2025 Golden Globes: France\’s Emilia Perez Strikes Big, The Brutalist Claims Major Awards

Golden Globe Highlights: Film and Television Standouts
Film Category Leaders
- France’s “Emilia Pérez” has emerged as a top contender, showcasing the country’s cinematic prowess.
- The critically acclaimed American film “The Brutalist” also dominates the awards, drawing significant attention from critics and audiences alike.
Television Triumphs
- Popular series Shōgun continues to secure top honors, reinforcing its status as a fan favorite.
- Another standout, Baby Reindeer, has claimed major awards in the TV segment, solidifying its place in this year’s television landscape.
What This Means for the Awards Season
The success of these titles at the Golden Globes signals strong momentum heading into the wider awards circuit, setting expectations for subsequent ceremonies.
Golden Globes Surprises: Emilia Pérez Takes Center Stage
Season Overview
As the opening event of the awards circuit, the Golden Globes set an unpredictable tone this year. Multiple contenders such as Emilia Pérez, The Brutalist, Anora and Conclave have been spotlighted as potential favorite, yet no single winner has emerged front and center—quite the contrast to last year’s triumph, Oppenheimer.
Emilia Pérez’s Historic Sweep
- Best Film – Comedy or Musical
- Best Motion Picture – Non‑English Language
- Best Supporting Actress – Zoe Saldaña
- Best Original Song
French auteur Jacques Audiard has delivered a victorious arrival with Emilia Pérez. The film’s Mexican setting, gangster narratives, gender‑transition plot twists, striking choreography, and songs reflecting the theme of vaginoplasty have all contributed to its triumphant reception—and have turned it into a must‑watch phenomenon.
Director’s Inspirational Award Speech
While accepting the Golden Globe, Audiard addressed the audience with powerful words:
“In these troubled times, I hope that Emilia Pérez may serve as a beacon for those of us who do not yet have a woman as strong and passionate as Karla Sofía Gascón among their friends.”
He set the prize in honor of anyone anxious about the future and the outlook for 2025, urging everyone to stand firm in the pursuit of their rights.
Celebration at the 82nd Golden Globes
Actress Selena Gomez & Director Jacques Audiard Honored
Selena Gomez and Jacques Audiard stand atop the award-winning trio after “Emilia Perez” clinched the Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy title.
- • Selena Gomez: Awarded for her standout performance.
- • Jacques Audiard: Recognized for his direction and storytelling.
- • “Emilia Perez”: Featured as the film that captured critics’ hearts.
Photographer: AP Photo
Film Festival Highlights
Moments on the Red Carpet
In the frame: Adriana Paz, Edgar Ramirez, Selena Gomez, Jacques Audiard, Karla Sofía Gascón and Zoe Saldana share a moment of camaraderie on the ceremony’s stage.
Echoing Courage on the Stage
Official voice: Karla Sofía Gascón declared, “We may face confinement or violence, but our spirit remains untouchable. Speak with strength and affirm, ‘I am who I am.’”
Emilia Pérez: A Meteoric Rise
Jacques Audiard’s breakout star, Emilia Pérez, entered the awards with an impressive 10 nominations, showcasing a remarkable advantage for Netflix’s cinematic lineup.
- 10 nominations listed across diverse categories.
- Netflix’s standout feature—watch it on the streaming platform.
- Our in‑depth review of Emilia Pérez is available for those curious about her journey.
Brady Corbet’s Triumph
Brady Corbet’s epic drama, The Brutalist, secured victories in three major categories:
- Best Film (Drama)
- Best Director
- Best Actor (Adrian Brody)
In a competitive field, Corbet overcame prominent contenders such as Jacques Audiard, Sean Baker, and Coralie Fargeat in the Best Director category. His meticulously crafted, historically textured masterpiece stood out at Venice last year and could be a strong contender for upcoming Oscars.
Looking Ahead
With a blend of powerful performances and inventive storytelling, this edition of the festival sets a new benchmark for cinematic excellence.
Adrien Brody’s Award‑Winning Performance
Adrien Brody has been honored with the Best Male Performance award for his compelling role in the dramatic feature “The Brutalist.” He shares this accolade with fellow actors Felicity Jones and Guy Pearce.
Key Points from the Film
- Exceptional acting from the leading trio.
