The 2025 Golden Globes, the 82nd annual celebration of film and television excellence, unfolded as a night of memorable moments, spearheaded by the sharp wit of host Nikki Glaser. Glaser, the first woman to solo host the prestigious event, delivered a cutting-edge monologue that playfully targeted celebrities like Glen Powell, Timothée Chalamet, and Ben Affleck, setting a humorous tone for the evening. The ceremony, held in Beverly Hills on January 5th, saw FX’s “The Bear” and Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building” leading the television nominations with five and four respectively, while Netflix’s “Emilia Pérez” dominated the film categories with ten nominations, closely followed by “The Brutalist” with seven.
Beyond the anticipation of the award announcements, the Golden Globes provided a platform for touching acceptance speeches and amusing interludes. Demi Moore’s heartfelt words resonated with the audience, while comedic skits featuring presenters like Catherine O’Hara and Seth Rogen added levity to the proceedings. The spotlight shone brightly on “Emilia Pérez,” which secured four wins, establishing itself as a major victor of the night. However, the evening was filled with numerous highlights that captured the attention of viewers and industry insiders alike.
The red carpet shimmered with sartorial elegance, showcasing the fashion prowess of stars like Zendaya and Ariana Grande. Zendaya, nominated for “The Challengers,” captivated onlookers in a custom Louis Vuitton gown, while Grande channeled her upcoming role as Glinda in “Wicked” with a vintage pale-yellow Hubert de Givenchy creation, a nod to the iconic yellow brick road. Their appearances, among others, cemented the Golden Globes as a stage for both artistic achievement and dazzling style.
Nikki Glaser’s comedic prowess infused the evening with both laughter and gasps. Her opening monologue, punctuated by jabs at Ozempic and playful remarks about Timothée Chalamet’s facial hair and Glen Powell’s ubiquity in 2024’s film landscape, showcased her fearless comedic style. Glaser didn’t shy away from more sensitive topics either, referencing Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ongoing legal issues while praising Zendaya’s performances in “Dune 2” and “Challengers.” Her audacious humor set the tone for an evening that embraced both celebration and satire.
Personal moments dotted the ceremony, adding emotional depth to the glitz and glamour. Kieran Culkin, accepting his Best Supporting Actor award, charmed the audience with his candid admission of tequila-induced giddiness, a shared indulgence with Mario Lopez. His playful rush through his thank-yous, driven by the impending “playoff” music, and the display of temporary tattoos, potentially crafted by his children, added a touch of endearing spontaneity. Culkin’s genuine reaction provided a heartwarming contrast to the polished formality often associated with awards ceremonies.
The Golden Globes also served as a showcase for Hollywood’s power couples. Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner made a discreet yet notable appearance, observed inside the venue alongside Chalamet’s “A Complete Unknown” colleagues. Selena Gomez and fiancé Benny Blanco, highlighted in Glaser’s monologue, added to the star-studded atmosphere. Established couples Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons, along with Leighton Meester and Adam Brody, further emphasized the event’s blend of professional recognition and personal celebration.
Canadian camaraderie took center stage as Seth Rogen and Catherine O’Hara presented the award for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Limited Series. Their playful banter, centered on fictional Canadian accolades and obscure projects, highlighted their shared heritage and comedic synergy. O’Hara’s fabricated “golden antler” award for “The Alanis Morissette Story” and Rogen’s “Gosling” biopic provided a lighthearted moment of national pride within the predominantly American awards ceremony. Their skit served as a refreshing reminder of the diverse talent contributing to the entertainment industry.
Demi Moore’s acceptance speech for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy, for her role in “The Substance,” resonated with raw emotion. Her vulnerability in sharing past insecurities, including being labeled a “popcorn actress,” and her gratitude for the opportunity to overcome self-doubt, captivated the audience. Moore’s message of self-worth and embracing opportunities, inspired by the film’s message, resonated as a powerful testament to resilience and the enduring pursuit of one’s craft. Her triumph served as an inspiration to many.
The evening was also tinged with sadness, as Audrey Plaza’s absence was explained by the tragic loss of her husband, Jeff Baena. The screenwriter’s death, later confirmed as a suicide, cast a somber shadow over the event. Brady Corbet, director of “The Brutalist,” acknowledged Plaza’s loss during his acceptance speech, offering a poignant moment of empathy and remembrance. This sobering reminder of life’s fragility underscored the spectrum of human experience present even amidst celebration.
Surprises and controversies added further layers to the evening’s narrative. The shutout of “Only Murders in the Building,” despite its multiple nominations, surprised viewers, while Vin Diesel’s unexpected acknowledgment of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, given their past feud, raised eyebrows. These unforeseen moments added an element of unpredictability, keeping the Golden Globes a dynamic and engaging event.
Ultimately, “Emilia Pérez” emerged as a major winner, securing four awards including the coveted Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy. Zoe Saldaña’s win for Best Supporting Female Actor, Film, along with the film’s recognition for Best Original Song and Best Picture, Non-English Language, cemented its status as a critical and commercial success. “The Brutalist” also achieved significant recognition, securing Best Motion Picture, Drama, Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama for Adrien Brody, and Best Director, Motion Picture. “Shōgun” dominated the television categories, racking up four wins, including Best Television Series, Drama, highlighting the global reach of content recognized by the Golden Globes. The 2025 Golden Globes, punctuated by humor, heartfelt speeches, and unexpected moments, proved to be a captivating start to the awards season, celebrating both established stars and emerging talents.
