Glenn Close stirred up controversy during the 2025 Golden Globes, where her audio was briefly cut off due to profanity, showcasing both the challenges and excitement of live awards presentations. The iconic actress, known for her remarkable career and compelling performances, took the stage to reflect on the Hollywood profession and share poignant words from the late Katharine Hepburn.
During her speech at the 82nd Annual Golden Globes Awards on January 5, Close, 77, started by recounting her treasured possession—a letter from Hepburn. She quoted the legendary actress, saying, "this terrible profession, this terrifying profession, and let’s face it, this delicious way to spend your life." This remark set the tone for her speech as she continued to express her gratitude for being part of the glittering event surrounded by peers.
But things took a turn when she declared, "We are all so f---ing blessed and lucky," which prompted CBS to cut the live audio feed for viewers at home. Close’s exuberance, it seemed, was just too much for network censors to handle. Although the live audience could hear her words, the encounter sparked conversation about censorship during live broadcasts.
Following the mishap, the full uncensored version of Close’s speech was later uploaded to the Golden Globes’ YouTube channel, allowing fans and critics to hear her heartfelt words unfiltered. The highlight was her presentation of the Best Motion Picture – Drama award, which went to the cast and crew of "The Brutalist," directed by Brady Corbet. The film was recognized with three awards during the ceremony, including Best Director and Best Actor for Adrien Brody.
Close, who has earned accolades throughout her career, including three Golden Globes, was not nominated this year. Her last nomination was for her performance in "Hillbilly Elegy". Despite this, she maintained her iconic status by attending the ceremony and engaging with other stars, including Harrison Ford, her co-star from the 1997 thriller "Air Force One." The pair reunited for the event, reminiscing about their on-screen dynamic.
Ford was himself nominated for his role on the Apple TV+ series "Shrinking," though he lost the award to Tadanobu Asano, the star of "Shogun." Ford also took a moment to humorously reflect on his most quoted line from "Air Force One," stating, "Because I fly, I probably say way more than I need to, ‘Get off my plane!'"
The event was hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, who made light of the situation with her whimsical introduction of Close, describing her as a “former drummer” for the band System of a Down, adding humor to the high-profile evening.
Fashion-wise, Close showcased her flair by arriving on the red carpet dressed elegantly in a black Balmain dress, adorned with sequined embroidery reminiscent of handwritten notes. She completed her look with matching gloves, showcasing not only her fashion sense but also her trademark confidence—a nod to her enduring legacy within the film industry.
While presenting the award, Close shared her genuine admiration for being among talented peers, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the film industry. "Let’s get to the reason why we’re here," she remarked, embodying the night's celebratory atmosphere.
Her speech, though partly censored, was emblematic of live performance, highlighting the unpredictable elements inherent to such prestigious events. Viewers and attendees alike were left considering whether such censorship is necessary, with many believing her spontaneity added charm to the evening.
Close’s tenacity and charisma shine through her work as she acknowledged the trials of being part of such "a terrible profession." Her storied career speaks volumes about her resilience and the passion she has for acting, as she mentioned reflecting on nearly half a century of being active in the industry. She added, "It’s all about resilience and belief and learning and humility," echoing sentiments of persistence and dedication.
Overall, the 2025 Golden Globes proved to be memorable, not just for the awards but for the interactions and poignant moments created by its esteemed attendees. Despite the hitches along the way, Glenn Close's spirited presentation reminded everyone of the ever-present human element of entertainment and the special connection artists share during such gatherings.