of 2017's "Girls Trip," created the series and continues to serve as executive producer and showrunner. She most recently co-wrote the comedic slasher "The Blackening," released last summer.

Be sure to check out all of the productions above, and follow our blog and sign up for our newsletter to stay informed of updates on all of our productions.

Spotlight | Away in a Box

Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. We encourage our readers to join us in supporting these establishments and advancing local economic growth. The beginning of every new year is a wonderful opportunity to develop your mind, body, and spirit; this month, we will share places and opportunities for you to do just that. This week, we present an experience that will expand your mind and world: Away in a Box.

Azra Khalfan-Kermali developed Away in a Box as a way to experience the world and “think inside the box.” The Queens-based business was inspired when Azra saw a need to bridge a cultural understanding gap.

Azra was already at the helm of Plaques by Azra, a Queens-based manufacturer and distributor of awards. This business was started over 50 years ago by her parents, who immigrated from Tanzania. In addition to her work at the family business, Azra has led a life of advocacy. She sits on the NYNJ Council’s MBE Input Committee, the Queen’s District Attorney South Asian Advisory Committee, and is a co-chair for the Queens Chamber of Commerce Manufacturing Committee. She has also served on the Board of TPNY, a non-profit organization advocating for victims of Domestic Violence. 

Away in a Box represents the nexus of her advocacy and her entrepreneurial spirit. She recognized the need to empower employers and employees to form meaningful relationships based on cultural intelligence and exchange. So, Away in a Box was created to foster such a working environment through unique experiences employers and employees can share. Her theory is that you may not be able to take your workplace worldwide, but with Away in a Box, you can invite the world into your workplace.  

The box in the equation is a scalable, curated box, allowing for a completely immersive experience. It includes a collection of gifts specific to a particular destination—to explore together. But that is only the beginning. 

The actual experience is an innovative and engaging 1-and-a-half to 2-and-a-half-hour session. Your group of 20-30 individuals meets at a staged event space but is virtually transported through their senses. The immersive and interactive training dissolves borders and creates a safe, hospitable, and nurturing atmosphere. During the workshop, the contents of the boxes and their significance to the given culture are explored.   

You are guided on the journey by a CQ-certified cultural intelligence instructor. This facilitator educates while leading conversations in a safe space. The process offers a wealth of other information on the given country, including history, geography, culture, economy, and interactive quizzing and discussion techniques. 

The result of this experience is that the excursion is more than a one-of-a-kind diversity, equity, and inclusion training event. It can also be seen in higher productivity levels and improved employee-customer relations. As an added benefit, a portion of the proceeds from the boxes will be donated to organizations supporting women-led businesses and shattering stereotypes.

‍Both in-person and virtual events can be curated for your group. The gift boxes can be scaled to your needs and can include luxury gifts. Please contact Azra for a custom quote at away@azra.com or 718-779-6505

In this new year, Broadway Stage has encouraged you to seek mind, body, and spirit growth. Away in a Box presents an easy way to expand your mind and world without leaving the city limits. Moreover, your journey will give you a greater appreciation and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, something Broadway Stages holds in great importance. So, consider Away in a Box for your next training, field trip, or gathering. And when you do, tell them Broadway Stages sent you!  

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"Succession," "The Bear," and "Beef" Continue to Dominate the Awards Circuit

At the 29th annual Critics' Choice Awards and 75th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, television's most critically loved shows continued their sweeps of the year's biggest events.

HBO's "Succession" and FX/Hulu's "The Bear" picked up six Emmys each, including Best Drama and Best Comedy, respectively. "Succession" also picked up three acting awards, for lead actor Kieran Culkin, lead actress Sarah Snook, and supporting actor Matthew Macfadyen. Culkin and Snook also won at the Golden Globes and Critics' Choice Awards. Macfadyen won at last week's Globes ceremony but fell to Billy Crudup of "The Morning Show" at the Critics' Choice Awards.

"The Bear" earned three of its stars Emmys – lead actor Jeremy Allen White, supporting actor Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and supporting actress Ayo Edebiri. All three also cleaned up at the Critics' Choice Awards, while White and Edebiri additionally took home statuettes at the Golden Globes. The Globes does not separate supporting performances into drama and comedy categories, putting Moss-Bachrach and Macfadyen in direct competition.

