Golden Globes 2025: Highlights and Surprises

The 82nd Golden Globes, held at the historic Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, dazzled with a stellar mix of comedic roasts, tearful acceptance speeches, and jaw-dropping upsets. Hollywood’s brightest stars gathered for one of the year’s most prestigious events, and the evening delivered a host of unforgettable moments that will resonate through the remainder of awards season—especially with the 97th Oscars looming on the horizon. The night featured a range of cinematic and television achievements, spotlighting fresh talent and seasoned icons alike. Below, we dive into the stand-out moments, including Nikki Glaser’s hilarious hosting style, the surprising wins that rewrote awards predictions, and the heartwarming family moments that gave this show an extra boost of warmth.

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Nikki Glaser’s Show-Stopping Comedy

Glaser’s Historic Role as Host

The ceremony kicked off with a burst of energy courtesy of Nikki Glaser, who made Golden Globes history as the first standalone female host of the event. Famous for her incisive and playful stand-up routines, Glaser wasted no time poking fun at Hollywood royalty. She likened the night to “Ozempic’s biggest night,” a cheeky nod to the weight-loss drug that’s making waves around Los Angeles, and moved on to parody Timothée Chalamet’s name and facial hair—complete with an amusing snippet of Adam Sandler attempting “Chalamet” in his signature comedic voice.

Celebrity Roasts and Musical Mishaps

Glaser’s comedic jabs extended to other big names in the room, including Selena Gomez and her fiancé Benny Blanco, quipping that the music producer’s presence at the Globes must have been conjured by a genie. Adding to the night’s eccentricities, she attempted a mash-up performance of “Wicked” and “Conclave,” calling the hybrid tune “Pope-ular.” Dressed in clerical garb and armed with Glinda’s wand, Glaser pretended to receive a note in her earpiece from producers that the skit just wasn’t cutting it. She then pivoted to a comedic tally of thank-you speeches, revealing that “God, creator of the universe,” got zero mentions—proof, she joked, of Hollywood’s “Godless town” reputation.

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Family Night at the Globes

Beloved Parents and Heartfelt Tributes

This year’s Globes took on an especially wholesome tenor, thanks to the many stars who chose to bring parents and loved ones as their red-carpet dates. Zoe Saldana, who later scored a big win for her supporting role in “Emilia Pérez,” arrived with her mother Asalia Nazario. Ariana Grande, nominated for her turn in “Wicked,” was joined by her mother Joan Grande, while Margaret Qualley proudly introduced her father Paul to the star-studded crowd.

Adrien Brody’s Emotional Moment

Fresh off his best actor win for “The Brutalist,” Adrien Brody moved viewers by dedicating his award to his parents, Sylvia Plachy and Elliot Brody, who were also present to cheer him on. Drawing parallels between his family’s immigrant journey and his character’s arc in the film, Brody’s heartfelt speech underscored the night’s recurring theme: art transcends barriers, reflecting real-world struggles while also bringing hope.

Fernanda Torres’s Surprise Triumph

Another highlight was Fernanda Torres, who clinched the trophy for best female actor in a drama motion picture for the Brazilian film “I’m Still Here.” She paid tribute to her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, the first Brazilian ever nominated for a Globe. Torres marveled at how art endures, even in trying global circumstances. In a tearful acceptance speech, she also emphasized the importance of resilience, reflecting her movie’s core message about surviving in tough times.

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Major Wins and Shocking Upsets

Kieran Culkin Over Denzel Washington

In one of the most stunning twists of the evening, Kieran Culkin beat out none other than Denzel Washington in the best supporting actor, drama category. Culkin, who’s primarily known for his Emmy-winning turn in “Succession,” triumphed for his feature film role in “A Real Pain,” directed by Jesse Eisenberg. Given Washington’s revered status and early awards buzz for “Gladiator II,” Culkin’s victory immediately set social media abuzz, fueling speculation that he could be a dark horse at the Oscars.

Tadanobu Asano Outshines Ebon Moss-Bachrach

Television categories also featured a surprise when Tadanobu Asano of “Shōgun” snagged best male supporting actor in a TV series over Ebon Moss-Bachrach—the two-time Emmy winner from “The Bear.” Moss-Bachrach was considered a frontrunner, but Asano’s portrayal of Kashigi Yabushige resonated with voters, demonstrating the growing influence of international prestige dramas within the U.S. awards circuit.

Emilia Pérez Dominates Non-English Film Category

Another big moment was the best non-English film victory for “Emilia Pérez,” starring Zoe Saldana and Karla Sofía Gascón. Despite fierce competition—including “All We Imagine as Light,” which boasts a rare 100% Rotten Tomatoes score—“Emilia Pérez” impressed viewers and critics alike. The film had already garnered significant momentum by winning the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and thriving on Netflix. Its success at the Globes further propelled it as a key contender for awards season glory.