- Gripping narrative that delves into the gritty, stone‑clad world of the Brutalist genre.
- Critics applaud the depth and emotional weight evident in Brody’s portrayal.
Explore the Review
Our comprehensive critique of “The Brutalist” is waiting for those who want a deeper look into the film’s strengths and nuances.
Golden Globe Highlights: Demi Moore Captures Best Actress Award
82nd Golden Globes – A Night of Milestones
Demi Moore took home the Best Actress in a Motion Picture (Comedy or Musical) honor for her standout contribution to “The Substance”. The award marked a historic personal triumph as it was her first major accolade in this category.
Key Takeaways
- Winner: Demi Moore – Best Actress (Comedy or Musical) for “The Substance”.
- Notable feat: Moore’s victory underscores her performance’s impact within Coralie Fargeat’s plot, earning praise from her own remarks: “This is the first time I’ve ever won anything as an actress!”
- Historic moment for Brazil: Fernanda Torres secured the Best Actress in a Motion Picture (Drama) award, becoming the first Brazilian actress to receive a Golden Globe in this category.
- Highlight works:
- “The Substance” – Moore’s fun‑filled role that secured her win.
- “I’m Still Here” – Torres’ performance under Walter Salles’ direction, earning her recognition.
Commentary
The 82nd iteration of the awards not only celebrated the artistry of performers but also spotlighted groundbreaking achievements, with Moore and Torres each setting new precedents in their respective fields.
Fernanda Torres’ Impactful Moment in Walter Salles’ “I’m Still Here”
In a pivotal scene directed by Walter Salles, actress Fernanda Torres delivers a performance that captures both the introspective tone of the film and the nuanced emotional journey of the protagonist.
What Makes This Scene Stand Out?
- Authentic Character Depth – Torres brings a layered portrayal that feels both intimate and universal.
- Visual Cohesion – Salles’ meticulous cinematography frames Torres in a way that reinforces the narrative’s quiet intensity.
- Audience Resonance – Critics have highlighted this moment as a turning point that invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences.
How Reviewers Have Responded
Our team’s review of The Substance noted parallels between Torres’ character and the film’s central themes, emphasizing the depth she adds to the story. Additionally, the published interview with Coralie Fargeat praised the collaborative dynamic that enhanced this key sequence.
Further Insights
- Walter Salles’ Perspective – In his interview, Salles described how Torres’ natural charisma guided pivotal narrative beats.
- Overall Film Reception – Our comprehensive review summarized how this scene stands as a highlight within an otherwise contemplative cinematic experience.
Sebastian Stan Shines as the 2024 Best Actor Winner for A Different Man
In a recent ceremony, actor Sebastian Stan was honored with the prestigious award for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for his role in A Different Man. The film’s powerful exploration of physical disfigurement and societal attitudes earned Stan the coveted Golden Bear for Best Actor at last year’s Berlinale.
Key Moments from the Awards Night
- Stan’s acceptance speech highlighted the urgent need to confront “ignorance and discomfort around disability.”
- The director praised the film’s authenticity, noting how the subjects’ real-life challenges were portrayed with dignity.
- Audience members applauded for bringing a lasting, socially impactful message to the forefront of cinema.
Reflections on the Film’s Impact
“These are tough subject matters,” Stan remarked, underscoring how the drama opens dialogues about disability in mainstream media.
The film’s nuanced storytelling is not just entertainment; it carries a significant cultural weight, forcing viewers to reconsider preconceived notions about appearance and ability.
Explore More About the Film
Delve into a comprehensive review of A Different Man to gain deeper insight into its themes and cinematic achievements. The review sheds light on how the movie balances artistic flair with societal commentary.
Shōgun Rakes in a Golden Globe Sweep
At the 82nd Golden Globe ceremony, the expansive Japan‑set historical drama Shōgun took home four accolades, including the prestigious Best Television Series (Drama).”
Awarded Cast
- Cosmo Jarvis – celebrated alongside his teammates for the series’ triumph.
- Anna Sawai – recognized for her standout performance.
- Hiroyuki Sanada – honored amid the ensemble’s success.
- Tadanobu Asano – joined the group in accepting the award.
Highlights of the Ceremony
- Best TV Series (Drama) flanked by a series of acting honors, underscoring Shōgun’s critical acclaim.
