Golden Globes 2025: The Winners, The Results, and The Key Takeaways

Each year, the golden globe ceremony shines a spotlight on an eclectic mix of film and television talent, celebrating creative visions from around the globe. This time, the 82nd annual event proved no exception: from small indie darlings to blockbuster powerhouses, and from experimental limited series to big-budget historical dramas, the night was teeming with excitement. Below, we’ll break down all the golden globe nominees and results, highlight the major golden globe winners, and delve into what these outcomes mean for Hollywood’s evolving landscape. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a dedicated cinephile, this guide offers an in-depth look at the season’s top honors.

• The ceremony delivered on its usual mix of glamor, unpredictability, and heartfelt speeches.
• A few snubs and shock victories stirred chatter in every corner of the industry.

Best Film – Musical or Comedy: Emilia Pérez Triumphs

The musical-comedy category offered a vibrant range, featuring everything from whimsical fantasies to witty contemporary tales. But the big revelation of these golden globe winners was “Emilia Pérez,” which took home the trophy. Some had pegged “Anora” or “Wicked” as potential favorites, but the comedic zing and dynamic performances in “Emilia Pérez” apparently swayed voters. Its comedic flair, heightened by lively choreography, gave the film an endearing edge over more subdued entries like “A Real Pain” or “The Substance.”

• “Emilia Pérez” dazzled with a modern twist on comedic musicals, complete with standout lead performances.
• “Challengers” also garnered positive buzz, though it fell short of crossing the finish line.

Why It Matters
Given that musicals and comedies occasionally overlap in tricky ways, “Emilia Pérez” could signal new horizons for genre-blending films. With the newly minted golden globe credibility, the film might see a box-office uptick and potentially more love during Oscar season.

• The result underscores the flexibility of comedic storytelling to connect with global audiences.
• Victories like this can catapult smaller productions onto streaming platforms worldwide.

Best Film – Drama: The Brutalist Seals Its Prestige

In the face of stiff competition—“Dune: Part Two,” “Nickel Boys,” “September 5,” “A Complete Unknown,” and “Conclave”—the architectural drama “The Brutalist” walked away with top honors. Directed by Brady Corbet, who also snagged Best Director, the film plunges into the gritty complexities of post-war urban development, weaving aesthetic themes with emotional undertones. Many had anticipated that “Dune: Part Two” could overshadow the rest, but these golden globe results confirm that bold, artful storytelling still resonates deeply with the Hollywood Foreign Press.

• “The Brutalist” merges minimalistic visuals with a rich emotional palette, appealing to arthouse fans.
• Its cast synergy and atmospheric score helped it stand out in a fiercely contested category.

Why It Matters‍

Dramas that tackle niche subjects—architecture, in this case—sometimes face an uphill battle connecting with mainstream audiences. Yet the film’s golden globe winners status proves that well-executed, high-concept narratives can break through. As a result, expect more conversation around Corbet’s directorial style and how “The Brutalist” might influence upcoming prestige films.

• The film’s triumph showcases the HFPA’s interest in cinematic risks.
• A push from the festival circuit to major awards might set an example for similarly bold projects.

Best Male Actor in a Film – Drama: Adrien Brody, The Brutalist

Continuing the night’s theme, Adrien Brody secured the Best Male Actor in a Film (Drama) trophy for “The Brutalist.” Portraying a visionary yet tortured architect, Brody’s role demanded introspection and subtle shifts, effectively grounding the film’s grand narrative. Timothée Chalamet (“A Complete Unknown”) and Daniel Craig (“Queer”) gave respectable showings but missed top honors. Brody’s recognition in these golden glob results reaffirms his status as an actor capable of deep, character-driven transformations.

• Brody’s method approach—intense research, layered emotional expression—paid off magnificently.
• This marks a high point in his career since his earlier breakthrough in “The Pianist.”

Why It Matters‍

Actors frequently cite the golden globe as a barometer for Oscar potential, so Brody’s performance might gain further traction in awards season. Plus, his role highlights how a singular performance can elevate a film from niche arthouse territory to mainstream accolades.

