The 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, held on January 5, 2025, in Los Angeles, set the stage for another whirlwind awards season. As the first major ceremony of the year, the Globes are known for their dazzling red carpets, unforgettable moments, and, of course, surprising upsets. This year was no different. From historic wins to shocking snubs, the evening had it all. The Golden Globes have long been considered a precursor to the Oscars, and the results from this year are shaping up to be a fascinating lead-up to Hollywood’s biggest night. Let’s dive into the highlights, surprises, and trends from this year’s show.
A night to remember for international cinema, Emilia Pérez swept the comedy and musical categories, winning Best Film, Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña, Best Song for “El Mal,” and Best Non-English Language Film. This bold film, lauded for its vibrant storytelling and powerful performances, cemented its place in awards season history. Saldaña’s win for Best Supporting Actress, in particular, came as a pleasant surprise, considering her strong competition from Hollywood heavyweights.
On the other end of the spectrum, The Brutalist took home the top prize in the drama category, winning Best Motion Picture (Drama), Best Director for Brady Corbet, and Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture (Drama), for Adrien Brody. With its haunting exploration of architectural ambition and personal demons, this film captivated the Golden Globe voters and positioned itself as a serious contender in the Oscar race.
Television also had its share of victors. Shōgun dominated the drama series categories, winning Best Television Series (Drama), Best Actor in a Drama Series for Hiroyuki Sanada, and Best Supporting Male Actor for Tadanobu Asano. The series, a sweeping historical epic based on James Clavell's novel, proved to be a favourite among both critics and voters alike.
In the world of comedy, Hacks continued to prove why it remains a fan favourite, winning Best Television Series (Comedy) and Best Actress in a Comedy Series for Jean Smart. Smart’s portrayal of the acerbic comedian Deborah Vance continues to shine as a masterclass in complex, layered comedy.
Meanwhile, Baby Reindeer made a strong statement in the limited series category, taking home both Best Limited Series and Best Supporting Female Actor for Jessica Gunning, who delivered a breakout performance in the drama.
As always, the Golden Globes were full of surprises.
In a stunning turn of events, Fernanda Torres won Best Actress in a Motion Picture (Drama) for her role as Eunice Paiva in I'm Still Here. She triumphed over a strong field of nominees, including Pamela Anderson as Shelly in The Last Showgirl, Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas in Maria, Nicole Kidman as Romy Mathis in Babygirl, Tilda Swinton as Martha Hunt in The Room Next Door, and Kate Winslet as Lee Miller in Lee. Despite the star power in the category, Torres' captivating and complex portrayal of Eunice Paiva earned her recognition, making this one of the night's most unexpected and thrilling moments.
The Best Actor in a Motion Picture (Drama) category was a hotly contested race, but it was Adrien Brody's remarkable performance in The Brutalist as László Tóth that earned him the Golden Globe. Despite the stiff competition from talented actors like Timothée Chalamet, Daniel Craig, Colman Domingo, and Ralph Fiennes, Brody's portrayal stood out, showcasing his immense range and depth in the role. His win solidifies his place among the industry’s elite, and it’s a performance likely to keep him in the Oscar race.
In a major upset in the Best Supporting Actor category, Kieran Culkin emerged victorious for his portrayal in A Real Pain. The win was particularly shocking given that Culkin beat out fan-favourite Denzel Washington, whose role in Gladiator II was widely expected to take the prize. The underdog victory highlighted Culkin’s incredible range as an actor, particularly in his more subdued, nuanced performance.
While many were eyeing the critically acclaimed Gladiator II or the fan-favourite Deadpool & Wolverine for Box Office Achievement, it was Wicked that snatched the win. The musical's continued success at the box office made it a natural choice, proving that even in a field full of heavy-hitting blockbusters, some franchises have staying power.
No award show would be complete without a few snubs, and this year, the Golden Globes had their share.
Despite making history as the first transgender lead actress nominee, Karla Sofía Gascón was unable to secure the win in the Best Actress in a Drama category. Many had expected her to take home the prize for her groundbreaking performance in Emilia Pérez, making her loss particularly bitter for those advocating for more inclusive representation in Hollywood.
Denzel Washington’s absence in the Best Supporting Actor category was another notable snub. His performance in Gladiator II had garnered a great deal of buzz, making him one of the favourites for the award. Washington’s loss to Kieran Culkin was a disappointment for many, especially considering how impactful his role was in the action-packed sequel.
The night was also full of surprises in the animated feature category, where Inside Out 2 failed to take home the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature. Instead, the award went to the indie hit Flow, which had garnered a lot of buzz for its stunning animation and heartfelt story. For fans of Inside Out, this was a tough pill to swallow.
Pamela Anderson’s stellar performance in The Last Showgirl was met with widespread acclaim, making her one of the most anticipated winners of the evening. However, she fell short of the Best Actress (Drama) award, with many fans and critics believing she deserved the honour for her fearless portrayal of a once-iconic star struggling to navigate Hollywood’s changing tides.
Perhaps the most significant takeaway from this year’s Golden Globes was the dominance of international films. Emilia Pérez and I’m Still Here both proved that non-English language films are no longer just contenders in niche categories—they are front-runners in major awards. The recognition of these films signals a shift in the global entertainment landscape, where international voices are becoming an essential part of the awards conversation.
Another significant trend was the recognition of underrepresented communities, particularly in the case of Karla Sofía Gascón’s groundbreaking nomination. Her role in Emilia Pérez was not just a triumph for her career, but for the transgender community at large. This year’s Golden Globes reflected a broader, more inclusive landscape for storytelling in Hollywood.
With the Golden Globes now in the rearview mirror, all eyes are on the Oscars. Can Emilia Pérez keep up its momentum, or will other contenders, like The Brutalist, challenge its dominance? The film world will be eagerly watching to see if The Brutalist can take on the legacy of Oppenheimer for Best Picture. And while Sebastian Stan’s win for A Different Man was a shocker, it may well propel his performance to even greater heights in the Oscar race. As for the snubs, it’ll be interesting to see if Gascón, Washington, and others can bounce back and claim the Oscar gold.
With so many surprises and talking points from the 2025 Golden Globes, the road to the Oscars is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. As the stars continue to align, one thing is clear: the 2025 awards season is just getting started.
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