Golden Globe Awards 2025: A Night of Glamour, Triumph, and Powerful Messages

Golden Globe Awards 2025: A Night of Glamour, Triumph, and Powerful Messages

Edited by TJVNews.com

 The 2025 Golden Globe Awards marked the grand opening of this year’s awards season in dazzling style, celebrating the brightest talents in film and television. Hosted on Sunday, January 5, at the iconic Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, the evening delivered not only memorable victories but also impassioned speeches and breathtaking red carpet moments. As PEOPLE Magazine reported, the night commenced with the red carpet opening at 6 p.m. EST, followed by the official ceremony at 8 p.m. EST.

From high-fashion statements to heartfelt acceptance speeches, the Golden Globes brought together Hollywood’s biggest names in a celebration of creative brilliance. PEOPLE not only covered the winners as they were announced but also provided a front-row seat to the most talked-about celebrity moments, cast reunions, and couples’ appearances on the red carpet. This year’s Golden Globes truly underscored the enduring power of storytelling across film and television.

The grand finale of the night came with the award for Best Picture — Musical or Comedy, which saw Emilia Pérez triumph over stiff competition, including the highly anticipated Wicked. As PEOPLE highlighted, the win was met with thunderous applause, and director Jacques Audiard delivered a brief yet poignant acknowledgment of the team behind the film.

However, the emotional core of the moment came from lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón, whose acceptance speech resonated far beyond the glittering stage. Speaking with raw emotion, Gascón declared, “You can maybe put us in jail, you can beat us up, but you never can take away our soul, our existence, our identity.” Her powerful words addressed the struggles faced by the transgender community and served as a reminder of the resilience embedded in both her personal journey and the film’s narrative.

“I am who I am, not who you want,” Gascón concluded, leaving the audience visibly moved. As PEOPLE noted, this moment will be remembered as one of the most impactful speeches in Golden Globe history.

In the Best Picture — Drama category, The Brutalist emerged victorious, a powerful 3.5-hour period drama directed by Brady Corbet. According to PEOPLE, Corbet’s speech revealed the uphill battle he faced in bringing the film to the screen.

“I was told my film wouldn’t work,” Corbet shared candidly. “I was told that this film was indistrubutable. I was told that no one would come out and see it.” Despite these obstacles, the film’s victory at the Golden Globes is a testament to the unwavering vision of its director and the cast’s dedication to the project.

Corbet ended his speech with a heartfelt plea: “Films don’t exist without the filmmakers. Please. Let’s support them.” His words underscored the importance of creative freedom and the enduring value of artistic expression—an essential message in an era where filmmaking often faces commercial pressures. As PEOPLE reported, the audience responded with a standing ovation, acknowledging the courage and vision that brought The Brutalist to life.

In one of the night’s most emotional moments, Adrien Brody won the Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture — Drama for his role in The Brutalist. Brody’s acceptance speech, as covered by PEOPLE, was a deeply personal reflection on his long and often challenging career.

“I will cherish this moment forever,” Brody began, his voice heavy with emotion. He went on to share insights from his journey as an actor and the profound message of the film. The speech was not only a celebration of his achievement but also a tribute to perseverance in the face of doubt and hardship.

Brody also took a moment to acknowledge his girlfriend, Georgina Chapman, praising her “resilience.” As PEOPLE noted, Chapman, previously married to Harvey Weinstein, has faced her own set of challenges in recent years. Brody’s heartfelt tribute to her added an extra layer of sincerity to his speech, making it one of the standout moments of the evening.

On the television front, two shows dominated the evening: Shōgun and Hacks. As PEOPLE reported, both series not only captivated audiences throughout the year but also earned critical acclaim for their storytelling and performances.

Shōgun, based on the legendary novel, brought an epic historical narrative to life with meticulous detail and compelling performances. Meanwhile, Hacks continued to shine with its razor-sharp wit and heartfelt exploration of complex characters.

The dual victories highlighted the diversity of storytelling on television, showcasing both grand historical epics and contemporary comedies as equally powerful forms of artistic expression.

In one of the most competitive categories of the night, Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres took home the Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture — Drama for her remarkable role in the foreign-language film, I’m Still Here. According to PEOPLE, Torres beat out formidable contenders, including Angelina Jolie and Tilda Swinton, to secure her well-deserved win.

During her acceptance speech, Torres expressed both humility and gratitude, admitting she hadn’t prepared remarks because simply being nominated alongside such talented peers was already an honor. “I didn’t prepare anything because I was glad already, and this is such an amazing year for female performances,” she said, acknowledging the wealth of talent represented in her category.