• Cementing Brody’s partnership with visionary directors may shape future industry collaborations.
• The film’s dual success (Best Film and Best Actor) underscores synergy between cast and creative direction.

Best Female Actor in a Film – Drama: Fernanda Torres, I’m Still Here

In an evening of many upsets, Fernanda Torres scooped the top acting prize for her role in “I’m Still Here,” outshining heavy hitters like Pamela Anderson (“The Last Showgirl”) and Nicole Kidman (“Babygirl”). Torres’ portrayal of a resilient dancer battling personal demons drew raves for its authenticity and subtle power. Despite early chatter favoring Angelina Jolie (“Maria”) or Tilda Swinton (“The Room Next Door”), the golden globe results left no doubt: Torres’ under-the-radar film soared on the strength of her deeply human performance.

• Anderson’s comeback story and Kidman’s consistent brilliance were overshadowed by Torres’ raw magnetism.
• The victory highlights how lesser-publicized films can sweep awards if anchored by potent acting.

Why It Matters‍

This win broadens the scope of recognized actresses, reminding audiences that emerging or international talent can unseat Hollywood’s usual faces. It also hints that stirring emotional content, when delivered earnestly, resonates with the HFPA’s tastes—further fueling interest in global cinema.

• Expect “I’m Still Here” to see expanded distribution and streaming platform deals in the aftermath.
• Torres’ name may appear more frequently in future mainstream roles or co-productions.

Best Television Series – Drama: Shōgun

Sweeping cinematography and epic storytelling propelled “Shōgun” to triumph in the drama series category. The show edges out fierce contenders like “The Day of the Jackal,” “The Diplomat,” “Mr and Mrs Smith,” “Slow Horses,” and “Squid Game.” Capturing feudal Japan’s complexities with meticulous detail, “Shōgun” fused historical authenticity with modern production values. The resulting lavish spectacle evidently struck a chord with Golden Globe voters.

• Expansive set pieces and cultural depth gave “Shōgun” an edge in an era of streaming saturation.
• “Squid Game,” a global phenomenon, put up a good fight but ultimately couldn’t surpass Shōgun’s grand scale.

Why It Matters
The popularity of historical epics in the streaming realm isn’t new, but “Shōgun” reaffirms that cinematic-level craft can stand tall amid a flurry of contemporary dramas. The show’s success also underscores the appetite for cross-cultural narratives, bridging a global fan base.

• Showcases how top-tier production invests in authenticity to transport viewers.
• Another sign that the golden globe circuit acknowledges ambitious projects with big budgets and global perspectives.

Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy: Hacks Wins Again

Few comedic series maintain consistent comedic gold season after season. “Hacks” did just that, claiming the top comedic prize over “Abbott Elementary,” “The Bear,” “The Gentlemen,” “Nobody Wants This,” and “Only Murders in the Building.” With its razor-sharp wit centered on an aging Las Vegas comedian and her reluctant young writer, “Hacks” merges generational tension and high-octane showbiz settings. Already an awards darling, it reaffirms that comedic nuance stands out in a sea of broad or slapstick humor.

• “The Bear,” a fan-favorite, ended up nabbing other categories but missed top comedic series.
• “Abbott Elementary” remains a delight, yet “Hacks” once again demonstrates unstoppable comedic chemistry.

Why It Matters‍

In an era where comedic TV shifts from multi-camera sitcoms to single-camera dramedies, “Hacks” strikes a balance that pleases critics and everyday viewers. The show’s new accolade cements it as a major comedic force—something future comedic entrants might try to emulate.

• Its brand of fast-talking, real-world cynicism resonates strongly with younger adults.
• The unstoppable synergy between lead characters underscores that comedic success hinges on dynamic casts.

Best Television Limited Series, Anthology Series or Television Film: Baby Reindeer

“Baby Reindeer,” an adaptation of comedian Richard Gadd’s confessional stage show, emerged as the top pick, overshadowing “Disclaimer,” “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” “The Penguin,” “Ripley,” and “True Detective: Night Country.” Gadd’s raw narrative about real-life stalking and mental anguish found an unexpected home in the prestige miniseries realm. The golden globe results in this category underscore how personal storytelling can transcend typical genre boundaries.

