The Golden Globes returned to the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, marking its annual celebration of film and television, kicking off the 2025 awards season with glamor and excitement.
This year, two films made a significant impact: Brady Corbet’s 215-minute postwar epic “The Brutalist” and Jacques Audiard’s Spanish-language trans musical “Emilia Pérez,” both taking home main awards during the ceremony.
Fashion was a focal point of the evening, with host Nikki Glaser captivating the audience in a series of stunning outfits, totaling nine changes, which included a silver gown and a striking gold attire.
“Emilia Pérez” earned accolades as it clinched the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy. One of its stars, Karla Sofía Gascón, who plays a Mexican drug lord who transitions into a woman, delivered a powerful acceptance speech. She shared the symbolism of her orange dress, signifying triumph over adversity, stating, “You may try to dim our light, but you will never extinguish our spirit.”
Brady Corbet’s humorous acceptance speech highlighted the film’s length, “No one was asking for a 3.5-hour film about a mid-century designer on 70mm, but look, it works!” His emotional moment was notably shared with his daughter, who drew the camera’s affection as she cried joyfully in the audience.
Corbet later added a unique suggestion to the industry’s standards, advocating that directors should maintain the final cut rights, proclaiming, “The final cut tiebreak goes to the director.” His film, “The Brutalist,” also received honors for Best Actor, awarded to Adrien Brody, making the night a momentous occasion for the filmmaker.
Viola Davis received the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award, however, her speech was much briefer compared to previous recipients, conveying gratitude as she presented another award later during the event. The past year saw the absence of this award due to changes in the Golden Globes organization.
The ceremony further witnessed the anticipated arrival of “I’m Still Here,” capturing the award for Best Motion Picture, Drama. Fernanda Torres, applauded for her role as Eunice Paiva, took home the Golden Globe for Best Female Actor in a Drama. In her heartfelt speech, she expressed her dedication to her mother, who had also been a nominee many years prior.
Adrien Brody, besides winning Best Actor for “The Brutalist,” was notably recognized among a roster of strong contenders. Similar recognition was bestowed upon Fernanda Torres, who triumphed over an impressive lineup, which included high-profile stars like Pamela Anderson and Kate Winslet for their respective performances in less mainstream films.
The event also spotlighted notable wins, with Ted Danson being honored with the Carol Burnett Award, celebrating his extensive contributions to television. Meanwhile, Anna Sawai claimed her first Golden Globe for her performance in “Shogun,” embedding her name among celebrated talent in today’s industry.
In a lighthearted moment, Vin Diesel, presenting an award, eased tension in the room by playfully addressing his long-standing feud with fellow actor Dwayne Johnson, which illustrated the camaraderie prevalent amongst attendees.
Other highlights included the win for “Baby Reindeer,” awarded for Limited Series or Anthology, showcasing creator Richard Gadd’s descriptive reflection on the importance of storytelling in modern narratives. Nikki Glaser’s hosting style remained engaging throughout, blending humor with commentary on current events, a testament to her bold comedic approach.
As the evening progressed, winners of categories like Best Original Score and Best Original Song were announced, with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross claiming the former with their electrifying compositions. The duo’s humorous remarks during their acceptance resonated well with the audience.
This night not only celebrated individual achievements but also highlighted the collaborative spirit of the film and television industry, showcasing the evolving landscapes of storytelling across various genres and platforms, reaffirming the Golden Globes’ relevance in today’s entertainment world.
