The Golden Globes honored Ted Danson with the 2025 Carol Burnett Award. Danson was the fifth recipient since the award’s inception in 2019, with previous recipients including Ryan Murphy, Norman Lear, Ellen DeGeneres and Burnett herself with the inaugural award. Actress Viola Davis was also honored at this year’s Golden Globes with the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award for her career accomplishments.
The Carol Burnett Award honors a person in the television industry “who has made outstanding contributions to television on or off screen,” with the Golden Globes considering the recipient’s body of work and lasting impact. Helen Hoehne, president of the Golden Globes, said in a statement: “Ted Danson has entertained audiences for decades with his iconic performances that will forever be ingrained in television history. His renowned career is a testament to his remarkable talent and versatility as an actor and bears resemblance to the award’s legendary namesake. It is an honor to present him with the 2025 Carol Burnett Award to celebrate the tremendous impact he has made and continues to make in television.”
Danson is a three-time Golden Globe nominee and three-time winner, earning Golden Globes for Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or a Motion Picture Made for Television for the film, Something About Amelia (1985); and Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy in the hit sitcom Cheers (1990/1991).
Danson and Davis received their awards in front of their peers at the Golden Globes‘ Golden Gala, held at the Beverly Hilton. The event marked the first time the organization hosted a special ceremony for the recipients of its two historic honors, which in the past have been presented during the show’s live telecast. Danson and Davis’ awards were also recognized during the 82nd annual Golden Globes which aired Sunday on CBS.
During his acceptance speech, Danson said: “I have to admit I’ve always had a confusing relationship with awards. If I win, I feel a little embarrassed and lonely. If I don’t win, I feel a little embarrassed and lonely. But not tonight. Not tonight. I am so thrilled to get this award, Carol. I cannot tell you how much it means to me. You have brought so much joy and happiness into households all over the world. You radiate kindness. I love you so much.”
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