The 2025 Golden Globes delivered its usual mix of triumphs, surprises, and head-scratching choices. From powerhouse performances to films that were underwhelmed yet somehow still took home trophies. Here’s my take on the night’s most notable wins, snubs and triumphs.

Best Motion Picture – Drama

Winner: “The Brutalist”

This category had some heavy hitters, but “The Brutalist” stood tall as the deserved winner. Brady Corbet’s haunting direction and the film’s staggering emotional weight made it an undeniable force in this year’s cinematic landscape. Unlike “Dune: Part Two”, which, while visually mesmerizing, failed to capture the soul of its predecessor, “The Brutalist” was raw, intimate, and deeply affecting. Meanwhile, “Anora” had promise but lacked the gravitas needed to take the top prize, and “Conclave”—though well-acted—felt more like an extended history lesson than a compelling drama.

Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy

Winner: “Emilia Pérez”

To say “Emilia Pérez” winning was unexpected would be an understatement. With “Challengers” delivering a high-energy, stylish spectacle and “Wicked” carrying both star power and nostalgia, the stage seemed set for one of them to claim victory. Instead, “Emilia Pérez” swooped in, largely propelled by Zoe Saldaña’s stunning performance. While its originality is commendable, it lacked the broad appeal of its competitors. Did it push boundaries? Yes. But was it the best of the bunch? That’s debatable.

Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama

Winner: Fernanda Torres (“I’m Still Here”)

Fernanda Torres delivered a deeply stirring performance in “I’m Still Here”, fully embodying a woman navigating profound personal loss. Her win was well-earned, though Kate Winslet’s gripping turn in “Lee” made this an incredibly close race. Meanwhile, Nicole Kidman’s performance in “Babygirl” was simply not in the same league—lacking both substance and direction, it felt like a misstep as the movie lacked any real plot.

Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama

Winner: Adrien Brody (“The Brutalist”)

No contest here—Adrien Brody’s performance in “The Brutalist” was breathtaking. He carried the film with a quiet intensity, making every moment feel lived-in and devastatingly real. While Ralph Fiennes (“Conclave”) and Colman Domingo (“Sing Sing”) were strong contenders, neither quite matched Brody’s sheer command of the screen. This was a well-deserved win, and honestly, anything else would have been a robbery.

Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy

Winner: Demi Moore (“The Substance”)

Demi Moore’s performance in “The Substance” was a revelation—dark, intense, and completely transformative. While Amy Adams brought her signature charm and unpredictability, Moore’s performance had a depth that felt impossible to ignore. This win felt like a comeback moment, a reminder that Moore is far more than just a Hollywood icon—she’s an actress with range and power.

Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy

Winner: Sebastian Stan (“A Different Man”)

Sebastian Stan’s victory was the highlight of the night. His performance in “A Different Man” was a masterclass in transformation, delivering both psychological depth and physical metamorphosis. This was no ordinary role—it required him to disappear entirely into a complex character arc, and he delivered flawlessly. While other nominees brought strong performances, Stan’s sheer commitment made him the undeniable winner. If anything, this solidifies his status as one of the most versatile actors of his generation. Though it may be biased, his win was the highlight of the award show. 

Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture

Winner: Zoe Saldaña (“Emilia Pérez”)

While “Emilia Pérez” may not have been my favorite film, Zoe Saldaña’s performance was one of the few elements that made it worthwhile. She infused the role with fire, vulnerability, and an emotional authenticity that stood out even when the film itself faltered. While there were strong nominees in this category, Saldaña undeniably carried “Emilia Pérez” on her back, making her win fully deserved. Her win proves once again that even in a lackluster film, a truly exceptional actor can make a lasting impact.

Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture

Winner: Kieran Culkin (“A Real Pain”)

Kieran Culkin has been on an unstoppable streak, and his win for “A Real Pain” continued that momentum. Though better known for his razor-sharp performance in “Succession”, Culkin proved he could transition seamlessly into film with a performance that balanced humor and melancholy. Jeremy Strong (“The Apprentice”) was the only real competition here, but Culkin’s ability to deliver nuance within chaotic energy gave him the edge.

Best Director – Motion Picture

Winner: Brady Corbet (“The Brutalist”)

Brady Corbet’s win for “The Brutalist” felt like an artistic triumph. His vision for the film was bold, atmospheric, and deeply personal. The way he crafted tension, framed emotion, and orchestrated silence spoke to his mastery of the craft. Other nominees had their strengths, but Corbet’s direction elevated “The Brutalist” beyond a film—it became an experience.

Best Television Series – Drama

Winner: “Shōgun”

I expected “Slow Horses” to take this award, but “Shōgun” winning was a pleasant surprise. “Shōgun” was an overlooked gem, drowned out by flashier series like “Squid Game” and “The Day of the Jackal”. While those shows had massive fanbases, “Shōgun” had depth, atmosphere, and storytelling that felt genuinely fresh. It was a win for quality over hype.

Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy

Winner: “ The Hacks”

I’ll be honest—I had never heard of “The Hacks” before this win, and I’m still scratching my head. With “Only Murders in the Building” and “The Gentlemen” dominating conversations all year, it’s hard to understand how “The Hacks” managed to take the top spot. Perhaps it brought something new to the table, but in a category this competitive, it felt like an odd choice.

Best Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

Winner: “Baby Reindeer”

This was hands-down one of the most rightful wins of the night. “Baby Reindeer” was a gut punch of a series—raw, intimate, and almost painfully honest. A true masterpiece that left a lasting impact which pushed the boundaries of storytelling in a way that few series dare to. The series tackled its themes creating a narrative that was both intense and deeply thought-provoking. There was never any real competition here; “Baby Reindeer” was simply in a league of its own.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Golden Globes delivered a mix of deserving victories, puzzling upsets, and moments of genuine celebration. While “The Brutalist” rightly dominated, “Emilia Pérez” and its unexpected success raised eyebrows. Television saw some surprising wins, proving once again that the Globes can be unpredictable, for better or worse. Whether you agreed with the results or not, one thing was clear—this year’s talent was undeniable.