• “Monsters” (focusing on real crime) or “The Penguin” (Batman universe spinoff) had mainstream appeal, but “Baby Reindeer” claimed hearts through authenticity.
• Gadd’s comedic background added an offbeat sensitivity to the show’s darker undertones.

Why It Matters‍

This victory highlights the HFPA’s willingness to champion unique, risk-taking projects, rather than big-budget spectacle alone. For creators, it’s a testament that deep personal stories can thrive on streaming platforms, provided they carry enough emotional resonance to hook critics.

• Gadd’s jump from stand-up to limited-series success may open doors for similarly ambitious comedic talents.
• The show’s ephemeral, confessional style stands as a blueprint for future experimental narrative formats.

Other Major Wins and Moments

“Wicked” soared to the top of Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, showcasing that beloved musical properties maintain unstoppable mass appeal. The best original song nod went to “El Mal” from “Emilia Pérez,” intensifying that film’s triumphant evening. Meanwhile, “Challengers” scored best original score—yet another highlight for the film’s artful approach to composition, bridging classical undertones with modern flair. In the directing category, Brady Corbet reigned, further fueling “The Brutalist” juggernaut.

• The best golden globe performer in male comedic film was Sebastian Stan (“A Different Man”), netting a surge in fan curiosity for that lesser-known comedic gem.
• “Hacks,” “Shōgun,” and “Baby Reindeer” gave TV watchers new reasons to binge, each repping a different corner of the streaming ecosystem.

Why It Matters‍

This broad sweep of winners, from musicals to moody dramas, underlines the global appetite for variety. The HFPA recognized innovative flair, comedic risk, and heartfelt storytelling. The 2025 ceremony felt more diverse than ever, bridging star power, powerful collaborations, and fresh Hollywood faces.

• The results highlight that musicals (like “Wicked” or “Emilia Pérez”) remain cultural forces.
• The simultaneous success of arthouse picks and mainstream franchises reveals a healthy cinematic ecosystem.

Key Takeaways for the Industry

1. Risk and Authenticity Rewarded: The golden globe results repeatedly favored films or series that tackled unique themes or employed bold narratives. “The Brutalist” took the drama crown, and “Baby Reindeer” soared in limited series, proving that stepping outside formula can lead to golden globe winners status.
2. Merging Star Power with Unexpected Roles: Adrien Brody’s turn, Sebastian Stan’s comedic spin, and Fernanda Torres’ sudden breakout exemplify how casting gambles can pay off big time.
3. Global Collaboration: Non-English language winner “Emilia Pérez” reminds us that cross-cultural stories continue to attract the HFPA’s eye.
4. TV’s Thematic Breadth: “Shōgun”’s epic scope, “Hacks” comedic brilliance, and “Baby Reindeer”’s raw, personal approach highlight how modern TV can cater to nearly every taste.

• The synergy between bold creative vision and star wattage remains unstoppable.
• Expect a wave of new projects that try to replicate these success formulas, particularly musicals and arthouse dramas with fresh angles.

Looking Ahead: Post-Golden Globe Momentum

Now that the 82nd golden globe ceremony has crowned its winners, anticipation shifts to how these “wins” ripple through the broader awards season and the streaming marketplace. After a strong showing, “Emilia Pérez” might aim for Oscar nominations, while “The Brutalist” readies for potential arthouse expansions. On the small screen, “Shōgun” likely sees renewed interest, prompting expansions or spin-offs, while Tostitos brand synergy in NFL commercials might hype up “Hacks” watch parties. All around, the night’s top victors gear up for the next cycle of endorsements, streaming deals, and festival invites.

• Freed from relative obscurity, certain films or series can find fresh audiences thanks to that golden globe winners halo.
• Fans can expect re-releases, special Q&A events, and docu-features that further spotlight these newly crowned favorites.

‍