Both shows also won the top prize in their respective categories at the Globes and Critics' Choice Awards. Speaking of shows that swept the major award shows, the Netflix limited series "Beef" won five Emmys and four Critics' Choice Awards over the weekend, including the top award for a limited series at both shows and statuettes for stars Ali Wong and Steven Yeun. Supporting actress Maria Bello also earned a Critics' Choice Award for her performance.

All three programs also swept the writing and directing awards at the Emmys. The only major winner for a network series was Quinta Brunson, who won Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for ABC's "Abbott Elementary."

In celebrating this year's 75th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, the ceremony included many cast reunions, including "Cheers" and (in a tribute to Norman Lear) "All in the Family," as well as several nonagenarian presenters, including Marla Gibbs of "The Jeffersons" and "227," Joan Collins of "Dynasty," and Carol Burnett.

The Critic's Choice Awards also recognized the best of this year's films, with Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer," Greta Gerwig's "Barbie," and Alexander Payne's "The Holdovers" winning multiple awards.

Da'Vine Joy Randolph added another trophy to her shelf for her supporting role in "The Holdovers." She and lead actor Paul Giamatti won Golden Globes a week ago, and over the weekend she picked up the Critics' Choice Award for Best Supporting Actress while Giamatti beat out fellow Globes winner Cillian Murphy for Best Actor. In fact, both Golden Globe winners in the lead acting comedy categories won the top acting prizes at the Critics' Choice Awards over their drama counterparts, with "Poor Things" star Emma Stone winning over "Killers of the Flower Moon" lead Lily Gladstone. Robert Downey, Jr. also won another award for "Oppenheimer," making him the clear frontrunner to win Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars, and Randolph the favorite for Best Supporting Actress.

"Barbie" was awarded with Best Comedy, and Margot Robbie presented the eighth annual "SeeHer" Award to her co-star America Ferrera. The film also won Best Hair and Makeup, Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, Best Song for "Just Ken," and Best Original Screenplay. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has ruled the film ineligible for Best Original Screenplay, so it will instead compete as an adapted screenplay at the Oscars. "American Fiction" took home that award at the Critics' Choice ceremony.

"Oppenheimer" continues to be the favorite for Oscar gold. On top of Downey's win, the film also won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Acting Ensemble, and multiple technical awards for its cinematography, editing, score, and visual effects.

The Critics Choice Association also presented a Career Achievement Award to Harrison Ford, and the immensely popular veteran film star received a long standing ovation and gave a teary acceptance speech during the night's event.

Congratulations to all the winners! Keep checking our blog for the latest updates on the awards season, and see a full list of Emmy winners here and Critics' Choice winners here.

Industrial Business Zones | The Foundation of our City’s Economy - Part 1

Manufacturing has always been an important part of New York City's (NYC) economy, and it continues to be a manufacturing hub. Garment, food, and media production have long been staples of our economy. But today, emerging sectors like bio-engineering and urban technology are quickly adding to that cause. In fact, since the beginning of 2016, NYC’s advanced manufacturing sector has received $270 million in venture capital funding.

Moreover, manufacturing jobs pay well. Average wages for NYC manufacturing workers have grown 12.4% (inflation-adjusted) from 2012 to 2022. According to Zip Recruiter, the average entry-level annual salary for manufacturing jobs in New York City is $62,851.

However, manufacturing jobs are fighting to maintain their viability. In July 2013, there were 76,300 manufacturing jobs in NYC. In July 2023, the number slipped to only 56,700 manufacturing jobs in NYC (St. Louis FED). Moreover, we all know space is limited and at a premium in New York City. According to the City, a series of rezonings of manufacturing space for commercial, residential, and mixed uses in the early 2000s and 2010s reduced manufacturing districts by just over 5%.

Recognizing the value that manufacturing brings to the City’s economy, Industrial Business Zones (IBZs) were created in 2006 to support industrial and manufacturing firms by providing a relocation tax credit of $1,000 per employee and up to $100,000 to industrial and manufacturing firms choosing to move into IBZs.

These zones – all in existing manufacturing zoned space in the outer boroughs – are billed as “safe havens” for manufacturing and other industrial companies. Beyond setting aside room for and providing tax incentives for the manufacturing industry, the IBZs come with other incentives such as:

●      Providing  financial incentives for maximum growth.

●      Broadening access to state-of-the-art technology.

●      And, most of all, connecting manufacturers to the limitless potential of the city’s talented workforce.

In all, there are 21 IBZs in New York City.

