Hollywood Stars Talk Greece (And Speak Greek!)

There was an overwhelming Greek presence at the 76th Golden Globe Awards  as the stars made their way down the red carpet. And we are not just talking about the Greeks who were nominated this year, such as Yorgo Lanthimos and Alexandre Desplat!

The crowds were shouting “Opa!” as the team from the Greek Reporter ran into some of the world’s most favorite celebrities… who all paid homage to Greece in their own unique way.

Some knew phrases, while others had fond memories of their time spent in Greece. Overall, the festive gathering of the stars became even more fun as the Greek vibe was turned up.

Actor and nominee Willem Dafoe has a soft spot for the Mediterranean paradise, as he explained to the Greek Reporter. He spoke about his time in Greece as a tourist and as a professional.

He has acted in films shot in the Mediterranean paradise, as well as done some theatre. “When I was a child, I knew all the stories, I knew all the gods” he proudly told the Greek Reporter.

Meanwhile, a Greek goddess in the flesh, Actress Sophia Milos, stopped to chat with the Greek Reporter as well and say how excited she was that there were so many “beautiful movies” this year.

The Chief Content Officer of Netflix, Greek-American Ted Sarandos, met up with the Greek Reporter as well for an exclusive interview to discuss some big, fat, Greek… plans for the company. According to the chairman, Netflix’s global strategy and future plans will include filming some productions in Greece!

Netflix is furthering its efforts to produce films and television series abroad, such as the successful Spanish series ”Casa del Papel”. So the Greek Reporter asked if an “Athenian” version of the series is in the cards, and Sarandos joked, saying that he would push for it to be on his family’s island. ”I’m going to lobby for Samos!”

But the Greek party didn’t stop there! Nominated singer/songwriter Ricky Martin said that he “couldn’t wait to go back to Greece” and that he “really, really” misses it. “Greece is amazing,” he gushed to the Greek Reporter.

And when it comes to trying her hand at speaking Greek, Actress Penelope Cruz wins the award! The star stopped to speak to the Greek Reporter and demonstrated her fine Greek language skills saying: “Parakalo, euxaristo.” She even adorably learned a new phrase — the most important one — s’agapo, right there on the red carpet!

Jeff Bridges even got in on the “Greek action” as he welcomed our audience saying “Giasou Ellada!” into the camera!

See more of the Greek vibe on the red capet at the 76th Golden Globe Awards: