Common And John Legend Win Golden Globe For Selma’s ‘Glory’

Hip Hop made its presence felt at the 72nd annual Golden Globe Awards, when Common and John Legend won the category of Best Original Song. The traditionally subdued crowd was uncharacteristically loud, as Prince appeared on stage to announce the nominees.

Common and Legend’s ‘Glory’ beat Lorde’s ‘Yellow Flicker Beat,’ Patti Smith and Lenny Kaye’s ‘Mercy Is,’ Lana Del Rey’s ‘Big Eyes,’ and Sia’s ‘Opportunity.’

Ava DuVernay directed the film, which focused on the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama preceding the passage of the Voting Rights Act. The critically acclaimed Martin Luther King Jr. biopic—which Oprah Winfrey and Brad Pitt co-produced—earned rave reviews and brought in $11.2 million during its opening weekend.

‘As I got to know the people of the Civil Rights Movement, I realized I am the hopeful black woman that was denied her right to vote,’ Common said during his acceptance speech. ‘I am the caring white supporter killed on the front lines of freedom. I am the unarmed black kid who maybe needed a hand, but instead was given a bullet. I am the two fallen police officers murdered in the line of duty.’

Selma is currently playing in theaters across the country.