●      Brooklyn: Brooklyn Navy Yard, East New York, Flatlands/Fairfield, Greenpoint/Williamsburg, North Brooklyn, Southwest Brooklyn  

●      Bronx: Bathgate, Eastchester, Hunts Point, Port Morris, Zerega  

●      Queens: Jamaica, JFK, Long Island City, Maspeth, Ridgewood, Steinway, Woodside  

●      Staten Island: North Shore, West Shore, Rossville

In the coming weeks, we will explore how these IBZs function and the benefits they bring to our local communities, our city, and the state at-large. Broadway Stages is proud to play a role in our city’s manufacturing industry. Prior to the pandemic and the recent months-long strikes, the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) reported that the film and TV industry supported approximately 185,000 total jobs, $18.1 billion in total wages, and $18.6 billion in total output. This city has a long history of proud, hard-working technicians, and with the help of the city’s IBZs, the manufacturing industry will continue to positively transform and impact our future.  Check back for our next blog about the economic impact value attributed to the IBZs in NYC!

Spotlight | NYC Hiking Clubs

Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. The beginning of every new year is a wonderful opportunity to develop your mind, body, and spirit. This month, we will share places and opportunities for you to do just that. This week, we suggest you take a walk! And we will give you a few good options for taking a walk with your like-minded neighbors.  

With the new year, Broadway Stages wants you to take time to take care of yourself. With this month’s spotlight series, we are giving you options to make this a time of growth and healing for your mind, body, and spirit. And one of the best ways to recharge your batteries is to take a walk. As the ancient Greek physician said, “Walking is a man’s best medicine.”

To the outsider, New York City is a concrete jungle. But those who live in the city know there are many good options for a comfortable walk that blends the best of city living with green space. NYC’s park system is home to 300 miles of trails. As you explore these beautiful parks, you’ll encounter all kinds of wildlife, from the majestic ospreys nesting high up on utility poles to turtles sunbathing on rocks in the ponds. These trails snake through some of the oldest forests in the city and past 10,000 acres of wild and untouched natural areas, glacial potholes, and bedrock you can see and touch. Along the way, you can also visit historic places that give a glimpse of old New York and tell the story of our city. For more information on the trails available to you in each of the city’s boroughs, click here and visit their calendar for upcoming events. 

If you are looking in Queens on a Saturday, consider joining the Happy Hikers at Forest Park. While this group often hikes the nature trails of Forest Park, they occasionally walk at other locations. Their Saturday mornings start at 10:30 a.m. and average around three miles with only slight elevation changes. They post their events on Meetup.com and ask that you RSVP. Dogs are allowed on their hikes, but they must be on a leash per NYC leash laws, and owners are responsible for all behavior/actions of their dogs.

Looking for a hiking group on Staten Island? So was James Warchol in 2018. So, he formed the Staten Island Hiking Meetup Group. Since then, it has grown to one of the top eight hiking groups in NYC. This group hosts both weekday evening and weekend morning hikes and sometimes Full Moon hikes. The length of the hikes vary in time and distance. They have even been known to go for a bite to eat or go to a winery. For those parents looking to get their kids unplugged from their devices, the group has started to host Family Hikes when the public schools are closed. 

Shorewalkers New York is a nonprofit group that mainly explores the coastlines of Brooklyn and Manhattan. But they walk over and under bridges, detour to city streets, and hike park paths. Their mission is to enjoy, enhance, and protect the parks, promenades, and trails along the water in and around the New York City metropolitan area. They also want to educate the public and enhance the health of its members. Their signature event is The Great Saunter, a 32-mile walk around the shoreline of Manhattan, which takes place the first Saturday in May. Recently, they launched a second one, the Virtual Great Saunter, to enable members to walk 32 miles anywhere in the world in any number of segments. This group is funded by a reasonable $20 annual membership fee. 

As you think about the best ways to invest your time and money in the new year, Broadway Stages would like to point to the wise words of British Historian G.M. Trevelyan: “After a day’s walk, everything has twice its usual value.” Check out these options for a good walk, or simply ask a friend to join you for a stroll because an investment in yourself will always pay off. 

"Barbenheimer," "Succession" Lead SAG Award Nominations

On Wednesday, Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani announced the nominees for the 30th annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards. SAG-AFTRA recognizes the top performances of the year in film and television, with winners chosen by the more than 119,000 guild members eligible to vote. The show will stream live on Netflix on Saturday, Feb. 24.

