The 2025 Golden Globe Awards shone a spotlight on powerful performances and groundbreaking storytelling, with Emilia Perez and The Brutalist emerging as the dominant forces in film, while Shogun took center stage in the television categories.
Emilia Perez, a captivating operatic musical that explores the journey of a Mexican drug lord transitioning gender, captured several prestigious awards, including Best Comedy or Musical, Best Non-English Language Film, and Best Song. The film’s star, Zoe Saldana, was recognized as Best Supporting Actress, while trans actress Karla Sofia Gascon delivered a poignant acceptance speech on identity and resilience. Gascon’s words resonated deeply: “The light always wins over darkness. You can maybe put us in jail. You can beat us up. But you never can take away our soul or existence or identity… I am who I am. Not who you want.”
The Brutalist, a postwar epic starring Adrien Brody as a Hungarian architect adjusting to life in the US after World War II, earned Best Drama, Best Actor for Brody, and Best Director for Brady Corbet. The film’s poignant exploration of identity and belonging in post-war America struck a chord with critics and audiences alike.
In a night filled with emotional speeches, Demi Moore received her first Golden Globe award in her 45-year career for her role in The Substance. Reflecting on her journey in Hollywood, Moore shared an empowering message for all actors facing obstacles: “Thirty years ago, I had a producer tell me that I was a popcorn actress. When I came across the script for The Substance, it felt like the universe telling me, ‘you’re not done.’”
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While Wicked, the highly anticipated prequel to The Wizard of Oz, missed out on individual acting awards for its stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, it took home the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement Prize. Director Jon M. Chu passionately expressed the importance of creating art in challenging times: “In a time where pessimism and cynicism rule the planet, we can still make art that is a radical act of optimism, empowerment, and joy.”
Television also had its share of notable winners, with Shogun dominating the small screen. The Japanese historical drama secured three acting awards and Best Drama, cementing its place as a frontrunner in this year’s TV categories.
In the limited series category, Baby Reindeer had a standout night, with Jessica Gunning winning Best Supporting Actress and the series clinching Best Limited Series. Series creator Richard Gadd spoke about the importance of dark stories in reflecting the complexities of human existence: “I think for a while now, there’s been this belief in television that stories that are too dark and complicated won’t sell. But I think right now, when the world’s in the state that it’s in, and people are struggling, we need stories that speak to the complicated and difficult nature of our times.”
The Golden Globes 2025 celebrated a diverse array of stories and performances, showcasing both the power of resilience and the radical optimism that art brings to the world. The night proved that, even in uncertain times, storytelling remains a vital source of strength and reflection for audiences everywhere.