Torres also paid a touching tribute to her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, a fellow Brazilian acting legend who attended the Golden Globes 25 years ago after her critically acclaimed role in Central Station (1999). As PEOPLE noted, the moment was not just about Torres’ personal achievement but also a celebration of her family’s enduring legacy in global cinema.

The night was equally triumphant for the acclaimed television series Shōgun, which emerged victorious in two major categories. As PEOPLE reported, actress Anna Sawai won the Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series — Drama for her portrayal of Toda Mariko. Sawai’s powerful and nuanced performance captivated both audiences and critics, making her win a celebrated moment of the evening.

The series also took home the prestigious award for Best Television Series — Drama, further cementing its status as one of the most compelling and critically acclaimed shows of the year. The combination of rich storytelling, intricate character arcs, and stunning visuals set Shōgun apart from its competition.

When accepting the award, series co-creator Paul W. Downs addressed the audience with humility and humor. “We are so lucky to get to tell this story … We’re honored to be in this room with all of these storytellers,” he said. According to PEOPLE, Downs also revealed that production for the next season was already underway, humorously reminding the cast and crew of their 6 a.m. call time the following day and playfully advising the room not to let Jean Smart take too many shots at the afterparties.

While the cameras focused on the stage, PEOPLE Magazine provided a glimpse into the playful and intimate behind-the-scenes moments that unfolded inside the Beverly Hilton ballroom. Getty photographers captured candid interactions that offered fans an unfiltered look at Hollywood’s biggest stars in their element.

Among the standout moments were Dax Shepard playfully planting a kiss on Adam Brody’s cheek, delighting onlookers and drawing laughter from nearby guests. Meanwhile, Selena Gomez was spotted spending time with her fiancé Benny Blanco, as well as catching up with her Only Murders in the Building co-stars Steve Martin and Martin Short.

According to PEOPLE, another reunion stole the spotlight when Harrison Ford and Glenn Close shared a nostalgic moment, recalling their time together on Air Force One. The playful camaraderie between Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet, and Kylie Jenner also drew attention, as Zendaya was seen giving the couple a warm hug.

In another lighthearted exchange, Naomi Watts received a quick assist from her husband, Billy Crudup, who helped adjust her stunning gown—a testament to Hollywood’s softer, more human side.

Humor is always a key ingredient at the Golden Globes, and Melissa McCarthy delivered one of the evening’s most memorable comedic moments while introducing the nominees for Best Television Series — Musical or Comedy. According to PEOPLE, McCarthy playfully commented on The Bear, joking, “The Bear really opened my eyes about the severity of cocaine addiction in the bear community.”

Her co-presenter, Awkwafina, was quick to interject with, “I think that’s Cocaine Bear, which was a movie.” Unfazed, McCarthy doubled down: “Okay, I still want to use my platform to raise awareness about bear-related cocaine addiction in film or television.”

The lighthearted moment drew laughter from the audience, reminding viewers of the Golden Globes’ unique ability to balance heartfelt gratitude with sharp comedic timing.

While presenting at the Golden Globes, Melissa McCarthy once again showcased her trademark comedic wit. As PEOPLE highlighted, McCarthy didn’t stop with her earlier quip about The Bear and “bear-related cocaine addiction.” She went on to add, “I also want to invoke my advocacy and go on record as being against murders in condos and townhouses, duplexes and, of course, on watercraft.” The joke drew roaring laughter from the audience and cemented McCarthy’s status as one of Hollywood’s most beloved comedic voices.

One of the most prestigious awards of the night, Best Limited Series, Anthology Series, or TV Movie, went to the acclaimed series Baby Reindeer. As PEOPLE reported, Richard Gadd, the series’ star and creator, accepted the honor with humility and gratitude. Gadd thanked Hollywood for embracing his deeply personal and emotionally raw story, saying, “Thank you for welcoming this show and my messed-up kind of story.”

The win underscored the series’ profound impact on audiences and critics alike, with its unflinching portrayal of complex emotions and deeply human struggles.

The Golden Globes also served as a reunion stage for Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie, co-stars from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Stan, who won a Golden Globe for his role in A Different Man, was captured by PEOPLE sharing a warm backstage hug with Mackie.

Earlier in the evening, Mackie lightheartedly addressed their friendship while presenting alongside Harrison Ford. “We’re still friends with Sebastian Stan, by the way,” Mackie joked, drawing chuckles from the audience. PEOPLE noted that this reunion highlighted not only their enduring camaraderie but also the way these on-screen relationships often transcend into real-life friendships.