- The event showcased the richness of Japanese storytelling and its global influence.
- Viewers could anticipate an immersive analysis of the series’ artistic achievements.
Full Winners List
Continue scrolling through the ceremony recap for a comprehensive rundown of this year’s Golden Globe victors.
Was it a good edition of the Golden Globes?
Your Reimagined Report on The 82nd Globes
The outcome of the latest awards ceremony was a mixed bag. After efforts to restore credibility—stemming from previous racism allegations and questions about voting fairness—the event came back stronger, featuring an enlarged voting panel for its 82nd iteration.
This expansion translated into a richer variety of contenders: a staggering 76 countries made their mark. The night was also full of milestones, the most notable being comedian Nikki Glaser stepping up as the inaugural solo female host in the history of the Globes.
Nikki Glaser Shines at the 82nd Golden Globes
On Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, comedian Nikki Glaser arrived on the stage at the latest Golden Globes ceremony with her signature sharp humor and daring style. While her opening monologue leaned toward a more measured tone than the provocatively edgy beats she’s known for, the audience still found the gesture sincere and the performance sturdy enough to keep them engaged.
Highlights from the Evening
- Fernanda Torres marked a historic moment with a groundbreaking win, indicating a growing willingness among voters to spotlight fresh, diverse talent.
- Karla Sofía Gascón became the first openly transgender performer to receive a film acting nomination, a significant step forward for representation in Hollywood.
- The Best Actress category saw Demi Moore clinching the award, leaving Gascón’s nomination as a potent reminder that both actresses could dominate the Oscars later that year.
Glaser’s Performance Compared
When measured against the previous year’s host, Jo Koy, Nikki Glaser’s delivery felt sharper and more polished, reflecting her growing mastery as a comedic presence.
Future Outlook
The Golden Globes served as a launchpad for talents like Gascón, setting the stage for a competitive clash between seasoned actors and rising stars in the upcoming Oscars.
In with the new
Golden Globes 2025: New Awards, Surprising Wins, and A Few Production Missteps
The ceremony featured a fresh addition to the awards roster: a Best Cinematic and Box Office Achievement trophy. Though oddly titled—combining the notions of artistic merit and commercial success—the accolade was awarded to Wicked, the film version of the Broadway hit.
Highlights from the Night
- New Category Introduction: Wicked takes home the first Best Cinematic and Box Office Achievement award.
- Stand‑Up Success: Ali Wong wins Best Stand‑Up Comedy for her electrifying performance.
- Colin Farrell’s playful thank‑you to the craft services crew added a touch of humor.
- Sofia Vergara’s light‑hearted roast of Jodie Foster during her Best Actress triumph was a memorable moment.
- Jeremy Strong’s green velvet bucket hat added a quirky visual element.
- Glen Powell received praise for his role, earning a congratulatory shout‑out for his remarkable screen presence.
Television Antics
The TV segment largely saw expected favorites dominating.
- “Baby Reindeer,” “Shōgun,” and “The Bear” continued their streaks of accolades.
- Unexpectedly, “Hacks” secured the Best TV Series (Comedy) award, breaking the trend for “The Bear.”
Production Hiccups
Despite the star‑packed lineup, several issues marred the flow of the ceremony.
- Presenters delivered awkward, camera‑centric moments that felt out of place, prompting Seth Rogan to critique the angle as “inelegant.”
- Notable performers—Kathy Bates, Demi Moore, and Harrison Ford—struggled to engage the audience effectively, possibly due to interrupted prompts.
- Mispronunciation of Director Coralie Fargeat’s name added a minor but noticeable flaw.
- The overall pacing appeared sluggish, and the event’s length seemed to grow with each passing year.
While the Golden Globes offered a refreshing award for blockbuster recognition and delivered several entertaining moments, the ceremony’s execution highlighted the delicate balance between honoring talent and maintaining smooth production flow. The introduction of new categories suggests a willingness to evolve, yet the execution underscores areas for improvement in future iterations.
What do the Golden Globe wins mean for the rest of award season?
Golden Globe 2025: Still an Open Battle
The competition remains wide open.
Last Year’s Dominance
Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer swept the field in 2024, capturing five Golden Globe accolades before later earning Best Picture at the Oscars. No single film has yet assumed that commanding lead this year, keeping the outcome highly unpredictable.
