The 2025 Golden Globes ceremony, held on January 5, showcased the extraordinary success of the film Emilia Pérez, which emerged as the top winner of the night with four prestigious awards. The musical, directed by Jacques Audiard and available on Netflix, walked away with the honors for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language, Best Supporting Performance by an Actress (Zoe Saldaña), and Best Original Song for 'El Mal'.
Following its victory, Emilia Pérez quickly became the talk of Hollywood, with Saldaña expressing her emotional response upon accepting her award. "Oh my God! I’m filled with adrenaline, but my heart is full of gratitude," she exclaimed during her acceptance speech, tearing up on stage. Saldaña acknowledged her fellow nominees and shared heartfelt sentiments for her family, saying, "I love you — you guys are everything."
Emilia Pérez, which garnered ten nominations, centers on the life of Karla Sofía Gascón’s character, Emilia—once known as Manitas, a Mexican drug lord—who undergoes gender-affirming surgery with the help of Saldaña’s character, Rita. The narrative intertwines themes of identity and redemption, depicting Emilia’s transformation from crime leader to advocate for social change.
Critics initially responded to the film with mixed reviews during its Cannes premiere, where it won the Jury Prize. Some remained skeptical of its acceptance among mainstream audiences, but the Golden Globe wins certainly propelled it to the forefront of the upcoming Oscar season.
The Golden Globes did not go without controversy, particularly surrounding the absence of awards for other acclaimed films such as Wicked. Many fans took to social media to express their disbelief, with tweets declaring, "WICKED WAS F**ING ROBBED. IT SHOULD’VE BEEN SWEEPING!" Such sentiments echoed throughout the evening as Wicked, which had been anticipated to snag multiple accolades, left with only the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement award.
Despite the chatter around Wicked, multiplicities of accolades were heaped upon Emilia Pérez, with its unique social commentary and bold storytelling winning the hearts of both the audience and voters. The Brutalist, another strong competitor, won three awards, including Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Actor for Adrien Brody, solidifying the event's diversifying award dynamics.
Karla Sofía Gascón’s poignant acceptance speech for Best Motion Picture included powerful remarks about identity and resilience: "The light always wins over darkness. You can maybe put us in jail. You can beat us up. But you never can take away our soul or existence or identity… I am who I am. Not who you want." Gascón’s victory was celebrated not just for her talent but for the representation and visibility it brings to trans narratives, which are often marginalized in mainstream cinema.
The lasting impact of Emilia Pérez extended far beyond its wins. Director Jacques Audiard stated, "Every film has a purpose: a purpose cinematically but also for those who work on it. For an actor, it can change his or her life." This ringing endorsement highlights not just the artistic merit of the film but also its cultural significance.
Looking at the competition, Demi Moore won her first Golden Globe for her role in The Substance, displaying her resilience and dedication over decades of acting. During her acceptance, she reflected on the long road to recognition, saying, "I’ve been doing this for over 45 years, and this is the first time I’ve ever won anything as an actor." Moore's victory, alongside others, contributes to the narrative of late-career recognition within the industry and the push for broader acknowledgment of diverse talents.
The night brimming with jubilation acknowledged various genres and performances, with Baby Reindeer taking home the Best Limited TV Series award. The enthusiasm for new and innovative narratives was palpable, paving the way for future explorations of identity, creativity, and representation.
Whether heralded as champions or whispered about as ‘robbed,’ the evening encapsulated the multifaceted nature of the film industry today. The Golden Globe wins for Emilia Pérez signify more than just awards; they spotlight the evolution of storytelling, inclusivity, and the changing dynamics of Hollywood.
Fans and critics alike are now watching for its impact on the forthcoming Oscar race, with Emilia Pérez* standing tall after its Golden Globes success. The conversations sparked both on social media and within the industry promise to deepen as awards season progresses, leaving the stage set for what could be one of the most inclusive and varied years for film yet.