The 2025 Golden Globe Awards marked a momentous occasion for the cast and crew of the Netflix limited series, Baby Reindeer, culminating in a double win for the show. Nominated for three awards, including Best Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Motion Picture Made for Television, Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Limited Series, and Best Female Supporting Actor – Television, the series ultimately secured two of the coveted awards. Jessica Gunning, who portrayed Martha, the stalker, won the award for Best Supporting Actress – Television, while the series itself clinched the top prize for Best Limited Series. Richard Gadd, the show’s creator and star who played the comedian Donny, was nominated for Best Actor but lost to Colin Farrell for his performance in The Penguin.
Gunning’s acceptance speech reflected the profound impact the series had on her life, expressing disbelief at the win and acknowledging the transformative power of the Baby Reindeer experience. Gadd, though missing out on an individual award, had the opportunity to address the audience during the acceptance speech for Best Limited Series. He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support the show received from fans, highlighting the importance of stories that resonate with the complexities of contemporary life. He emphasized the universal nature of human struggles, regardless of how idiosyncratic they may seem, and their inherent worthiness of being depicted on screen.
Prior to the Golden Globes ceremony held at The Beverly Hilton on January 5th, 2025, both Gadd and Gunning had expressed their excitement and appreciation for the nominations. In December 2024, when the nominations were announced, Gadd described his feelings of being "beyond thrilled" and acknowledged his long-held aspiration to be present at the prestigious event, surrounded by industry luminaries. He recognized the significance of being nominated alongside established actors like Colin Farrell, Kevin Kline, Cooper Koch, Ewan McGregor, and Andrew Scott. Gunning echoed similar sentiments, expressing overwhelming joy at being nominated alongside her idols and the surreal nature of the experience. She acknowledged the exceptional talent in her category, which included Liza Colón-Zayas, Hannah Einbinder, Dakota Fanning, Allison Janney, and Kali Reis.
Baby Reindeer, which debuted in April 2024, explores the unsettling dynamic between Donny, a comedian navigating the pressures of his profession, and Martha, a woman who develops an obsessive fixation on him. The series delves into the psychological ramifications of stalking, showcasing the toll it takes on Donny’s personal relationships and forcing him to confront unresolved traumas from his past. The narrative explores the complex interplay of obsession, anxiety, and the search for connection in a world often marked by loneliness and alienation.
The unexpected success of the series surprised even Gadd, who initially anticipated a modest reception. He recalled expecting a few text messages from friends and family but was overwhelmed by the immediate and widespread attention the show garnered. In a June 2024 interview on Today With Hoda & Jenna, Gadd described the experience as surreal, noting the rapid rise in popularity and the show’s climb to the top of streaming charts in various countries. He acknowledged the surprising and swift nature of the show’s resonance with audiences worldwide.
Baby Reindeer’s success can be attributed to several factors, including its timely exploration of relevant themes, compelling performances, and nuanced writing. The series tackles the often-underrepresented issue of stalking, shedding light on its psychological impact on victims and the broader societal implications. Gadd and Gunning’s performances anchor the series, providing depth and authenticity to their respective characters. The writing effectively balances the tension and suspense inherent in the premise with moments of dark humor and emotional vulnerability, allowing for a multi-layered exploration of the characters and their motivations. The series remains available for streaming on Netflix, allowing audiences continued access to this thought-provoking and critically acclaimed limited series.
