Golden Globes 2025 shocks audiences with historic wins and industry shakeups

A defining feature of this year’s Golden Globe Awards was the progress in diversifying the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s voting body. With 60% of its members now racially and ethnically diverse, the organisation demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring broader representation. Experts in the industry have hailed these changes as critical to fostering equity and inclusivity in Hollywood’s award seasons, ensuring that talent from all backgrounds receives due recognition.

Host Nikki Glaser made headlines as the first solo female emcee of the event, seamlessly blending her sharp humour with insightful commentary. Her monologue addressed critical themes, including the streaming revolution and the evolving role of celebrities in shaping entertainment.

Award-Winning Performances Take the Spotlight

In a ceremony marked by memorable victories, the film Emilia Pérez emerged as a standout, leading the competition with ten nominations. Zoe Saldaña’s win for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture underscored her ability to deliver compelling and deeply human performances, a quality that resonated powerfully with audiences and critics alike.

Television also saw its share of accolades, with The Bear dominating the small-screen categories. Jeremy Allen White, who has garnered acclaim for his portrayal of Chef Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, was awarded Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy. His nuanced performance captured the emotional complexity of his character, further solidifying his reputation as a transformative actor in contemporary television.

Honouring Legends: Viola Davis and Ted Danson

The evening was not solely focused on current achievements. Industry stalwarts Viola Davis and Ted Danson were honoured for their remarkable contributions to cinema and television, respectively. Davis, recipient of the Cecil B. DeMille Award, was recognised for her groundbreaking roles and her commitment to advocating for underrepresented voices in film. Danson, awarded the Carol Burnett Award, was celebrated for his enduring impact on television, with his body of work serving as a testament to excellence and versatility in storytelling.

Streaming and Accessibility Take Center Stage

For the first time, the Golden Globes 2025 was broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+, reaching an unprecedented global audience. This dual approach underscored the event’s commitment to accessibility, allowing fans worldwide to witness the celebration of creative achievement.

As streaming platforms continue to shape the future of entertainment, this year’s awards reflected their growing dominance. Many of the nominated and winning works were products of these platforms, highlighting their role in redefining the entertainment landscape.

A Vision for the Future

The Golden Globes 2025 has set a new standard for award shows, blending traditional Hollywood glamour with an embrace of modern sensibilities. By recognising diverse milestones, fostering inclusion, and celebrating creative excellence, the ceremony offered a vision of an entertainment industry that is more equitable, innovative, and globally connected.