The 2025 Golden Globes Nominations: Surprises, Snubs, and Trends Shaping the Awards Season

As awards season gears up toward the 82nd Golden Globes, the 2025 nominations have once again delivered a fascinating mix of industry darlings, unexpected breakthroughs, and headline-making snubs. With this being only the second year of the Globes under their new post-HFPA ownership, these nominations have the potential to redefine Hollywood’s awards landscape. And with the Oscars looming on the horizon, every win — or loss — here could set the tone for the months ahead.

If you’re passionate about films and eager to learn more, be sure to check out What’s After the Movie — a comprehensive movie database that not only features in-depth summaries and detailed filmographies, but also offers fun quizzes, curated links to other major industry review hubs (like Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, and Metacritic), and plenty more. Plus, don’t forget to visit the official blog at https://www.whatsafterthemovie.com/blog, where this post is proudly featured.

A Record-Breaking Musical and a Groundbreaking Drama

The story of the 2025 Golden Globe nominations starts with “Emilia Pérez”, Jacques Audiard’s risk-taking, genre-blending musical. This Netflix-acquired feature soared ahead of the competition, topping the charts with a record 10 nominations — the highest ever for a musical or comedy film at the Globes. This daring film about a Mexican drug lord undergoing gender-affirming surgery and embracing a new life is anything but a typical Hollywood musical. Its nods span the top categories, from Best Motion Picture (Musical/Comedy), Best Director, Best Screenplay, to acting noms for Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, and Zoe Saldaña, not to mention original score and original song categories.

Hot on its heels is “The Brutalist”, Brady Corbet’s epic, three-and-a-half-hour historical drama chronicling the trials of a Hungarian architect under an enigmatic patron. With 7 nominations, including Best Motion Picture (Drama), acting nods for Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones, and supporting recognition for Guy Pearce, “The Brutalist” has firmly established itself as a weighty contender. It also grabbed key mentions in the screenplay and score categories, signaling a holistic appreciation by voters.

Over on the musical or comedy side, “Wicked” impressed with both big production values and star power (Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande earned acting nods), while films like “Anora”, “Challengers”, and “A Real Pain” secured their place as the year’s most intriguing crowd-pleasers.

Notable Snubs and Shockers

For every feel-good nomination, there’s a notable snub that leaves critics and fans scratching their heads. Let’s just say the 2025 Golden Globes had their fair share:

• Denis Villeneuve was passed over for a Best Director nomination on “Dune: Part Two”, even as the film clinched a coveted spot in the Best Motion Picture (Drama) lineup. This omission was especially surprising given Villeneuve’s storied track record and previous success with “Dune: Part One.”

• Despite the star-studded nature of “Wicked”, many expected Jonathan Bailey or director Jon M. Chu to get recognition. Instead, the spotlight remained focused on Erivo and Grande, leaving Bailey and Chu fans disappointed.

• Ryan Reynolds, a frequent charmer at awards shows, received no acting nod for the mega-blockbuster “Deadpool & Wolverine”, even though that film was recognized in the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement category.

• Rising stars and breakout performances, like Drew Starkey’s work in “Queer”, were shockingly absent. Similarly, anticipated contenders like Marianne Jean-Baptiste (“Hard Truths”) and Danielle Deadwyler (“The Piano Lesson”) also missed out.

Surprise Inclusions and Breakthroughs

On the flip side, a few surprises triggered celebratory reactions and raised eyebrows:

• “The Substance”, a gory body-horror satire from Coralie Fargeat, not only landed multiple nominations (including best musical or comedy, direction, and two acting nods for Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley) but also signaled that genre films aren’t merely relegated to cult followings — they can captivate major awards voters too.

• Sebastian Stan emerged as a double nominee, pulling off a rare feat with Best Actor nominations in both comedy/musical (“A Different Man”) and drama (“The Apprentice”). This double recognition cements Stan’s status as a Hollywood heavyweight capable of toggling between drastically different roles.

• Selena Gomez soared with dual nods as well. Already beloved by audiences, her supporting turn in “Emilia Pérez” and lead role in the comedic TV hit “Only Murders in the Building” confirmed her artistic versatility.

• And who would have guessed we’d see Pamela Anderson celebrating a nomination for “The Last Showgirl”? This high-profile nod acknowledges her transformative performance and signals a new era in her career.

The TV Side: Standing Strong with “The Bear” and Beyond

While big-screen stories tend to dominate the headlines, 2025’s Golden Globes also honored exceptional work in television. “The Bear” leads with 5 nominations, continuing its streak of awards domination. Shows like “Only Murders in the Building”, “Shogun”, and the surprisingly strong newcomer “Nobody Wants This” each scored multiple nods.

The inclusion of shows not yet released (like the second season of “Squid Game”) stirred controversy and curiosity. How it factors into the final awards tally remains to be seen, but there’s no denying the Globes’ appetite for buzzy, conversation-starting contenders.

Cinematic and Box Office Achievement: A Controversial Yet Evolving Category

Introduced in recent years, the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement category once again draws mixed reactions. It’s populated by grand tentpoles like “Wicked”, “Inside Out 2”, “Deadpool & Wolverine”, and “Gladiator II”, as well as surprise inclusions like “The Wild Robot”. The absence of “Dune: Part Two” here, reportedly due to the studio’s strategic decision not to submit, only amplifies debates about what this category truly represents — is it an olive branch to blockbusters, a “consolation prize,” or a true celebration of cinematic excellence meeting mass appeal?

Regardless, these nominees reflect the industry’s struggles and triumphs in blending artistic merit with widespread audience excitement.

The Bigger Picture: Momentum Toward the Oscars

The Golden Globes are often seen as a bellwether for Oscar nominations. Their choices can validate an early frontrunner or bring new contenders into the conversation. Films like “A Complete Unknown” (the Timothée Chalamet-led Bob Dylan film), “Conclave” (recognized by both Globes and Critics Choice voters), “Emilia Pérez,” “The Brutalist,” and “Dune: Part Two” are quickly securing their place in the Oscar buzz.

At the same time, the Globes have always enjoyed bucking Oscar conventional wisdom. Their recognition of unexpected comedies, musicals, and breakout performers can shape or tilt the awards narrative. This year’s lineup, brimming with genre experiments, epic runtimes, and fresh directorial voices, might well send ripples through the entire awards season.

Explore Films and More with What’s After the Movie

Curious to dive deeper into the films and shows nominated for this year’s Golden Globes? At What’s After the Movie, you’ll find dedicated pages for each nominated film, packed with:

• Comprehensive Movie Summaries: Get the full picture of a film’s plot, themes, and artistry.
• Challenging Quizzes: Test your knowledge and see how well you know the performances, directors, and behind-the-scenes tidbits.
• Additional Info and Links: Explore connections to other top review platforms, read critic’s takes, and discover cast and crew interviews.

All of this and more awaits you on the blog and throughout the site. If an under-the-radar nominee intrigues you, or a surprising snub piques your curiosity, you can easily find all you need to become an informed film enthusiast.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Golden Globes nominations have given us much to mull over. They’re a snapshot of an industry in flux, where high-budget blockbusters can share the spotlight with daring arthouse fare, and where timeless directors and global streaming giants fight for space in the awards conversation. From snubs that leave fans reeling, to triumphs that open new career chapters, this year’s Globes underline the unpredictability and excitement that define Hollywood’s awards season.

No matter who takes home the trophies on January 5, one thing is certain: these nominations have already set the stage for an unforgettable journey toward the Oscars. Stay tuned, and in the meantime, keep exploring and enjoying the richness of film and television storytelling.