Demi Moore’s First Globe for ‘The Substance’

One of the evening’s most touching wins came when Demi Moore, a veteran of Hollywood for nearly five decades, captured her first Golden Globe for best actress in a musical or comedy for “The Substance.” Visibly emotional, Moore recalled a conversation from years prior in which she was dismissed as a “popcorn actress,” describing how that label plagued her self-confidence. The wacky horror-comedy script for “The Substance” reignited her passion, and her triumphant moment at the Globes now positions her as a serious contender for an Oscar.

Flow’s Animated Upset

A more unexpected upset materialized in the best animated feature category. Despite “Inside Out 2” grossing over a billion dollars at the worldwide box office and “The Wild Robot” garnering glowing reviews, it was the modestly budgeted Latvian film “Flow,” directed by Gints Zilbalodis, that seized the trophy. With its distinct storytelling and artistic flair, “Flow” reminded everyone that awards are about more than just box office success; they’re also about creativity and innovation.

Wicked Takes Best Cinematic & Box Office Achievement

The show unveiled a relatively new category—best cinematic & box office achievement—that led to one of the night’s most unexpected results: “Wicked” unseated the year’s two top earners, “Inside Out 2” and “Deadpool & Wolverine,” by successfully merging critical acclaim with commercial popularity. Notably, “Wicked” sits at #6 in 2024’s box office rankings, making its Globe an excellent example of how storytelling magic and cultural impact can outweigh raw financial totals in the eyes of Golden Globes voters.

Fernanda Torres Outdoes Angelina Jolie

The final surprise shook the crowd when Fernanda Torres toppled Angelina Jolie in the best actress, drama category. Jolie, lauded for her stunning performance in the Netflix biopic “Maria,” was widely viewed as a sure bet for her second Oscar. Torres’s emotionally charged portrayal in “I’m Still Here” flips the awards race upside down, bringing renewed excitement for the Academy Awards in March.

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Memorable Speeches and Emotional Moments

Demi Moore’s Tearful Reflection

A career-defining moment came for Demi Moore, who, at the age of 62, said she had never before won an acting award of this magnitude. After decades of hits and heartbreaks on the silver screen, she expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to redefine herself as an actress through “The Substance.” Her words about not letting past judgments shape one’s self-worth resonated with many in the room, eliciting a standing ovation.

Colin Farrell’s Lighthearted Acknowledgments

Contrasting Moore’s tearful acceptance, Colin Farrell served up a breezy, humor-infused speech when he claimed his best actor award for “The Penguin,” insisting that nobody but himself deserved praise—at least before quickly pivoting to thank the entire cast and crew who made the series possible. His remarks about the dedicated prosthetics team and “Carolina” from craft services demonstrated how behind-the-scenes collaboration is indispensable, even when a big star is front-and-center of a high-profile show.

Jon Chu and the Joy of Bringing People Together

The best cinematic & box office achievement went to “Wicked,” and director Jon Chu took the opportunity to underscore how the production united audiences from different backgrounds. He spoke earnestly about how movies can break down barriers and create communal experiences—an ethos at the heart of every big-screen musical. His acceptance speech stood as a testament to film’s power to simultaneously inspire, entertain, and connect.

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Fashion Highlights and Red-Carpet Glamour

Midas Touch: A Golden Night

The 2025 Golden Globes delivered plenty of stunning fashion moments. The red carpet sparkled with metallic hues, particularly in gold designs donned by stars like Ariana Grande, Cate Blanchett, Kristen Bell, and Elle Fanning. Host Nikki Glaser shone in a custom Prabal Gurung gown that she joked was more “accessory” than practicality, given the tiny gold purse she carried for decorative effect.

Saturated Colors and Daring Silhouettes

Beyond the gilded glam, bright pops of color stole the spotlight. Dakota Fanning turned heads in a vibrant red Dolce & Gabbana ensemble complete with a dramatic thigh-high slit, while Angelina Jolie chose a refined Alexander McQueen creation adorned in shimmering silver beads. A few attendees opted for edgier looks, illustrating the Globes as an awards show willing to push fashion boundaries before the more traditional Oscars night.

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Conclusion: Shifting Narratives Ahead of the Oscars

With countless surprises, memorable speeches, and transformative performances, the 82nd Golden Globes stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of awards season. From Kieran Culkin unexpectedly toppling the legendary Denzel Washington to Fernanda Torres besting Angelina Jolie, the night sent shockwaves through the usual predictions circuit. Add in the comedic brilliance of Nikki Glaser and emotional acceptance speeches by the likes of Demi Moore and Adrien Brody, and you have a Globes that will live on in Hollywood lore. It all sets an exhilarating stage for the 97th Oscars, where some of these newly minted underdogs could maintain their momentum—or just as easily make way for a fresh round of upsets. One thing is for certain: the 2025 awards season narrative is far from written, and these results only serve to underscore how delightfully unpredictable it can be.