The 2025 Golden Globes Awards Ceremony, held on Sunday evening, struck the right chord by emphasizing fun amid Hollywood's dazzling lights, showcasing wins for notable films and television series, and managing to avoid political controversies. The event, hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, contrasted sharply with the past year's more tumultuous proceedings, providing audiences with effortless entertainment and heartwarming moments.
Known traditionally as one of the friendliest awards shows, the Globes maintained its reputation for being more like a boozy gathering for A-listers than just another red carpet affair. This year, there were fewer backhanded jibes and no major political statements, making it easier for attendees to relax, drink, and enjoy the festivities.
At the center of the night’s biggest wins were films such as Emilia Pérez and The Brutalist. While The Brutalist received three Golden Globes, Emilia Pérez stood out, taking home four awards, including Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy and Best Motion Picture Non-English Language. Its powerful narrative about transformation and cultural identity struck a chord with the audience, confirming its potential as a frontrunner for the upcoming Oscars.
On the television side, historical drama Shogun and the dark comedy Baby Reindeer both enjoyed significant wins, reflecting the merging of issues and entertainment quality on streaming platforms. The recognition of Shogun, which won Best Drama Series, and Baby Reindeer, which claimed the title of Best Limited Series, affirmed the growing trend of high-quality programming available to audiences.
Nikki Glaser’s hosting skills received well-deserved applause as she gracefully navigated the humor of the evening. Her sharp wit shone through as she balanced light-hearted ribbing of the stars with self-deprecatory jokes. “I’m not here to roast you,” Glaser quipped at the start, marking the start of a night characterized by laughter and camaraderie rather than drama and tension.
The emotional highs of the evening were best embodied by Zoe Saldana's heartfelt reception of her award for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role from Emilia Pérez. With tears glistening as she expressed gratitude for her family and her fellow nominees, Saldana reminded everyone of the personal importance behind every cinematic endeavor.
Alongside Saldana, Adrien Brody took home Best Actor Drama for his performance in The Brutalist, solidifying the film’s narrative about art and ambition, and leaving audiences eager for its next steps. Brody’s touching mention of his immigrant roots during his speech also echoed the poignant themes the film encapsulates.
Meanwhile, at the prime of her renaissance, Demi Moore arrived at the podium to collect her first major acting award for The Substance, shocking the crowd with her humble admission about almost stepping away from acting altogether. Her win symbolized hope for many and signaled potential changes within the industry toward more diverse storytelling.
The night also bore witness to surprises, such as Fernanda Torres’ stunning victory for Best Actress Drama for her role in I’m Still Here. Her acceptance speech, full of genuine emotion, drew parallels to her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, who had once been nominated for the Golden Globes decades ago. “This is proof,” Torres said, “that art can endure through life, even in difficult moments.”
The evening’s tone remained light, with significant attention paid to pop culture references. Glaser’s monologue included jabs about the ensemble from Wicked and quirky nods to trending topics, keeping the energy playful. Despite Wicked not winning practically anything of note, the creators seemed pleased to at least gain acknowledgment through Glaser’s humorous commentary.
Yet, other noteworthy competitors, like the small animated feature Flow, captured attention by defeating major box office hits like Inside Out 2 and Moana 2 for Best Animated Feature, demonstrating the pleasing unpredictability of awards shows.
The 2025 Golden Globes highlighted not just moments of triumph and laughter but also provided valuable insights about trends leading to the Oscars. The blend of humor and heartfelt moments made it clear: the Globes are back, and they are determined to reclaim their status as one of entertainment’s most beloved celebrations.
There’s still some uncertainty about the future, especially considering the controversies of the past. But today's stars embraced the format successfully, illustrating the importance of allowing art and talent to shine without the heavy backdrop of politics. Having found its footing again, the Golden Globes managed to remind its audience why they began caring about the films and shows being celebrated, making it not just another award show, but rather, one big celebration of creative expression.