The 82nd annual Golden Globes award show was hosted January 5, 2025. It was hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser and had 6 movies nominated to each of the many categories such as Best Drama Film, Best Lead Actress in a Comedy, Best Musical or Comedy, and Most Box Office Success. This included movies such as “Emilia Perez,” “Wicked,” “Challengers,” “Anora,” “The Substance” and more.
The Spanish musical “Emilia Perez” and historic television show “Shogun” proved to be the stars of the Golden Globes, with each winning 4 awards.
Glaser especially gained a lot of popularity in the media for her witty jokes and jabs at the audience throughout the night. Many applaud her for making the night much more comedic while making sure not to cause any offense to the audience members. Glaser was able to provide an entertaining monologue while not stepping over the line, which has proven to be a struggle for many award show hosts over the past years.
“Emilia Perez” was rewarded with the most Golden Globes, though the media perception on this has not been great. Many online have argued that it was a mediocre film that poorly represented the trans community, offering dated views.
The musical stars Karla Sofia Gascon as the titular Emilia Perez, a cartel leader who hires a lawyer to help her get out of her job and obtain the resources to complete her journey of being a woman. The awards won included Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Original Song.
On the other hand, a film winning less than expected was “Wicked,” directed by John M. Chu. It received one Golden Globe for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, which is no surprise with the greatly successful opening weekend the musical had. “Wicked” earned over $114 million dollars at the domestic box office within only a few days of being released.
The leading actresses, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, were both nominated, Erivo for Best Female Actor in a Musical or Comedy, and Grande for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical or Comedy. With only four nominations, the cast was happy to receive the Golden Globe for Box Office Success, despite fans thinking the film rendition of the famous broadway show deserved more.
While the award show shined light on many newer actors and actresses, it also brought the spotlight back on actresses such as Pamela Anderson and Demi Moore. These actresses provided representation of women over 50 in film, especially with Moore winning the first award of her career for her lead role in “The Substance.”
Anderson is also getting her flowers for “The Last Showgirl” after her long and strenuous career. Anderson started her acting career in 1989 and is still relevant, and putting out good messages to this day, especially now with her Golden Globe nomination.
Glaser criticized these so-called “comebacks” with a witty joke: “There’s been a lot of talk about comebacks – Pamela Anderson, Demi Moore. If you’re a woman over 50 in a lead role, they call it a comeback. If you’re a guy over 50 in a lead role, congratulations, you’re about to play Sydney Sweeney’s boyfriend.” Despite how it is portrayed in the media, the nominations were great for these actresses and provided a representation for women in film, proving that their career can blossom even with aging.
Though the media tends to focus on the movies in these awards shows, top television shows were also awarded throughout the ceremony. The historical drama set in Japan, “Shogun,” received four Golden Globes. The show earned one of the biggest television awards: Best Drama Television Series. It follows an English navigator who travels to Japan and becomes entranced by Japanese culture. The show is an adaptation of the 1980’s mini series.
Some of the other popular shows that gained awards were “Baby Reindeer,” an autobiographical film following Richard Gadd and his experience with a stalker. As well as “The Bear,” starring Jeremy Allen White as a young chef trying to grow his restaurant business. “Baby Reindeer” was awarded Best Television Limited Series, and White was awarded Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy.
Overall, the Golden Globes were triumphant and gained a lot of attention on social media. All the different films and series nominated alongside a great host made the show what it was. The awards shined light on many new films and series and gave recognition to many of the people who worked so hard to get the media out.
