Streep seemed surprised when Colin Firth announced her as the winner of the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama. She was honored for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady, a biopic about the former Prime Minister of England.
When it comes to awards shows, Streep is a seasoned pro. She’s been taking home trophies since 1979 (starting with a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for Kramer vs. Kramer). So, you’d expect someone with such a lengthy awards show history to have their bearings at an event like this.
After literally clawing her way through the roaring crowd, Streep stepped onto the stage and began her prepared speech: “…In a year that saw so many extraordinary performances by women in leading roles…”
Streep was setting us up for the traditional, I-won-but-it’s-a-shared-victory kind of acceptance speech. But, this is Meryl Streep we’re talking about, Bernardsville native and former waitress at the Hotel Somerset.
Streep continued, “…by people I’m so inspired by – Oh Shhh**…” It was clear she had forgotten reading glasses at her table. NBC bleeped Streep, but everybody watching could tell what had slipped.
Even with all her Academy Award nominations (16 in total) and her Manhattan townhouse and her life of unparalleled glamour, in the cockles of her heart, in the last fiber of her being, Meryl Streep is still a Jersey Girl. Plus, the look on Tilda Swinton’s face was priceless. I mean, if you find it shocking that a world-renowned actress and multiple Academy Award winner would swear on live television, you’ve probably never been to New Jersey.