One of the most talked-about moments of the night came when Vin Diesel and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson shared a brief but symbolic interaction during the ceremony. As PEOPLE reported, Diesel took to the stage to present the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement Award and casually said, “Hi Dwayne,” as the camera cut to Johnson, who responded with a knowing smile.

This subtle exchange followed Johnson’s 2023 post on X (formerly Twitter), where he shared that the two actors had “put all the past behind us.” Johnson wrote, “We’ll lead with brotherhood and resolve — and always take care of the franchise, characters & FANS that we love.”

As PEOPLE highlighted, the night’s lighthearted moment served as a hopeful sign that the once-infamous feud between the two action stars is firmly in the past.

The award for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement ultimately went to Wicked, a highly anticipated blockbuster adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical.

Legendary musician Elton John made an appearance at the Golden Globes to present the award for Best Original Score — Motion Picture. According to PEOPLE, John addressed recent concerns about his health and eyesight, saying, “My eyesight is not as bad as it seems.”

In classic Elton fashion, he added humor to the moment by jokingly thanking his co-presenter Rihanna”, before revealing that it was actually Brandi Carlile standing beside him.

The award ultimately went to Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross for their masterful work on the Challengers soundtrack. The win was a celebration of their continued excellence in crafting evocative and powerful musical scores.

Another lighthearted and heartwarming moment came from Kylie Jenner and her boyfriend, Timothée Chalamet. As PEOPLE reported, Jenner was spotted snapping candid photos of Chalamet as they sat side by side in the Beverly Hilton ballroom. The couple, who have remained relatively private about their relationship, seemed relaxed and happy during the event.

This small yet endearing moment captured by PEOPLE provided fans with a glimpse of their affectionate dynamic and served as a reminder of how the Golden Globes often double as both an awards show and an intimate gathering of Hollywood’s elite.

In a historic first, Flow, an animated feature film from Latvia, took home the award for Best Motion Picture — Animated, defeating heavyweight nominees from Disney and other global animation studios. As PEOPLE reported, this win marks not only the first victory but also the first nomination for a Latvian film at the Golden Globes.

The success of Flow represents a significant milestone for international cinema, highlighting the increasing recognition of storytelling talent beyond Hollywood’s borders. This victory not only brought pride to Latvia but also shone a spotlight on the emerging talent of Eastern European animators, as noted by PEOPLE.

Winning the Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy for his transformative role in A Different Man, Sebastian Stan delivered one of the night’s most heartfelt acceptance speeches. As PEOPLE highlighted, Stan took the opportunity to express deep gratitude toward his loved ones, delivering poignant words to his family and his partner, Annabelle Wallis.

“Annabelle, I love you,” Stan declared to his girlfriend, drawing warm applause from the audience. His speech then turned to his mother and stepfather. “This is for my mom, who left Romania in search of a better life, gave me everything, and for my stepfather, Tony, who took on a single mom and a grown-up kid. Thank you for being a real man.”

Stan’s words, as captured by PEOPLE, painted a picture of resilience, love, and gratitude, reminding audiences of the deeply personal stories that often lie behind Hollywood success.

For Demi Moore, the evening was nothing short of transformative. The actress won her first-ever Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy for her bold and daring performance as Elisabeth Sparkle in the horror film The Substance.

As PEOPLE reported, Moore’s acceptance speech was both raw and reflective. “This is the first time I’ve ever won anything as an actor, and I’m just so humbled and so grateful,” Moore began, her voice breaking with emotion.

She went on to share a deeply personal moment from her career, recalling how an early director once dismissed her as a “popcorn actress.” The comment lingered in her mind for years, especially as she faced the ups and downs of her Hollywood career. However, Moore revealed that discovering the “absolutely bonkers script” for The Substance reignited her passion.

“The universe told me that you’re not done,” Moore said tearfully, adding gratitude for “the people who’ve believed in me when I haven’t believed in myself.” As PEOPLE noted, her speech resonated deeply, capturing the essence of perseverance in an industry known for its highs and lows.

While Taylor Swift has been a fixture at awards shows over the years, her absence from the 2025 Golden Globes did not go unnoticed. As PEOPLE pointed out, Swift had last attended the Globes in 2024 as a nominee in the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement category and before that in 2020.

Swift, who usually graces music awards ceremonies, made headlines with her glamorous appearance at last year’s Globes. However, this year she opted to skip the event, leaving fans and media alike speculating about her absence. Despite not attending, Swift’s presence was still felt as conversations buzzed about her previous nominations and her impact on music-related cinema.

The 2025 Golden Globe Awards, as extensively covered by PEOPLE Magazine, delivered everything one could hope for from Hollywood’s grand opening to awards season: historic wins, emotional speeches, and authentic moments of joy and reflection.