The 82nd Golden Globes 2025 nominations have been announced, and the awards season is heating up with plenty of surprises, snubs, and unexpected nominations. From the musical “Emilia Pérez” to the prison drama “Sing Sing,” the 2025 Golden Globes have delivered a fresh batch of revelations. This year’s nominations have highlighted some notable performances and overlooked projects, leaving the industry buzzing about who got snubbed and who surprised with unexpected nods.
The Leading Nominee: Emilia Pérez
One of the biggest surprises at the 2025 Golden Globe nominations was the domination of Emilia Pérez, the unconventional drug cartel musical from director Jacques Audiard. This Netflix acquisition from the Cannes Film Festival scored 10 nominations, the highest of any film this year. Emilia Pérez is up for Best Motion Picture in the Musical or Comedy category, with nods for its talented ensemble, including Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, and Selena Gomez. Audiard also earned a Best Director nomination, cementing his film as a serious contender.
This musical, which blends drama and music in a truly unique way, took the awards season by storm, demonstrating that audiences and critics are eager for fresh, bold cinematic narratives.
The Snubs: A Harder Look at Sing Sing and Dune: Part Two
Sing Sing’s Lackluster Recognition
Despite a strong showing at the Gothams, Sing Sing faced a major setback at the Golden Globes. The prison drama had made waves earlier in the awards season, winning accolades for Colman Domingo and Clarence Maclin for their performances. However, only Domingo received a nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama, while Maclin and the film itself were snubbed.
This is a significant blow for Sing Sing, which had been expected to pick up more nominations after its successful run at the Gothams. The Golden Globes have historically been a great platform for A24’s indie films, but Sing Sing did not manage to capitalize on its momentum this year.
Dune: Part Two Left Behind
Dune: Part Two, the highly anticipated sequel to Denis Villeneuve’s epic sci-fi film, was expected to dominate the 2025 Golden Globes. However, the film only earned a few nods, including a Best Original Score nomination for Hans Zimmer and a Best Motion Picture – Drama nomination. While this is not insignificant, it is a far cry from the sweeping recognition many had anticipated.
With its star-studded cast, stunning visuals, and high-profile director, Dune: Part Two was expected to be a major player in this awards season. However, the film’s relatively underwhelming presence at the Golden Globes could signal that its path to the Oscars will be more challenging than expected.
Female Directors Shine: Coralie Fargeat and Payal Kapadia
This year’s Golden Globe nominations also brought some exciting recognition to female directors. Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance earned a Best Director nod in the Musical or Comedy category, which is a significant achievement in a field often dominated by male directors. The Substance is a compelling film that combines elements of drama and comedy, starring Demi Moore in a standout performance.
In addition, Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light, a co-production between the USA, France, and India, earned a Best Director nomination as well. Kapadia’s film is a deeply human exploration of identity, relationships, and cultural tensions, marking her as one of the most exciting new voices in cinema.
These nominations highlight the increasing representation of women behind the camera, a long-overdue shift that’s being celebrated throughout the industry.
The Role of Celebrity and Critical Consensus
The Golden Globes have always been known for blending critical acclaim with celebrity appeal, and this year was no different. Ryan Reynolds, one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, was expected to receive a nomination for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical for his performance in Deadpool & Wolverine. However, the new, more diversified voting body of the Golden Globes opted to recognize more critical performances instead, leaving Reynolds off the list.
While this might have disappointed some fans, it signals a shift in the Golden Globe voting process towards recognizing more substantive performances rather than simply nominating A-list celebrities for their star power.
The Impact of The New Categories: Achievement in Stand-Up Comedy and Box Office
Two newly minted categories have added an extra layer of excitement to the Golden Globe nominations. The Achievement in Stand-Up Comedy category, which debuted last year, returned with notable nominees such as Jamie Foxx, Nikki Glaser, Seth Meyers, and Adam Sandler. This category highlights the growing influence of stand-up comedians in entertainment, and the nominees represent a diverse range of comedic voices.
Another new category, Achievement in Global Box Office, recognizes the commercial success of major films like Wicked, Alien: Romulus, Deadpool & Wolverine, and Gladiator II. This category acknowledges the power of global cinema in today’s market and provides an opportunity for films with massive box-office success to be recognized outside the traditional awards structure.
Television Surprises: The Bear Dominates
On the television side, FX/Hulu’s The Bear emerged as a frontrunner with five nominations, including Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy and acting nods for Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Liza Cólon-Zayas. This makes The Bear one of the most recognized series at the Golden Globes, continuing its successful run from earlier this year.
Another notable surprise came from Netflix’s Squid Game. The second season of the international sensation, which has not yet been released, garnered a nomination for Best Television Series – Drama. This is a surprising inclusion, as the series has not had its debut yet, but it speaks to the anticipation surrounding the show’s return.
Notable Nominations: Wicked and The Substance
Two other films that made waves with their Golden Globe nominations are Wicked and The Substance. Wicked received multiple nominations, including Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for its star, Cynthia Erivo, and Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. The film, based on the beloved Broadway musical, is poised to be a major contender in the upcoming awards season.
Meanwhile, The Substance, a film directed by Coralie Fargeat, earned recognition in multiple categories, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Director. Starring Demi Moore, the film examines themes of self-acceptance and love, with Moore’s performance receiving a nomination for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy.
Surprising Nods for Rising Stars
This year’s Golden Globe nominations also included some surprising nods for rising stars. Cooper Koch’s performance in Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story earned him a nomination for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Limited Series. Koch’s portrayal of Erik Menendez has garnered significant attention, and this recognition is a major moment in his career.
In addition, Anora star Yura Borisov earned a Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama nomination. Borisov’s portrayal of a conflicted artist caught between his personal and professional life has captivated audiences, and his nomination is a testament to his talent.
The Golden Globes 2025 – A Year of Surprises
The 2025 Golden Globe nominations have certainly shaken up the awards season, with surprising snubs, unexpected nominations, and a greater emphasis on diverse voices and critical performances. While Emilia Pérez and The Substance rose to the occasion, films like Sing Sing and Dune: Part Two were left with less recognition than anticipated. However, the increased representation of female directors, the debut of new categories, and the rise of new stars like Cooper Koch and Yura Borisov all contribute to making this year’s nominations one to watch.
As we approach the Golden Globe ceremony on January 5, 2025, the anticipation continues to build. With unexpected twists and turns in the nominations, it’s clear that this year’s Golden Globes will be anything but predictable. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting awards season!
