The 2025 Golden Globes delivered surprises and snubs in equal measure, offering a mix of recognition for lesser-known cinematic gems and established talent. The awards ceremony left the Hollywood awards scene as intriguing as ever, honoring films like “The Brutalist” and “Emilia Pérez” while bypassing several Oscar frontrunners.
2025 Golden Globes Top Winners
Golden Globe voters spotlighted “The Brutalist”, an immigrant epic produced by A24, which clinched three major awards: Best Drama, Best Actor (Adrien Brody), and Best Director (Brady Corbet). This film, yet to see a wide release, now enters the awards season with significant momentum.
Similarly, “Emilia Pérez”, Netflix’s Spanish-language musical exploring themes of trans identity, emerged as the evening’s standout with four wins. It bagged Best Comedy or Musical, Best Supporting Actress (Zoe Saldaña), Best Song (“El Mal”), and Best Non-English Language Film.
The Golden Globes diverged from expectations, as films like “Anora” and “The Wild Robot”, which had multiple nominations, left empty-handed. Despite five nominations, “Anora” failed to win a single award, as did “The Wild Robot” and Bob Dylan’s biopic “A Complete Unknown.”
The remaining awards were distributed widely, with films such as “Wicked,” “The Substance,” “A Different Man,” “Flow,” “I’m Still Here,” “Conclave,” “Challengers,” and “A Real Pain” each securing one award. Notably, “Flow”, an animated film about a cat’s survival journey, won Best Animated Film despite a modest $2.6 million box office haul.
In television, FX's “Shogun” swept the major categories, winning Best TV Drama, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actor. Meanwhile, new shows such as “Black Doves” and “The Day of the Jackal” were overlooked.
Other notable TV winners included “The Bear”, “True Detective: Night Country”, “Hacks”, and “Baby Reindeer”. The latter, also lauded at the Emmys, secured the Best Limited Series award, while Jessica Gunning was named Best Supporting Actress for her role.
Memorable Moments and First-Time Wins
Demi Moore’s long-awaited victory was a highlight of the night. Winning her first Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy for “The Substance”, she delivered an emotional speech, reflecting on her 45-year career and her journey from being dismissed as a “popcorn actress” to winning such a prestigious accolade.
Veteran actor Jodie Foster added a fifth Golden Globe to her collection for her role in the latest season of “True Detective.”
The ceremony opened on a lighter note with a witty monologue by first-time host Nikki Glaser, who avoided controversy and delivered playful jabs, such as referring to the event as “Ozempic’s biggest night.” Her performance was a welcome departure from last year’s tumultuous opener.
The Golden Globes Awards, established in 1944 by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), are among the most prestigious honors in the entertainment industry. Recognizing excellence in film and television, the awards are celebrated annually and serve as a precursor to the Academy Awards and Emmy Awards. Over the decades, the Golden Globes have become a vital part of Hollywood’s awards season, showcasing remarkable talent and groundbreaking works.
The first Golden Globes ceremony was held in January 1944 at the 20th Century Fox Studios.
Awards were initially limited to film categories, with "The Song of Bernadette" winning Best Motion Picture – Drama.
The early ceremonies were informal, attended by a modest group of industry professionals.
In 1956, the Golden Globes expanded to include television, reflecting the medium’s growing popularity.
Shows like “I Love Lucy” were among the first to be recognized for their excellence.
The Golden Globes began gaining international prominence during the 1960s.
Special awards, such as the Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement, were introduced to honor outstanding contributions to entertainment.
Memorable winners included “Lawrence of Arabia” and stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman.
By the 1980s, the Golden Globes had become a glamorous, star-studded event broadcast worldwide.
Films like “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and “Titanic” swept major categories.
The ceremony became known for its unpredictable moments and heartfelt speeches.
The Golden Globes began embracing more diverse storytelling, recognizing international films and groundbreaking TV shows.
Films like “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Slumdog Millionaire” highlighted global cinema’s impact.
The rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime reshaped the awards landscape, with shows like “The Crown” and “Fleabag” dominating.
In recent years, the Golden Globes faced criticism for lack of diversity among HFPA members and questionable practices.
In 2022, NBC canceled the broadcast amid backlash, prompting the HFPA to reform its membership and voting process.
The 2023 ceremony marked a return to television, emphasizing inclusivity and transparency.
Recognizing Talent Across Genres: The Golden Globes honor achievements in drama, comedy, and musicals, offering broader representation than the Oscars.
Bridging Film and Television: The awards are unique in celebrating both mediums, recognizing the growing convergence between the two industries.
Cultural Influence: Winning a Golden Globe often boosts a film or show's visibility, influencing box office success and streaming viewership.
Platform for Social Causes: Acceptance speeches frequently highlight important social and political issues, sparking global conversations.
Most Golden Globe Wins for a Film: “La La Land” (2016) holds the record with seven awards.
Most Wins by an Individual: Meryl Streep, with eight competitive wins and the Cecil B. DeMille Award.
Youngest Winner: Ricky Schroder, who won at age nine for “The Champ” (1980).
The Golden Globes continue to adapt to the evolving entertainment landscape, recognizing the impact of streaming, international cinema, and diverse narratives. As a celebration of artistic achievement, they remain a vital platform for honoring creativity and innovation in storytelling.