The 82nd Golden Globe Awards, held on January 5, 2025, at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, delivered a night of glamour, surprise victories, and poignant moments, setting the tone for the upcoming awards season. Hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, the ceremony served as a vibrant celebration of cinematic and television excellence, underscoring Hollywood's creative resilience.
Top Honours and Major Winners
The evening's highest accolades were claimed by 'The Brutalist', which won Best Motion Picture – Drama, and 'Emilia Pérez', which secured Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. Brady Corbet earned the Best Director award for 'The Brutalist', while its star, Adrien Brody, won Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama. 'Emilia Pérez' also triumphed in the Best Original Song category for 'El Mal'.
In television, the historical epic 'Shogun' dominated, winning Best Television Series – Drama. Its stars Anna Sawai and Hiroyuki Sanada won Best Actress and Actor in a Drama Series, respectively, with Tadanobu Asano taking home Best Supporting Actor. The comedy series 'Hacks' and the gripping limited series 'Baby Reindeer' also secured major wins.
Indian Hopes and Notable Snubs
Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia and her Cannes-winning film 'All We Imagine As Light', which had garnered nominations for Best Non-English Language Film and Best Director, did not clinch a Golden Globe. Despite the loss, Kapadia's presence on the global stage marked a significant moment for Indian cinema. The film, also featured on Barack Obama's 2024 watchlist, has received widespread international acclaim.
Memorable Moments and Speeches
The night was filled with emotional highlights. Demi Moore, winning her first major acting award after 45 years for 'The Substance', gave a heartfelt speech expressing shock and gratitude. Sebastian Stan, winning for 'A Different Man', used his platform to advocate for greater representation of disability in media. Host Nikki Glaser's opening monologue, filled with sharp wit and playful jabs at Hollywood, set a lively tone for the evening.
Fashion also made headlines, with stars like Ariana Grande in vintage Givenchy, Kerry Washington in a bold pink gown, and Zendaya sparking engagement rumours with a dazzling ring, turning the red carpet into a spectacle of style.
While some notable stars like Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, and Blake Lively were absent, the ceremony successfully blended humour, celebration, and a recognition of artistic merit, reaffirming the Golden Globes' position as a beloved precursor to the Oscars.