"Oppenheimer" and "Barbie" continue to co-dominate the awards circuit, with each picking up four nominations. "Oppenheimer" star Cillian Murphy, who won a Golden Globe on Sunday, will face some tough competition in the lead actor category. His co-star and fellow Golden Globe winner Robert Downey, Jr. will compete in the supporting actor field, which includes Ryan Gosling who was "Kenough" to earn a nomination for "Barbie." His co-star Margot Robbie will compete as a lead actress against Golden Globe winners Lily Gladstone and Emma Stone. "Oppenheimer" also earned a nod for supporting actress Emily Blunt, while "Barbie" garnered a nomination for its stunt performers. Both films are nominated for the evening's top prize, Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.

Also in the running for the top film prize are "American Fiction," "The Color Purple," and "Killers of the Flower Moon."

"American Fiction" star Jeffrey Wright and supporting actor Sterling K. Brown each earned individual nods, bringing the film's total nominations to three. "Killers of the Flower Moon" also earned three, with Gladstone and supporting actor Robert De Niro competing in individual categories. In a bit of a surprise, star Leonardo DiCaprio failed to garner a nomination. In another surprise, "The Color Purple" star Fantasia Barrino was snubbed in the lead actress field. Her co-star Danielle Brooks received the film's lone individual nomination as a supporting actress.

In television, "Succession" leads the pack with five nominations, including three for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series – Brian Cox and recent Golden Globe winners Kieran Culkin and Matthew Macfadyen. Lead actress Sarah Snook, who took home a Golden Globe on Sunday, will compete for an individual award as well, and the HBO series is the frontrunner to win the night's top television prize, Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.

"Succession" will compete against two other HBO dramas for the top prize – "The Last of Us," which earned four nominations for its first season, and "The Gilded Age," which films at Broadway Stages facilities. "The Last of Us" also earned nods for lead actor Pedro Pascal, lead actress Bella Ramsey, and its stunt team.

Also earning four nominations are "The Bear" and "Ted Lasso," which will face off in several comedy categories. Both shows earned two nominations each for actors – Jeremy Allen White and Ebon Moss-Bachrach for "The Bear" and Jason Sudeikis and Brett Goldstein for "Ted Lasso." Additionally, each earned a nomination for actresses Ayo Edebiri and Hannah Waddingham, respectively. The two hit shows will also compete for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series.

In addition, Barbra Streisand will be honored with the SAG Life Achievement Award.

Congratulations to all nominees. We are so proud of the team behind "The Gilded Age" for this tremendous honor! See a full list of nominees here, and be sure to watch the ceremony on February 24.

The Golden Globes Kick Off Awards Season in a Post-Strike Hollywood

On Sunday night, a little glitz returned to Hollywood as stars took to the red carpet for the Golden Globes – the first major awards show since the end of the writers' and actors' strikes. In his opening monologue, first-time host Jo Koy did not reference the recent strikes or the show's new ownership following the disbandment of The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) earlier this year. Many of the night's winners and their speechwriters also missed that memo, as they repeatedly thanked the now defunct organization.

Nevertheless, some frontrunners have now emerged as the awards season heats up. In the motion picture world, "Oppenheimer" seems destined to dominate the Oscars after its wins for Best Motion Picture, Drama; Best Director for Christopher Nolan; Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama, for Cillian Murphy; and Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture for Robert Downey, Jr. The historical epic also nabbed the award for Best Original Score for composer Ludwig Göransson.

Success at the Globes does not always lead to Oscar gold. Last year, "The Banshees of Inisherin" won Best Screenplay and Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy, while Steven Spielberg won Best Director for his autobiographical film "The Fabelmans," which also won Best Motion Picture, Drama. Those two films would fail to win a single Oscar, with "Everything Everywhere All at Once" dominating last year's Academy Awards ceremony.

Several films that hope to top "Oppenheimer" at the Oscars split up the remaining awards on Sunday night. Martin Scorsese's historical drama "Killers of the Flower Moon" won its lone statuette for star Lily Gladstone in the category Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama. She will surely be in the running for Best Actress at the Oscars, and her main competition will likely be Emma Stone, who won in the equivalent category for Musical or Comedy for "Poor Things." Yorgos Lanthimos' dystopian comedy also won the top award for Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy.

Greta Gerwig's immensely popular film "Barbie" took home two prizes, including the new Cinematic and Box Office Achievement award. Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas O'Connell won their second Golden Globe in the category Best Original Song, this time for "What Was I Made For?" The pair won two years ago for the song "No Time to Die" from the James Bond film of the same name and ended up winning the Oscar as well.

