Among the larger controversies arising from this year’s crop of nominees is the lack of representation from female and African American filmmakers in the top awards categories (Motion Picture, Screenplay, Director). It’s nice to see some actors of color nominated across several categories, and it is refreshing to see Bong Joon-Ho’s Parasite secure nominations for Foreign Language Film, Director, and Screenplay – especially considering the fact that South Korean films have traditionally been shut out of many Western awards ceremonies. And the Foreign Language category itself is more inclusive – with two female filmmakers receiving nominations (The Farewell and Portrait of a Lady on Fire), as well as a filmmaker of color (Les Misérables).

At the end of the day, while most of us in the online film community may not like the Golden Globes and may want to turn up our noses at the nominees and winners, the truth is that these nominations do influence the films that Academy Award voters will prioritize. And the added prestige of these awards seasons films means that your average moviegoer is more likely to seek out some of these films that are slightly more adventurous and risky than their usual Friday night blockbuster.

And as far as I’m concerned, that’s all for the better.