The 2025 Golden Globes Awards ceremony became the talk of Tinseltown following several surprises and emotional moments, most prominently featuring Demi Moore's groundbreaking win for Best Actress. Moore's triumph for her role in the film The Substance marks her first-ever acting award at the age of 62, transforming the once massively popular star of the '90s from 'popcorn actress' to serious contender for this year’s Oscars.
During her touching acceptance speech, where she publicly reflected on her lengthy career, Moore expressed her relief and gratitude to finally be recognized for her talents. "I never won anything as an actor,” she admitted, showcasing both her excitement and vulnerability. Moore's win was particularly celebrated by the film's director, Coralie Fargeat, who emphasized the significance of showcasing women not just as symbols of beauty but as powerful and capable actresses.
"It was so moving to see Demi on the stage," Fargeat said, highlighting the shift for both the actress and the industry’s perception of older female talent. The film The Substance, which explores themes of femininity and societal pressures surrounding aging, has made ripples for highlighting important societal issues, making Moore's commentary even more poignant.
Winning against high-profile stars like Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman, and Kate Winslet, Fernanda Torres surprised attendees by securing the Best Actress award for I’m Still Here. Overwhelmed with emotion upon receiving the accolade, she confessed during her speech, “My God, I didn’t prepare anything. This is such an amazing year for female performances.”
Continuing on the theme of legacy, Torres dedicated her win to her mother, legendary actress Fernanda Montenegro, who was nominated for the same award 25 years ago. "You have no idea. She was here 25 years ago. And this is proof..." Torres stated, illuminating the generational ties within the art form.
The night was not without comedic moments as Moore and co-star Margaret Qualley delighted audiences with their cheeky antics whilst presenting another award. "What are you doing here?" Moore playfully asked, riffing off their characters' dark themes. Their light-hearted exchange left no one untouched, proving how the event also spotlighted camaraderie among actresses.
Colin Farrell, who won Best Male Actor for his role as Oswald Cobblepot, also paid tribute to the unsung heroes of filmmaking, especially mentioning Carolina from the catering team. "Carolina, God bless you; she kept the whole crew going," Farrell shared, serving as a reminder of the hard work of behind-the-scenes staff.
The evening was peppered with amusing references to the film Wicked, creating entertaining banter throughout the ceremony. The show had its share of highlights as Rihanna's animated characters from Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl graced the stage, adding charm to the anticipated event. Meanwhile, the charming exchanges among nominees reflected the strong sense of community, particularly among women.
The night culminated with historical moments delivered by the acceptance speech of Karla Sofía Gascón, who became the first trans woman to accept the award for Best Picture for Emilia Pérez. With emphasis on resilience, Gascón stated, "You can put us in jail, you can beat us up, but you can never take away our soul, our resistance, our identity.” Her statement captured the spirit of inclusivity and empowerment reverberated throughout the night.
To start the ceremony, host Nikki Glaser made headlines herself, humorously mentioning weight-loss trends and joking about the slimmer appearances of attendees, indicating just how much the culture's obsession with body image plays within the entertainment industry. "Welcome to the 2nd Golden Globes – Ozempic’s biggest night!" she quipped, adding humor to the night.
From emotional remembers of the past to unexpected heartfelt moments, the 2025 Golden Globes managed to break through the monotony often associated with award shows. This year, the ceremony not only honored artistry and performance but also illuminated the persistent issues of ageism, gender biases, and the need for recognition—converging to create what will long be remembered as a significant night not just for film but for the societal discourse surrounding it.