The 2025 Golden Globe Awards ceremony, held on January 5 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, kicked off the year's awards season with glamour, unforgettable moments, and well-deserved accolades. Notably, the evening celebrated the impressive achievements of the film Wicked, which was vying for recognition alongside top contenders.
Among the stars present, Michelle Yeoh embraced the spotlight, radiantly dressed and embodying elegance as she walked the red carpet. The 62-year-old actress was not alone; Wicked co-stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were also on hand, lending star power to the event. The musical adaptation of the beloved Broadway hit was nominated for Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy, as well as the prestigious Cinematic and Box Office Achievement award.
Fashion statements were aplenty, with stars such as Cate Blanchett glittering like the awards themselves. Dressed in a floor-length gold gown adorned with jewels, Blanchett was nominated for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Limited Series for her role in Apple TV+’s Disclaimer.
While Wicked dazzled on the red carpet, Jon M. Chu, the film's Bay Area director, delivered an impassioned acceptance speech for its Cinematic and Box Office Achievement award. Standing alongside his cast, including Grande, Erivo, and veteran actor Jeff Goldblum, Chu expressed heartfelt gratitude to fans who supported the movie which became the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation, amassing a whopping $681.3 million since its release.
Chu reflected on the emotional resonance of Wicked, drawing from his personal history. "My parents came to this country and loved 'Wizard of Oz', they tell us about the yellow brick road and the place over the rainbow..." he shared, capturing the essence of dreams and aspirations inherent to the story.
He continued, emphasizing the significance of community and art, stating, "It shows us how important making this stuff is in a time when pessimism and cynicism sort of rule the planet. We can still make art...that is empowerment and joy." These words struck a chord with the audience, echoing the themes of the film.
Despite the acclaim and nominations, Wicked faced fierce competition. The musical lost to the musical thriller Emilia Pérez for Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy. Nonetheless, Chu's poignant message and the film's impact on both audiences and critics alike was undeniable. The night showcased the spirit of resilience through storytelling amid the uncertainties faced by society.
Fans are now eagerly anticipating the second part of the cinematic adaptation. Titled Wicked: For Good, this continuation is expected to release on November 21. Chu has previously articulated how the sequel will probe themes about the concept of home and the struggles of belonging, questions he believes resonate strongly with contemporary audiences.
The Golden Globes 2025 served not just as recognition of artistic accomplishments but also highlighted fashion, as the likes of Adrien Brody, Daniel Craig, and Hugh Grant all made memorable appearances. The event not only marked the beginning of the awards season but set the tone for the upcoming ceremonies to follow.
Throughout the night, highlights included the parade of talent and fashion on the red carpet, with actors such as Timothée Chalamet and the dynamic cast of Queer drawing significant attention for their stunning ensembles.
With awards season officially underway, all eyes are now on what stories will emerge from upcoming nominations and which performances will continue captivating audiences worldwide. The 2025 Golden Globes offered both glamour and inspiration, with the promise of even more remarkable moments just around the corner.