The 2025 Golden Globe Awards Ceremony took place on January 7, 2025, at the Beverly Hilton, marking the official kickoff of the annual awards season for film and television. Stars graced the red carpet dressed to impress, ready for a night of celebration, as the ceremony acknowledged outstanding achievements across various categories.
This year, the musical crime comedy Emilia Pérez led the pack with ten nominations and won in categories including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, showcasing its widespread appeal and recognition. Meanwhile, The Brutalist, described by critics as a “masterpiece,” emerged as the dominant film of the night, clinching significant awards including Best Motion Picture – Drama.
The night featured winners like Demi Moore, who won Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for her role in The Substance. Moore delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech, exclaiming, “This is the first thing I have ever won during my 45-year career,” as she celebrated this monumental moment. Her win marked a pivotal point not only for herself but also highlighted the representation of women at the Golden Globes.
Zoe Saldaña took home the award for Best Supporting Actress, with Selena Gomez graciously applauding her co-star's victory, stating, “I was overjoyed for Zoe Saldaña.” This kindness displayed the camaraderie among nominees, setting a positive tone for the evening.
Host Nikki Glaser made headlines as the first woman to host the Golden Globe Awards solo, receiving mixed reviews for her comedic timing and choice of material. One of her jokes referencing current events, particularly related to Diddy, sparked controversy and backlash from audiences, who found it ill-timed and inappropriate. Nevertheless, her presence was historic and added to the evening's rich narrative.
The television categories saw its own share of remarkable wins with FX’s period drama Shōgun sweeping all four of its nominated categories, including Best Television Series – Drama, with Hiroyuki Sanada winning Best Actor, Anna Sawai for Best Actress, and Tadanobu Asano for Best Supporting Actor. Critics noted the show's blend of historical storytelling and top-notch performances as factors contributing to its success.
Notably, the evening saw the victory of Jodie Foster for Best Actress in Television for her role in True Detective: Night Country. Foster’s win adds to her impressive legacy, continuing to captivate audiences with her performances.
The winners of the night were widely anticipated, especially following the controversial nominations revealed on December 9, 2024. Prior to the ceremony, Emilia Pérez and The Bear were seen as strong contenders, with performances sparking conversations about the barriers to recognition faced by artists from various backgrounds.
Despite the awards largely celebrating cinematic endeavors, the evening was sprinkled with moments of nostalgia and heartfelt acknowledgments. Viola Davis was honored with the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award for her exceptional contributions to film, cementing her legacy as one of Hollywood’s leading women.
While the ceremony celebrated many triumphs, it also highlighted moments of disappointment and surprise; for example, critics expressed surprise over certain snubs. The conversation around the awards this year revolved around the consistent recognition of established winners from previous years and whether true surprises existed, kindling discussions of how the Golden Globes align, or diverge, from the prestigious Academy Awards.
With awards season warming up, eyes are now turning toward the Oscars, scheduled for March 2, where the previous winners and nominees will again be competing for acknowledgment and accolades on the grandest stage. The Golden Globes, serving as a bellwether for the Oscars, has undoubtedly set the tone for excitement and anticipation, with performances and films to watch moving forward.
The vibrant atmosphere at the Golden Globes and the evident passion of the attendees provide hope for another exciting year of storytelling through film and television, as stars and creators continue to push boundaries, reaching for recognition and honoring their unique narratives.