Last night’s Golden Globes served up a delightful cocktail of expected wins, shocking upsets, and a few moments that left us scratching our heads. With Nikki Glaser steering the ship as host—balancing biting wit with warmth—the night had a vibrancy we haven’t seen in years. Let’s dive into the highlights, surprises, and what this might mean for the awards season ahead.
The Expected Winners
The Golden Globes love a frontrunner, and some victories were a given. The Brutalist walked away with three major awards—Best Drama, Best Director, and Best Actor in a Drama—cementing its place as the film to beat this awards season. Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña also snagged well-deserved wins in the TV acting categories, proving that critical acclaim and audience love can go hand in hand.
The Shocks of the Night
Fernanda Torres Stuns as Best Actress in a Drama
The biggest gasp of the evening came when Fernanda Torres won Best Actress in a Drama for her role in I’m Still Here. Her understated portrayal of a woman enduring the disappearance of her husband during Brazil’s military dictatorship left the audience spellbound—and evidently, the voters too. Beating out heavyweights like Nicole Kidman (Babygirl) and Angelina Jolie (Maria), Torres reminded us that sometimes quiet performances speak the loudest.
Demi Moore Breaks Through with a Win for The Substance
In the Musical or Comedy category, Demi Moore earned her first major acting award for The Substance. After decades in Hollywood, Moore’s emotional speech—reflecting on being dismissed early in her career as a “popcorn actress”—was one of the night’s standout moments. The role of Elisabeth Sparkle, an aging actress taking extreme measures in a body-horror drama, has already sparked Oscar buzz.
Sebastian Stan Takes Best Actor in a Comedy for A Different Man
Sebastian Stan’s darkly comedic performance in A Different Man surprised many, beating frontrunner Jesse Eisenberg (A Real Pain). Stan’s win showcases his versatility and reminds us why he’s one of Hollywood’s most intriguing talents.
When Frontrunners Falter
“Anora” Goes Home Empty-Handed
Despite its Palme d’Or win at Cannes and five Golden Globe nominations, Anora failed to claim any trophies. The exotic dancer dramedy charmed critics but couldn’t sway voters on the night—a surprising snub for director Sean Baker and star Mikey Madison.
“Wicked” Wins Only One Award
Flying into the ceremony with four nominations and a global box office of over $650 million, Wicked walked away with only the Best Cinematic and Box Office Achievement award. While the honor highlights its cultural dominance, the lack of recognition in major categories may temper its awards momentum.
TV Surprises: From Shōgun to Stand-Up
On the small screen, Shōgun star Tadanobu Asano delivered one of the night’s most endearing acceptance speeches after winning Best Supporting Actor. “Maybe you don’t know me,” he quipped. “I’m an actor from Japan, and my name is Tadanobu Asano!” His win, along with Fernanda Torres’, underscored the Globes’ ability to spotlight international talent.
Ali Wong, meanwhile, took home the award for Best Stand-Up Special for Ali Wong: Single Lady, besting Jamie Foxx and even host Nikki Glaser. Glaser, in true comedic fashion, joked, “I may not have won tonight, but I just made $11,000 betting on Ali Wong on a European gambling site.”
What It All Means
The Globes often hint at—but don’t dictate—the Oscar race. With wins for The Brutalist, Emilia Pérez, and The Substance, the evening showcased a diverse array of styles and stories, setting up a fascinating competition for the Academy Awards. Demi Moore’s heartfelt speech could sway voters, while Anora and Wicked still have time to regroup and strategize for the season ahead.
One thing’s for certain: The 2025 awards season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in years. And honestly, isn’t that what makes it fun?
