The 82nd annual Golden Globe Awards celebrated an extraordinary night of cinematic triumphs, with ‘The Brutalist’ and ‘Emilia Perez’ standing out as the big winners. The evening, held on January 5, 2025, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Los Angeles, was marked by the recognition of diverse talents and productions, creating ripples of excitement as the awards season heats up.
‘The Brutalist,’ directed by Brady Corbet, secured the Best Picture award for Drama, along with accolades for Best Actor, which went to Adrien Brody, and Best Director for Corbet himself. Meanwhile, ‘Emilia Perez,’ showcasing the operatic narrative of a Mexican drug lord who transitions to life as a woman, snatched the Best Picture award for Musical or Comedy. The film also excelled, capturing three additional awards: Best Non-English Language Film, Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldana, and Best Original Song for ‘El Mal.’
Throughout the evening, the significance of new voices and stories was underscored. Karla Sofia Gascon, the leading star of ‘Emilia Perez,’ delivered a powerful acceptance speech where she declared, “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.” Her words reflected the deeply personal and transformative themes explored within the film.
Brody, who portrayed the Hungarian architect grappling with his identity and struggles after World War II, expressed gratitude for the win. He highlighted how the character’s narrative echoed his own family’s history, stating, “The character’s story is very reminiscent of my mother’s and my ancestral story of fleeing the horrors of war.” His heartfelt remarks struck a chord with the audience, cementing the film’s emotional resonance.
Other notable winners included Demi Moore, who earned Best Actress for her lead role in ‘The Substance.’ This marked Moore’s first Golden Globe, prompting the seasoned actress to reflect on her career and earlier doubts. “I was told I was ‘a popcorn actress,’” she emotional shared. “This is the first time I’ve ever won anything,” she proclaimed, embracing the significance of the recognition after years of perseverance.
The night also witnessed achievements for ‘Shogun,’ the Japanese historical drama, which claimed the best television series award, showcasing its actors Hiroyuki Sanada, Anna Sawai, and Tadanobu Asano. The show managed to connect with the audience, capturing the ambition and complexity of cultural narratives, paralleling the achievements celebrated across various categories.
Jon M. Chu, director of the blockbuster adaptation of ‘Wicked,’ emphasized the power of art to inspire hope and optimism amid societal challenges, saying, “We can still make art…that is empowerment and joy.” This statement reverberated throughout the ceremony, encapsulating the purpose and impact of cinema.
Emerging voices were highlighted with wins for actors such as Kieran Culkin, who took home the Best Supporting Actor award for ‘A Real Pain,’ and Fernanda Torres, recognized for her poignant performance in ‘I’m Still Here,’ securing the Best Actress title for Drama. Torres’ story, deeply rooted in political themes, added another layer of significance to the evening.
Host Nikki Glaser provided comedic relief, referencing current events and the essence of Hollywood, as she kicked off the proceedings. Through humor, she managed to set the tone for the night, enabling the audience to relax and enjoy the spectacle of celebration.
Reflecting on the significance of the Globes, this ceremony transcends mere award-giving—it showcases the evolution of Hollywood, highlighting international productions and new talents, and establishing momentum as we approach the Academy Awards. With each win and speech, the 2025 Golden Globes reinforced the necessity of diverse storytelling and representation, offering hope for the future of cinema.
This year’s Golden Globes not only celebrated excellence but also served as a statement about the transformative power of film and the importance of inclusion. Winners of the night have undoubtedly made their mark, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting awards season leading up to the Oscars.