2025 Golden Globes: Speeches Sparkle, Trophies Tarnish

2025 Golden Globes: Speeches Sparkle, Trophies Tarnish

4 minute read
Published: 1/6/2025

At the 82nd Golden Globes on January 5, 2025, 'The Brutalist' took home Best Motion Picture – Drama, while Pamela Anderson proved she can still steal the spotlight in 'The Last Showgirl'.

This year's Golden Globes not only celebrated cinematic excellence with 'The Brutalist' snagging Best Motion Picture – Drama and Adrien Brody's triumph as Best Actor, but also showcased Pamela Anderson's unexpected return to form, earning her Best Actress in a Drama. With a blend of drama and, naturally, some over-the-top moments (we're looking at you, 'Wicked'), the awards remind us that Hollywood continues to surprise—usually right after you think it couldn't get any stranger.

While 'The Brutalist' took home the dramatic crown, 'Wicked' soared above its peers as Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical. The musical about a couple of witches truly delighted audiences, leading many to wonder if anyone might have accidentally mistaken it for a documentary about the 2020 election. The irony of a show about misunderstood witches defeating an oppressive system struck a chord with many viewers, as they reminisced about their own experiences with rude neighbors and their overbearing HOA boards.

Best Director this year went to Jacques Audiard for 'Emilia Pérez,' which also won Best Screenplay and Best Non-English Language Film. As the owner of three bizarrely unconventional awards, Audiard was probably wondering how his name could inspire such a crop of puns at dinner parties. "To direct or not to direct? That is the Audiard," he chuckled during his acceptance speech, leaving an audience of confused critics attempting to decipher whether that was a joke or an existential crisis.

The best part? In a strikingly groundbreaking decision, the award for Best Supporting Actor went to Yura Borisov for 'Anora,' helping to catalyze a growing wave of recognition for talent previously lost in theatrical shadows. Meanwhile, Selena Gomez snagged Best Supporting Actress for 'Emilia Pérez,' further cementing her place as a versatile performer. This leads us to a pressing question: when do we get to recognize the support that awards shows provide to the wardrobe departments of these actors?

When it came to stand-up, Jamie Foxx won with his show 'What Had Happened Was,' once again proving that comedians are great at telling stories – especially those that find themselves muddled in a bizarre and convoluted mess of existential uncertainties. I mean, can anyone really blame him for cracking jokes about the layers of absurdity that compose modern life?

As nominees sobbed, gasped, and clutched their golden statues, more than a few heartfelt speeches made sure to mention how satisfying it was to be recognized. For many actors, the chance to stand in front of a dazzled audience and say something both poignant and mildly embarrassing is a bit like winning the lottery, except less lucrative and more prone to awkward pauses.

Looking beyond the glamour, awards night was sprinkled with innovative categories that acknowledged the very best of television although a particular stagger towards personal storytelling seems to prevail. 'Shogun' earned the title of Best Television Series - Drama while 'Abbott Elementary' took the Comedy crown with its nerdy yet endearing approach to life in a public school. Each winner gave their press department a little more to work with, handily crafting narratives that would accompany the next season's storylines.

Colin Farrell pleasantly surprised everyone by winning Best Actor in a Limited Series for 'The Penguin.' With Oscar buzz on the horizon, Farrell paid homage to the mysterious art of limited series, remarking, "It's like being briefly invited to a party and still managing to leave with the doggie bag after your contribution to the cheese platter. Never try too hard, because it might work out." For a man who once donned a kilt for a movie, he is unapologetically unfiltered.

Cate Blanchett's artistry also stood out as she was awarded Best Actress in a Limited Series for 'Disclaimer.' Blanchett brought her theatrical chops to the small screen, reminding us all why we keep watching simply to see what she will sexily wield next—be it an award statue or a dubious character. The world is lucky to have such a fine example of how to stay cool in the chaos of fame. Her acceptance speech? An emotionally charged microcosm of human experience and celebrity-life ridiculousness.

In the spirit of lighthearted competition, the night also saw the honour of Best Original Score going to Volker Bertelmann for 'Conclave.' With an evocative score that makes waiting in your dentist’s office feel like an epic moment of dramatic tension, the audience pondered whether it will become the next overplayed promo score in product ads. We can see it: sneakers, a fun jump cut montage of high energy, and Bertelmann's thumping soundtrack drenching the scene.

As the curtain closed on this year's Golden Globes, one thing stood out clearer than the tarnished awards themselves: the desire for fresh stories and compelling performances remains vibrant. The chase for untold tales and experiences makes this award season feel like a never-ending buffet where the food is sometimes questionable, but you also hope to leave with a nugget of perspective—or at least a PR point. With winners galore making a mark this year, the only certainty left is that next year, the Globes will be... well, just as surreal.