Alexander Payne's heartfelt dramedy "The Holdovers" also won two awards, both in acting categories – Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture for Da'Vine Joy Randolph and Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy for star Paul Giamatti.

France's legal thriller "Anatomy of a Fall" also took home two awards, Best Motion Picture, Non-English Language, and Best Screenplay, Motion Picture, for Justine Triet and Arthur Harari.

Actors Daniel Kaluuya, Hailee Steinfeld, and Shameik Moore joked about the writers' strike when presenting Best Screenplay. "To demonstrate the importance of writers and writing, we asked that this segment be written not by writers, but by studio executives," Kaluuya quipped. What followed was awkward, incomprehensible word salad like "I am relatable. I am enjoy the Golden Globs [sic]" and "Here are these nominations for movie writing for the movies."

Three shows dominated the television awards, all from streaming networks.

"Succession" swept the drama categories, winning Best Television Series, Drama; Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Series, Drama, for Kieran Culkin; and Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series, Drama, for Sarah Snook. HBO's hit series about a billionaire family helming a massive media empire also won Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role on Television for Matthew Macfadyen. The only eligible category it failed to win was Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role on Television, which went to Elizabeth Debicki for her role as Princess Diana on "The Crown."

In the comedy categories, Hulu's "The Bear" dominated, with star Jeremy Allen White winning his second award in a row for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy. His co-star Ayo Edebiri won her first award in the equivalent female category. The dramedy about a chef trying to keep his family's Chicago restaurant in business also won Best Television Series, Musical or Comedy.

The night's other big winner was Netflix's road rage-inspired limited series "Beef," which won awards for lead actor Steven Yeun, lead actress Ali Wong, and the top award in its category, Best Television Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Motion Picture Made for Television.

The Golden Globes added another new category this year, Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television. The inaugural award went to comedian Ricky Gervais for his special "Ricky Gervais: Armageddon."

In another change, this year's ceremony did not include two honorary awards that are typically part of the show – the Carol Burnett Award for "outstanding contributions to television on or off the screen" and the Cecil B. DeMille Award for "outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment."

Congratulations to all the winners! This Sunday, the awards season will continue as Chelsea Handler hosts the 29th annual Critics' Choice Awards, airing on the CW. Keep checking our blog for the latest updates on the awards season, and see a full list of Golden Globe winners here.

Greenpoint YMCA Winter Programs Underway!

Whether you are looking to continue an already active lifestyle or are interested in finding ways to be more active and healthy in the new year, the Greenpoint Y has programs and activities for you! Their winter schedule is underway, running from January 2 - February 25, 2024. The Greenpoint Y offers Adult Group Exercise & Sports with sports such as pickleball, volleyball, soccer, and basketball; and classes for fitness and conditioning of body and mind, such as yoga, cardio, strength training, and more. They also offer an extensive schedule of youth classes for toddlers through teens. The Greenpoint Y ‘Just for Kids’ programs include preschool/toddler enrichment classes and dance, sports, and swimming classes for toddlers to teens. If a formal class isn’t what you are interested in, you can peruse the pool and gym schedules for open times.

If you haven’t already, consider becoming a member of the Greenpoint Y. See their website for a complete list of membership options and rates.

Find more information about the Greenpoint Y on their website here.

NAMI NYC Metro Offers Mental Health Support

The beginning of each new year presents a wonderful opportunity to develop your mind, body, and spirit. This month, we will share places and opportunities for you to do just that. Today we would like to introduce you to the National Alliance on Mental Health NYC Metro.

The holiday season and transition to a new year can often present unique challenges for all of us. If you are facing unique challenges and need mental health support, there is a great resource nearby. The National Alliance on Mental Illness New York City Metro (NAMI NYC Metro) helps families and individuals affected by mental illness build better lives through education, support, and advocacy. 

NAMI’s guiding principle is “families helping families.” John and his wife came to NAMI NYC Metro for guidance with his son’s psychosis. “My wife got us to Family-to-Family. Two years after our son’s hardships began, we came away saying, ‘Why didn’t we know about this?’ It was like a light coming on in our lives.” NAMI NYC Metro offers free classes throughout the year for family and friends and individuals living with mental illness. 

