The Golden Globes, often regarded as a precursor to the Oscars, celebrated a variety of achievements across film and television.
Moore’s win highlighted a competitive evening where other notable films like “Emilia Pérez,” “The Brutalist,” and “Wicked” also received recognition. Meanwhile, TV categories saw “Baby Reindeer” and “Shōgun” claim major prizes. These wins set the stage for a promising awards season.
Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres delivered one of the night’s surprises by winning best drama actress for her role in “I’m Still Here.” Torres’ performance triumphed over Hollywood heavyweights Angelina Jolie and Nicole Kidman. The dual-category format of the Golden Globes allowed Demi Moore to win Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy, further emphasizing the diversity of performances recognized during the ceremony.
Moore, a Golden Globes regular in the 1990s and 2000s, secured her first win this year. Her award-winning role in “The Substance” portrays a woman trading her body for a younger version of herself. In a category filled with talent, Moore expressed shock at her victory over nominees like Mikey Madison, Cynthia Erivo, and Karla Sofía Gascón. This transformative script reignited her passion for acting, signaling that her journey in Hollywood is far from over.
Elsewhere, the Spanish-language musical “Emilia Pérez” dominated the awards with four wins, including best musical or comedy film. Trans actress Karla Sofía Gascón’s acceptance speech emphasized authenticity, encouraging others to embrace their true selves. Co-star Zoe Saldaña also delivered an energetic acceptance speech after winning best supporting actress, celebrating camaraderie among nominees. The film’s additional awards for best original song and best non-English language film solidified its status as a standout.
“The Brutalist,” a story about a Hungarian architect’s post-World War II life in the U.S., earned three awards, including best drama. Adrien Brody’s best actor win and Brady Corbet’s best director honor highlighted the film’s artistic achievements. Corbet’s speech underscored the importance of supporting filmmakers, as innovative projects often face skepticism. This message resonated throughout the night, celebrating bold storytelling.
Sebastian Stan earned best actor in a musical or comedy for his transformative role in “A Different Man.” His speech advocated for greater acceptance of disability and disfigurement in society, encouraging a cultural shift toward normalization. Similarly, Kieran Culkin’s best supporting actor win for “A Real Pain” highlighted his longstanding connection to the Golden Globes. Culkin’s nostalgic remarks about his first nomination added a personal touch to the evening.
Although “Wicked” missed out on major categories, it secured the box office achievement prize. Director Jon M. Chu dedicated the award to the film’s passionate fanbase, emphasizing the importance of optimism in challenging times. The audience’s engagement through singalongs and creative tributes showcased the enduring appeal of this musical phenomenon.
The animated feature category delivered a surprise when “Flow,” a Latvian film about animals surviving a flood, triumphed over blockbusters like “The Wild Robot.” Director Gints Zilbalodis celebrated the achievement as a milestone for Latvia’s burgeoning film industry. This unexpected win exemplified how underdog stories can resonate on an international stage.
Fernanda Torres’ historic win as the first Brazilian actress to secure best drama actress added another layer of significance to the evening. Her performance in “I’m Still Here,” a film set in the 1970s, honored her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, a previous nominee. This poignant dedication underscored the enduring power of art and family legacies.
In television, “Shōgun,” set in 17th-century Japan, emerged as a dominant force, winning four awards, including best drama series. Its continued success from the Emmys demonstrated its widespread acclaim. Other TV winners included Jeremy Allen White for “The Bear,” Jodie Foster for “True Detective,” and Jean Smart for “Hacks,” showcasing the diversity of talent across genres.
“Baby Reindeer” claimed best limited series, with creator Richard Gadd reflecting on its dark yet impactful storytelling. Jessica Gunning’s best supporting actress win for her role in the series highlighted her transformative year, blending humor and gratitude in her acceptance speech. These wins reinforced the appetite for nuanced narratives that explore the complexities of human experiences.
Irish actor Colin Farrell’s portrayal of the Penguin in HBO’s “The Batman” series earned him his third Golden Globe. Farrell’s humorous speech acknowledged the transformative power of prosthetics and the team behind his character’s creation. His lighthearted remarks concluded the ceremony with a celebration of collaboration and creativity.