The 2025 Golden Globes stirred excitement as many famous faces graced the red carpet, but not everyone was able to join the glamorous affair. With notable absences, fans were left wondering what kept several stars from the spotlight.
This year, Taylor Swift was one of the prominent names missing from the Golden Globes. After captivating audiences and taking home accolades at the previous year's awards, her absence surprised fans. Even more noteworthy was her skipped attendance at the Kansas City Chiefs game against the Denver Broncos. Swift, who was not nominated this year after her 2024 success for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, chose to forgo the Golden Globes, focusing instead on quality time with her partner, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
Swift, who celebrated the New Year with Kelce following the wrap of her historic Eras Tour, continued her trend of absence from away games throughout the Chiefs season. Despite being present at home games, she opted out of traveling for the final regular season match, where many starters, including Kelce, were not on the field.
Swift was not alone this awards season. A curated family atmosphere did appear among attendees. Nikki Glaser, the show’s host, kicked off the event on January 5 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel with her family by her side. Glaser was joined by her parents and sister, accompanied by her brother-in-law. The rapport was palpable as they posed for photos on the iconic red carpet.
Angelina Jolie shared the spotlight with her oldest daughter Zahara, highlighting the familial bonds on display. Although Zahara’s mother didn’t win the Best Actress award she was nominated for, her elegant presence added flair to the evening.
While many celebrities enjoyed the event, some notable absentees included actor Tom Holland, who was absent to allow his girlfriend, Zendaya, to shine. Holland explained, “Because it’s not my moment, it’s her moment, and if we go together, it’s about us,” sharing his rationale for missing the big occasion.
Music producer Jack Antonoff was another star who missed the event due to illness. His wife, Margaret Qualley, disclosed, “He’s not here, he’s sick,” expressing appreciation for her father stepping in to support her during the night instead.
Jeremy Allen White, who won for Best Actor, was filming the Bruce Springsteen biopic “Deliver Me from Nowhere” and also could not attend the ceremony. This keeps with the trend as several stars prioritized projects over glittery events, emphasizing the rigorous commitments of Hollywood's elite.
Other notable no-shows included Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, and Hugh Jackman, who decided collectively to pass on the affair, even with Reynolds producing the film nominated for Best Cinematic and Box Office Achievement.
Jonathan Bailey, who is entrenched with preparations for his upcoming “Richard II” performance, also missed the glamorous gathering. He explained to British Vogue, “Everything else is on pause until ‘Richard II’ opens.” This dedication highlights just how extensive the commitment to craft can be, even for established stars.
Meanwhile, Javier Bardem and Donald Glover were absent as they were nominated for Best Actor but couldn't join the ceremony, raising eyebrows among fans who were eager to see their performances celebrated on the big stage.
The excitement of the Golden Globes was palpable, yet it must be noted how each of these absences signals shifting priorities and deeply embedded commitments. The Hollywood calendar remains densely packed with projects, forcing many stars to choose work commitments over attending glittery award ceremonies.
This year, as viewers eagerly await the results and who claims celebrated golden globes, they also reflect on the presence of family members accompanying nominees and winners, creating moments just as significant as the awards themselves. For many, these moments of familial support and attendance are at the forefront of their emotional memories from such grand events.
Though some disappointed fans lacked the chance to see their favorite stars on the red carpet, the array of nominated films and the charisma of those who attended shone bright at the 2025 Golden Globes. The balance between personal commitments and the glamour of Hollywood continues to challenge even the most famous names. Just like last year's ceremony which saw Swift herself remarkably navigate absences amid significant achievements, this year's event bore witness to the ebb and flow of celebrity culture.
Finally, as each award was presented and the event unfolded, it was clear: the festivities of the Golden Globes extend beyond just the stars present. It reflects the intertwining lives of Hollywood's biggest players and the sacrifices made along the way. Amidst the sparkle and glamour, those who took the stage shone brightly, yet those missing shared equally compelling stories of dedication beyond the red carpet.