The 2025 Golden Globes Awards ceremony is set to take place on January 5 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, marking Hollywood's first major awards event of the year. This year's ceremony holds added poignancy due to the tragic passing of filmmaker Jeff Baena, husband of scheduled presenter Aubrey Plaza, just two days before the show. While Plaza was initially expected to take the stage with other stars including Andrew Garfield and Demi Moore, the circumstances surrounding her loss cast doubt on her attendance.
Baena's sudden death was confirmed on January 3, 2025, when officers responded to their Los Feliz home for what they described as "a death investigation". According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, the body of the 47-year-old male was discovered at approximately 10:25 AM. His family has requested privacy during this difficult time, underscoring the emotional impact of this event. It has been reported by DailyMail.com and other outlets, but Plaza has not yet made any public comments about her husband’s passing.
The ceremony, which will air live on CBS beginning at 5 PM PT / 8 PM ET, marks the first time comedian Nikki Glaser will host the Golden Globes. Known for her sharp humor and past successes at celebrity roasts, Glaser has expressed her excitement and commitment to delivering both entertainment and respectful acknowledgment of the nominees and attendees. She remarked, “I’m so excited to be hosting the Globes this year; it’s one of my favorite nights of the year.” Glaser will certainly need her wit at the helm, especially following the mixed reception of last year's hosting gig by Jo Koy.
This year, the Golden Globes are witnessing fierce competition among some of the highly regarded films and television series; the musical drama Emilia Pérez currently leads with ten nominations, closely followed by The Brutalist with seven, and Conclave with six. On the television side, the critically acclaimed The Bear earns five nominations, positioning it as the frontrunner among shows vying for recognition. High-profile nominees like Zendaya and Selena Gomez are also expected to shine on the red carpet.
The awards ceremony won't only honor established celebrities; it will also recognize significant talents with honors such as the Cecil B. DeMille Award presented to Viola Davis for her outstanding contributions to entertainment. Meanwhile, the Carol Burnett Award will be dedicated to Ted Danson, who has left an indelible mark on television with his extensive career.
Streaming options for viewers have expanded significantly this year, as the Golden Globes will not only be broadcast on CBS but also available for live streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime. This shift indicates a new era for the Golden Globes, moving away from NBC, where it was previously broadcast for decades.
The culinary aspect of the Golden Globes has always been notable, and this year, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa returns to design the menu, which is set to include his signature dishes such as Yellowtail Jalapeno and Miso Black Cod. Attendees will enjoy this luxurious dining experience infused with both tradition and contemporary flair. The tablescapes, created with the help of celebrity florist A.L Basa, will embody minimalistic elegance yet provide vibrancy with floral arrangements, creating the perfect setting for what many deem Hollywood's party of the year.
Despite the glamour and celebration, the upcoming ceremony will be particularly burdened with the weight of recent tragedy, reminding attendees and viewers alike of the personal stories behind the awards. The Golden Globes have often initiated awards season, and as the first televised event leading up to the Oscars, they set the tone for what fans and critics can expect from the upcoming award shows.
Undoubtedly, the intersection of public celebration and personal heartbreak will echo throughout the Golden Globes, making the 82nd Annual Golden Globes not just a showcase of talent and achievement, but also of resilience and solidarity. While the industry gears up for the festivities, the larger narrative of loss, tribute, and the continuity of art amid tragedy looms large.