ARTICLE | Golden Globes 2025: Independent Films Shine, Surprising Wins Steal the Spotlight

The 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, held on January 5, 2025, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, showcased a diverse array of talent and storytelling, reflecting significant trends in the film industry. Comedian Nikki Glaser hosted the event, marking the first time she led the ceremony solo. (Photo: Reuters/Mario Anzuoni)

Major Winners and Notable Achievements

• Best Motion Picture – Drama: "The Brutalist"

• Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy: "Emilia Pérez"

• Best Director: Brady Corbet for "The Brutalist"

• Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama: Adrien Brody for "The Brutalist"

• Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama: Fernanda Torres for "I'm Still Here"

• Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy: Sebastian Stan for "A Different Man"

• Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy: Demi Moore for "The Substance"

• Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña for "Emilia Pérez"

• Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin for "A Real Pain"

• Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language: "Emilia Pérez"

• Best Motion Picture – Animated: "Flow"

• Cinematic and Box Office Achievement: "Wicked"

Movie Trends

This year's Golden Globes highlighted a shift towards recognizing independent and international cinema. "The Brutalist," a 215-minute postwar epic directed by Brady Corbet, secured multiple awards, including Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director, and Best Actor for Adrien Brody. The film's success underscores a growing appreciation for complex narratives and auteur-driven projects.

"Emilia Pérez," a Spanish-language musical about a transgender Mexican drug kingpin, won Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language, with Zoe Saldaña receiving Best Supporting Actress. This recognition reflects the industry's increasing embrace of diverse stories and representation, acknowledging the global nature of contemporary cinema.

Notably, mainstream blockbusters like "Wicked" were limited to specific categories, with "Wicked" receiving the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement award. This trend indicates a deliberate move by awarding bodies to honor artistic merit and storytelling depth over commercial success.

The Golden Globes

The Golden Globes have long been known for their unique blend of film and television awards, often serving as a precursor to the Oscars while maintaining distinct characteristics. This year's ceremony continued to surprise with unexpected wins, such as Demi Moore's Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for "The Substance," marking her first Golden Globe at age 62. Fernanda Torres's win for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for "I'm Still Here" also defied predictions, highlighting the Globes' tendency to recognize a wide range of talent.

The event's atmosphere, described as lively with unexpected moments, and the presence of a solo female host in Nikki Glaser, reflect the Globes' ongoing efforts to balance tradition with modernization. However, technical issues during the broadcast, such as broken teleprompters and odd camera angles, were noted, reminding audiences of the unpredictable nature of live award shows.

The 2025 Golden Globe Awards not only celebrated outstanding achievements in film and television but also mirrored the industry's evolving landscape, with a notable shift towards inclusivity, recognition of independent cinema, and a blend of expected and surprising honorees.

The Brutalist

Emilia Perez