2025 Golden Globes: Snubs, Wins, Progress, and Diverse Storytelling
The 82nd Annual Golden Globes returned with a dazzling celebration of inclusivity and excellence, highlighting the entertainment industry’s strides in embracing diverse talent and storytelling. Held at the iconic Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, the night showcased a reimagined voting body, now 60% racially and ethnically diverse, reflecting the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s (HFPA) ongoing commitment to equity.
Zoe Saldaña and ‘Wicked’ Take Center Stage
Zoe Saldaña shone brightly as she secured her first Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in Emilia Pérez. Meanwhile, Wicked earned the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement Award, celebrating its cultural and financial impact as a standout cinematic experience.
Honoring Viola Davis and Legendary Performers
The evening also paid tribute to Viola Davis, who had been honored days earlier with the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Gala. Davis returned to the stage to present the Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama award, embodying the spirit of representation and excellence.
Zendaya captivated the audience with her homage to Hollywood’s legendary past through her stunning wardrobe, while luminaries such as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Kerry Washington, and Colman Domingo graced the stage as presenters.
Notable Wins and Snubs
Despite some well deserved, some anticipated wins for fan-favorite performances didn’t materialize:
- Denzel Washington, celebrated for his role in Gladiator II, was edged out in the Best Supporting Actor category by Kieran Culkin for his performance in A Real Pain.
- Jamie Foxx, whose Netflix special What Had Happened Was… earned widespread acclaim, lost the Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television award to Ali Wong’s Single Lady.
- Colman Domingo, a strong contender for his role in Sing Sing, saw Adrien Brody win Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for The Brutalist.
A Night to Remember
Hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, the ceremony balanced humor and heartfelt moments, with a guest list including Zendaya, Morris Chestnut, Cynthia Erivo, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Quinta Brunson, and Ariana DeBose. While Nickel Boys, an adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, fell short of winning Best Motion Picture – Drama.
The 2025 Golden Globes offered a glimpse of Hollywood’s evolving landscape, celebrating notable achievements while leaving room for continued progress in recognizing outstanding talent and stories.
Click here for the full list of winners at the 82nd Annual Golden Globes.