Current Front‑Runners & Emerging Contenders
- Emilia Pérez – appears to be a top choice.
- The Brutalist – also seems to be in contention.
- Both Conclave and Anora are feeling a bit of a slowdown, especially after Anora’s Palme d’Or triumph last year.
It is disappointing that Sean Baker’s sharp, kinetic, and unexpectedly moving drama about a sex worker—and how the system disadvantages those lacking privilege—deserves greater recognition. Among our favorites of 2024, it still has the potential to leave its mark in the upcoming months.
Full List of 2025 Golden Globe Winners
The complete list is provided below.
FILM
2025 International Film Awards – Highlights of the Evening
Best Motion Picture – Drama
- The Brutalist – Winner
- A Complete Unknown
- Conclave
- Dune Part Two
- Nickel Boys
Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
- Emilia Pérez – Winner
- Anora
- Challengers
- A Real Pain
- The Substance
- Wicked
Best Director – Motion Picture
- Brady Corbet – The Brutalist – Winner
- Jacques Audiard – Emilia Perez
- Sean Baker – Anora
- Edward Berger – Conclave
- Coralie Fargeat – The Substance
- Payal Kapadia – All We Imagine As Light
Best Performance by an Actor – Drama
- Adrien Brody – The Brutalist – Winner
- Timothée Chalamet – A Complete Unknown
- Daniel Craig – Queer
- Colman Domingo – Sing Sing
- Ralph Fiennes – Conclave
- Sebastian Stan – The Apprentice
Best Performance by an Actor – Comedy or Musical
- Sebastian Stan – A Different Man – Winner
- Jesse Eisenberg – A Real Pain
- Hugh Grant – Heretic
- Gabriel LaBelle – Saturday Night
- Jesse Plemons – Kinds of Kindness
- Glen Powell – Hit Man
Best Performance by an Actress – Drama
- Fernanda Torres – I’m Still Here – Winner
- Pamela Anderson – The Last Showgirl
- Angelina Jolie – Maria
- Nicole Kidman – Babygirl
- Tilda Swinton – The Room Next Door
- Kate Winslet – Lee
Best Performance by an Actress – Comedy or Musical
- Demi Moore – The Substance – Winner
- Amy Adams – Nightbitch
- Cynthia Erivo – Wicked
- Karla Sofía Gascón – Emilia Pérez
- Mikey Madison – Anora
- Zendaya – Challengers
Best Performance by an Actor – Supporting Role
- Kieran Culkin – A Real Pain – Winner
- Yura Borisov – Anora
- Edward Norton – A Complete Unknown
- Guy Pearce – The Brutalist
- Jeremy Strong – The Apprentice
- Denzel Washington – Gladiator II
Best Performance by an Actress – Supporting Role
- Zoe Saldaña – Emilia Pérez – Winner
- Selena Gomez – Emilia Perez
- Ariana Grande – Wicked
- Felicity Jones – The Brutalist
- Margaret Qualley – The Substance
- Isabella Rosellini – Conclave
Best Screenplay – Motion Picture
- Conclave – Peter Straughan – Winner
- Emilia Pérez – Jacques Audiard
- Anora – Sean Baker
- The Brutalist – Brady Corbet & Mona Fastvold
- A Real Pain – Jesse Eisenberg
- The Substance – Coralie Fargeat
Best Original Score – Motion Picture
- Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross – Challengers – Winner
- Volker Bertelmann – Conclave
- Daniel Blumberg – The Brutalist
- Kris Bowers – The Wild Robot
- Clément Ducol & Camille – Emilia Pérez
- Hans Zimmer – Dune: Part Two
Best Original Song – Motion Picture
- ‘El Mal’ – Emilia Pérez, Clément Ducol, Camille & Jacques Audiard – Winner
- ‘Beautiful That Way’ – The Last Showgirl (Miley Cyrus, Lykke Li & Andrew Wyatt)
- ‘Compress/Repress’ – Challengers (Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross & Luca Guadagnino)
- ‘Forbidden Road’ – Better Man (Robbie Williams, Freddy Wexler & Sacha Skarbek)
- ‘Kiss The Sky’ – The Wild Robot (Delacey, Jordan Johnson, Stefan Johnson, Maren Morris, Michael Pollack & Ali Tamposi)
- ‘Mi Camino’ – Emilia Pérez (Clément Ducol & Camille)
Best Motion Picture – Non‑English Language
- Emilia Pérez – Winner
- All We Imagine as Light
- The Girl with the Needle
- I’m Still Here
- The Seed of the Sacred Fig
- Vermiglio
Best Animated Feature Film
- Flow – Winner
- Inside Out 2
- Memoir of a Snail
- Moana 2
- Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
- The Wild Robot
Cinematic and Box Office Achievement in Motion Pictures
- Wicked – Winner
- Alien: Romulus
- Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
- Deadpool & Wolverine
- Gladiator II
- Inside Out 2
- Twisters
- The Wild Robot
Cecil B. DeMille Award
Viola Davis – Awardee of the Lifetime Achievement Honor
TV
Recently Concluded Television Awards Highlight Excellence in Drama and Comedy
Industry experts and audiences celebrated an impressive lineup of winners across the major categories, honoring standout performances, writing, and production. Below is a concise recap of the top accolades and the nominees that garnered recognition.
