The 82nd Golden Globe Awards kicked off the annual awards season on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at the Beverly Hilton with glamour, celebration, and heartfelt speeches. This year’s ceremony was hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, best known for her sharp-witted Comedy Central roasts. She kept the spirits high as film and television’s biggest stars walked the red carpet, with multiple Australians like Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, and Guy Pearce vying for prestigious awards.
Among the standout winners of the night was the musical Emilia Pérez, which captured the award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. The film, about the life of a transgender woman who stages her own death, had been lauded for its emotional depth upon premiering at the Cannes Film Festival. Spanish actress Karla Sofia Gascon received the award on behalf of the film and delivered an impassioned acceptance speech.
“Light always wins over darkness,” Gascon declared. “All I want to say to you, raise your voice and say ‘I am who I am, not who you want me to be.’” This poignant message touched upon the struggles faced by the transgender community, marking the film not just as entertainment but as commentary on important societal issues.
The Best Motion Picture – Drama award went to The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet, who emphasized the importance of supporting filmmakers during his acceptance speech. He passionately advocated for directors, saying, “Final-cut tie-break goes to the director. It is a controversial statement but should not be.” Corbet's film, which depicts the haunting story of a Holocaust survivor building his life anew, is noted for its challenging narrative and length of three and a half hours.
Adrien Brody garnered the award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for his role as the titular architect, moving attendees with his dedication to family and heritage. “This story is really the character’s doing, reminiscent of my mother’s and my ancestral journeys,” he shared. Brody’s performance, reflecting his own connections to history, added emotional weight to the evening.
On the other end of the spectrum, Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres surprised everyone by winning the Best Actress award for her role in I’m Still Here, another poignant tale of resilience set against the backdrop of Brazil’s military dictatorship. “This is a film about surviving tough times,” she stated, echoing the themes of perseverance prevailing through adversity.
This year also saw Shogun making waves, as it won the award for Best Drama Series along with Best Actress for Anna Sawai. The epic miniseries outperformed various strong contenders and received praise for its daring storytelling and high production values. Justin Marks, one of Shogun’s co-creators, highlighted the commitment of its cast and crew, stating, “Nothing about this show has been expected; it was produced on the backs of thousands of fearless yeses.”
Meanwhile, Hacks triumphed over competitors like Abbott Elementary and The Bear, winning the Best Musical or Comedy Series award. Its creator, Paul W. Downs, humorously noted the challenges of production as he urged people to care for Jean Smart during her busy filming schedule.
Highlights of the red carpet included glamorous appearances by Nicole Kidman, who was nominated for her role in Babygirl, and Gal Gadot, alongside pop sensation Miley Cyrus. The atmosphere was one of excitement and celebration as fans eagerly awaited the outcomes.
Among the award categories returning for its second year was the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement award, which went to Wicked, with director Jon M. Chu lauding the fans’ support for such monumental film productions. He referred to the appreciation of cinema “as a radical act of optimism” during these uncertain times, encapsulating the evening's celebratory spirit.
The Best Original Song award went to “El Mal” from Emilia Pérez, showcasing the film's musical strength. Notably, this year also recognized the extraordinarily talented Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross for their score for Challengers, another highlight of the evening.
Overall, the 2025 Golden Globes brought together the finest talents from film and television, celebrating not just the achievements of artists but also the resilience of storytelling—providing moments of joy, reflection, and thoughtful dialogue.
This year's event was much more than just awards; it was about connection, support, and empowerment, mirroring the tumultuous times we live in today. With both emotional acceptance speeches and exhilarating wins, the ceremony left attendees with both inspiration and hope as they paved the way for future artistic endeavors.