They provide nearly 30 ongoing support groups for people living with mental illness and for their family members. Groups are facilitated by trained peer volunteers. One member, Tanisha, said, “When I finally took the step to attend the Living With Bipolar Support Group, it was the best decision I have ever made in my recovery journey. It literally saved my life.” 

You can click here for a schedule of classes and support groups throughout the NYC area.

But NAMI NYC Metro is more than an education and support resource. They work tirelessly to advocate for those whom they serve. To this end, Karen A. said, “I felt like I had an entire army on my side of the table to fight for what my child needed. There are so many people who had been there.”

They work closely with NAMI National and NAMI-New York State to advocate for improved services for people with mental illness and their families. This includes fighting for health insurance parity, allocating more resources for research into neurobiological disorders, and comprehensive, accessible treatment options. 

NAMI NYC Metro holds awareness and fundraising events each year, including their fall Seeds of Hope Gala and NAMIWalks NYC. For news on these and other events, you can follow them on Instagram and Facebook. But they prosper in their mission through the year-round help from people like you. They welcome your time given as a volunteer and your financial support.

As one member said, “The NAMI community is powerful and inspiring. They back up their words with actions. That’s why I am proud to be a member.” Broadway Stages urges you to make this time a time of healing and growth. And that all starts with self-care. If you have mental health questions or need someone to talk to, you can email NAMI NYC Metro at helpline@naminyc.org or call 212-684-3264. If you are in crisis, call 888-NYC-WELL (692-9355) or simply dial 988.

Spotlight | Form and Flow Yoga

Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. We encourage our readers to join us in supporting these establishments and advancing local economic growth. The beginning of every new year is a wonderful opportunity to develop your mind, body, and spirit. This month, we will share places and opportunities for you to do just that. This week, we are sharing Form + Flow Yoga in Queens.

As we mark the passing of 2023 and welcome 2024, it is natural to consider how we will do things differently and the goals we hope to fulfill. With this, Broadway Stages recommends you focus your efforts internally. A great place to start this journey is at Form + Flow Yoga. As they say on their website, “Yoga is the journey of the self, to the self, through the self.”

Established in 2019 in the Dutch Kills neighborhood of Queens, Form +Flow is a yoga community for mindful living. The sense of community is fostered by creating a safe space to share and providing guidance from karma-conscious educators. 

They offer various approaches to yoga, including Vinyasa, Hatha, Restorative, and more. The instructors guide the classes in syncing body and breath to create a moving meditation that strengthens and stretches your body and mind. 

As their approach is holistic, they are always looking to empower their customers with more ways to find mindful peace. To do so, they collaborate with conscious leaders to blend Eastern Buddhism and Western philosophy, crafting a mesmerizing tapestry of yoga, meditation, healing, and rejuvenation. Each class is meticulously curated in a space to foster harmony and align the three intelligences: heart, mind, and body. You can find a schedule and information about scheduling a class here

They also offer workshops to explore the three intelligences. One such workshop focuses on Reiki. This holistic practice is rooted in Japanese tradition and ignites your body’s natural healing abilities. You can also opt for Sound Meditation. This practice involves aligning your vibration with the sounds around you to restore your equilibrium, relieve stress, and build a foundation of inner peace. On January 7, you can combine these two modalities with Reiki Master and sound healer Jo-Ann Suriel. 

There is also a Cacao Ceremony and a workshop on Breathwork. The Cacao Ceremony uses ancient cacao plants harvested by the Women’s Collective Farm in Guatemala to quiet the mind, focus on your intention, and manifest what your heart seeks while deepening your yoga practice. The Breathwork workshop aims to bring healing and mindfulness by bringing awareness to our breath.

Setting is as essential as mindset when pursuing healing and mindfulness. To create an inclusive community where every form has a safe place to flow, Form + Flow supports local and emerging artists in the growing community of Long Island City. They invite artists to share their space for art displays/exhibitions. They encourage you to stop by to view their current exhibition.

Form + Flow is such a dynamic force for growth and healing that it is hard to keep up with everything they do. If you want to see what the future holds, you can follow their Instagram and Facebook pages. 

Form + Flow has grand intentions, and they are successfully achieving them. As one customer says, “Beautiful, bright, and cozy space with a diverse group of experienced yoga instructors... Definitely a great addition to the neighborhood, and they’re looking to promote emerging artists!”

Broadway Stages is excited for a bright, happy, healthy new year. One strong step toward that goal would be through the front door of Form +Flow Yoga. And when you make that step, be sure to tell them Broadway Stage sent you!