On January 5, 2025, CBS hosted its 82nd Golden Globes (also known as the Globes) ceremony, where many of the most acclaimed and talented Hollywood stars gathered: Emma Stone, Michelle Yeoh, and Angelina Jolie, among them. This renowned event is just one of the five major award shows for each side of the entertainment industry – the Emmys, Golden Globes, Oscars, and Tonys – with the Globes specifically focusing on film and television.
The first Golden Globes happened in early 1944, with winners like Jennifer Jones and Paul Lukas winning best actress and actor respectively. The ceremony then decided to create its three distinct categories – musical, film, and comedy – so each genre would have an equal chance of winning. Slowly, more areas were added to eventually create the competitive awards show we watch today.
This year’s Globes ceremony was particularly competitive, with films like “Wicked”, “Challengers”, “Anora”, and “The Substance” fighting for many awards. However, the biggest shock of the night came when “Emilia Pérez”, a lesser-known musical, dominated with four wins.
“Emilia Pérez” focuses on a cartel leader in Mexico who fakes her death to transition to a female. While this plot does sound unique and intriguing, and the movie stars phenomenal actors such as Zoe Saldana and Emilia Pérez, its execution has been criticized by many, and I agree.
One of the film’s shortcomings was its soundtrack, which I considered monotone and surface-level. When compared to its main competitor, “Wicked”, the difference in quality and effort was evident. For example, “Emilia Pérez”’s “La Vaginoplastia” lacked the depth in lyrics and melody that was apparent in “Wicked”’s “Defying Gravity”. Additionally, I believe Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba in “Wicked” was more compelling than Saldona’s acting. Erivo’s acting and singing carried great emotion and energy in her tone, facial expressions, and overall acting.
While “Wicked” faced many surprising snubs, one win I believe was worthy was “Challengers” for “Best Original Score”. The movie follows three tennis players’ relationships with one another and with tennis. Its main song, “Challengers”, is catchy, captures the built-up tension in the movie perfectly, and creates an intense mood when necessary.
Another justified victory was Demi Moore’s performance in “The Substance”. However, this was a controversial opinion as many thought her main competitors – Mikey Madison for “Anora” and Erivo for “Wicked” – were more deserving. Moore portrayed the issue of “relevance” in Hollywood very well; her passion and anger shone through in her role as Elisabeth Sparkle.
A television win that stood out to me was “Baby Reindeer” for “Best Television Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Motion Picture Made for Television”. In this show, Richard Gadd stars as himself being stalked by an obsessed admirer. To me, the story seemed fresh, and its direction, writing, and soundtrack were exceptional. Its soundtrack was my favorite part. It subtly captures the anxiety that Gadd faces throughout the show, helping the viewer understand his perspective and paranoia.
Besides the awards, the night also went especially well for host Nikki Glaser, a comedian. Gaining popularity from her segment on “The Roast of Tom Brady” in 2024, Glaser was presented with a deserved opportunity to host the Globes.
Glaser was an improvement from the previous year’s host – Jo Koy. Koy infamously made a joke about the film “Barbie” in 2024, stating “‘Oppenheimer’ is based on a 721-page Pulitzer Prize-winning book about the Manhattan Project, and ‘Barbie’ is on a plastic doll with big boobies.”
These extremely sexist comments went against the film’s premise: to show how women face societal expectations that limit their opportunities in the world. It especially touched on how men lack respect and humanity for women. Koy’s monologue proved the necessity of “Barbie”’s message.
Glaser took a different approach and focused her jokes on light-hearted jabs at the Globe’s attendees. Her comedic timing, tone, and performance allowed the night to flow naturally. Her use of costume changes and self-deprecating humor only added to the skits.
Glaser’s production sealed the Golden Globe’s success this year – culminating in a night of laughter, banter, and fun. Despite creating some controversy and surprise, the Globes victories set the scene for the rest of the 2025 award season.
