The 2025 Golden Globe Awards unveiled a mix of triumph and disappointment, with notable wins overshadowed by significant snubs. Most prominently, Timothée Chalamet secured the Best Actor award for his role in Marty Supreme, while Ryan Coogler’s Sinners faced criticism for its limited recognition despite critical acclaim.
Coogler’s Sinners, celebrated as a cultural touchstone in the United States, managed to win two Golden Globes for cinematic and box office achievement and original score. However, these awards are often seen as consolation prizes, lacking the prestige of major categories. The absence of a nomination for Coogler in the Best Screenplay category, overshadowed by One Battle After Another, raised eyebrows among observers. This is particularly relevant given the Oscars and BAFTAs separate screenplay categories into original and adapted, leaving room for potential redemption.
Key Wins and Unexpected Outcomes
While Sinners struggled to gain traction, other films benefitted from unexpected victories. Joaquin Trier’s Sentimental Value won a significant award, positioning the 72-year-old director ahead of younger contenders like Paul Mescal and Adam Sandler. His acceptance speech, emphasizing the importance of cinema, resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Another notable aspect was the performance of Teyana Taylor, who clinched the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in One Battle After Another. This win positions her as a frontrunner, with Amy Madison from Weapons as the only serious competition. In contrast, Jessie Buckley is widely regarded as a lock for Best Actress for her role in Hamnet, making 2025 a challenging year for other nominees like Cynthia Erivo.
The situation became more complicated for Wicked, which seems unlikely to replicate its previous success. Despite initial momentum, the major awards now appear to be slipping away, raising questions about the sequel’s standing in the industry.
The Future of the Globes and Industry Trends
The Golden Globe Awards have undergone a significant transformation since recent controversies, with a rebranding effort and voter overhaul seemingly making a positive impact. The event highlighted a diverse range of films, with nominees and winners emerging from projects without extensive lobbying budgets.
The win for The Secret Agent, both in the Best Actor category for Wagner Moura and for Best International Film, illustrates the growing influence of Brazilian voters within the Globes. Moura’s acceptance speech reflected the awards’ evolving reputation, although it remains uncertain whether he will maintain momentum into the Oscars.
Despite the successes, the ceremony faced criticism for its production choices. The first hour lacked film clips, and the introduction of a podcast prize seemed to undermine the event’s cinematic focus. Buckley’s emotionally charged performance in Hamnet earned her recognition, yet the choice of walk-on music raised eyebrows.
As the awards season progresses, the landscape appears to be shifting away from traditional biographical films. This year’s ceremony saw significant omissions, with several high-profile films, including those featuring Jeremy Allen White and Dwayne Johnson, failing to secure nominations. Instead, creatively adapted works like One Battle and Chalamet’s Marty Supreme garnered attention, suggesting a potential pivot in industry trends.
With the momentum building behind films like One Battle, it remains to be seen how the Golden Globe results will influence the upcoming Academy Awards. The recognition of both Buckley and Coogler’s work may serve as a reminder to Oscar voters of the importance of acknowledging diverse talent in an ever-evolving cinematic landscape.