Best Television Series – Drama
- Winner: Shogun
- The Day of the Jackal
- The Diplomat
- Mr. and Mrs. Smith
- Slow Horses
- Squid Game
Best Television Series – Comedy or Musical
- Winner: Hacks
- Abbott Elementary
- The Bear
- The Gentlemen
- Nobody Wants This
- Only Murders in the Building
Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama
- Winner: Hiroyuki Sanada – Shōgun
- Donald Glover – Mr. and Mrs. Smith
- Jake Gyllenhaal – Presumed Innocent
- Gary Oldman – Slow Horses
- Eddie Redmayne – The Day of the Jackal
- Billy Bob Thornton – Landman
Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical
- Winner: Jeremy Allen White – The Bear
- Adam Brody – Nobody Wants This
- Ted Danson – A Man on the Inside
- Steve Martin – Only Murders in the Building
- Jason Segel – Shrinking
- Martin Short – Only Murders in the Building
Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama
- Winner: Anna Sawai – Shōgun
- Kathy Bates – Matlock
- Emma D’Arcy – House of the Dragon
- Maya Erskine – Mr. and Mrs. Smith
- Keira Knightley – Black Doves
- Keri Russell – The Diplomat
Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical
- Winner: Jean Smart – Hacks
- Kristen Bell – Nobody Wants This
- Quinta Brunson – Abbott Elementary
- Ayo Edebiri – The Bear
- Selena Gomez – Only Murders in the Building
- Kathryn Hahn – Agatha All Along
Best Limited or Anthology Television Production
- Winner: Baby Reindeer
- Disclaimer
- Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
- The Penguin
- Ripley
- True Detective: Night Country
Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
- Winner: Colin Farrell – The Penguin
- Richard Gadd – Baby Reindeer
- Kevin Kline – Disclaimer
- Cooper Koch – Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
- Ewan McGregor – A Gentleman in Moscow
- Andrew Scott – Ripley
Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
- Winner: Jodie Foster – True Detective: Night Country
- Cate Blanchett – Disclaimer
- Cristin Milioti – The Penguin
- Sofía Vergara – Griselda
- Naomi Watts – Feud: Capote vs. The Swans
- Kate Winslet – The Regime
Best Supporting Actor in Television
- Winner: Tadanobu Asano – Shōgun
- Javier Bardem – Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
- Harrison Ford – Shrinking
- Jack Lowden – Slow Horses
- Diego Luna – La Maquina
- Ebon Moss‑Bachrach – The Bear
Best Supporting Actress in Television
- Winner: Jessica Gunning – Baby Reindeer
- Liza Colón‑Zayas – The Bear
- Hannah Einbinder – Hacks
- Dakota Fanning – Ripley
- Allison Janney – The Diplomat
- Kali Reis – True Detective: Night Country
Best Stand‑Up Comedian on Television
- Winner: Ali Wong – Single Lady
- Jamie Foxx – What Happened Was
- Nikki Glaser – Someday You’ll Die
- Seth Meyers – Dad Man Walking
- Adam Sandler – Love You
- Ramy Youssef – More Feelings
Carol Burnett Award
Recipient: Ted Danson
The prestigious Oscars announcement is slated for 17 January, with the ceremony itself scheduled for 3 March. Stay tuned for the full list of nominations.