Jessica Gunning made headlines last night by winning her first Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress for her outstanding performance in the Netflix series Baby Reindeer. At the award ceremony held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 5, 2025, the tears of joy were palpable as the British actress reflected on what this accolade meant, particularly for her younger self.
During her acceptance speech, Gunning nearly stumbled on the stairs, quipping, "You almost saw my Golden Globes"—a comment sure to lighten the mood among the audience. She followed this with a charming story, recalling how she was gifted a hamster for Christmas when she was eight years old, stating her disbelief at the moment back then. "I kept saying, 'I can’t believe this is happening to me'," she recounted, evoking memories of her Yorkshire accent, which has influenced her current joy, becoming what she described as the soundtrack of her life this past year.
Her role as Martha, the stalker, has clearly impacted Gunning, who proudly exclaimed, "Thank you to Richard Gadd, Baby Reindeer has changed my life... I've got to express again how I can't believe this is happening to me. The eight-year-old me would be chuffed to bits." This heartfelt sentiment encapsulated her gratitude and shock at her sudden rise within the industry.
Baby Reindeer, created by Richard Gadd, tells the story of a gentle barman whose life takes unexpected twists when he unknowingly offers tea to Martha, his eventual stalker, portrayed by Gunning. The series has been celebrated not just by audiences but has also garnered significant media attention for its narrative, which Gadd states is based on his real-life experiences—while not without the controversies stemming from claims of it being inspired by actual events.
The accolades for Baby Reindeer have continued to accumulate, previously winning numerous awards including six Emmy Awards, among them some for outstanding writing and performance. At the Golden Globes, the series is up for three awards: Best Television Limited Series, Best Supporting Actor for Gadd himself, along with Gunning’s nomination for her own performance.
This year’s Golden Globes were hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, and the atmosphere was as vibrant as the array of stars gracing the red carpet. Gunning walked the carpet alongside her co-stars Richard Gadd and Nava Mau, who both looked stunning and confident, embodying the successful essence of their series. Mau donned a sleek black gown, complementing Gunning’s regal blue velvet dress which featured dramatic ruffles, lending both actresses additional allure.
Gunning’s achievement also signals her position as one to watch. This win marks her first Golden Globe, adding to her accolades which include winning the Emmy for Best Supporting Actress for the same role just months prior. The industry is clearly taking notice of her talent and potential, as she was up against fierce competition from other nominees including Liza Colón-Zayas and Dakota Fanning.
During her speech, Gunning also extended her gratitude to everyone involved with Baby Reindeer, stating, "There’s so much I cannot even explain, and it’s all thanks to this incredible show... The warmth and support have changed my life indefinitely."
Her heartfelt thanks echo the sentiments shared by many who have found themselves challenged and embraced by the industry as they reach new heights. Gunning’s story serves as inspiration, and as she journeys on this newfound path of recognition, there’s no telling where her talent and tenacity will lead her next.
Looking forward, Baby Reindeer remains a strong contender at upcoming awards and continues to resonate deeply with viewers. Gadd, too, is riding this wave of success, showing the impact of unique storytelling grounded by real experiences. The series has sparked dialogues across various platforms, indicating its cultural significance.
This Golden Globe win and the recognition surrounding Baby Reindeer highlight not just the accomplishments of Jessica Gunning but also reflect the industry’s embrace of stories drawn from authentic experiences, and the rewarding of nuanced performances within this ever-evolving entertainment sphere. Fittingly, Gunning's playful acceptance speech offered both humor and gravitas—ensuring audiences left with smiles and admiration for her heartfelt talent.
With dreams for her younger self realized and her future bright, fans eagerly await Gunning’s next career moves and Baby Reindeer’s continued impact on television.