The biggest surprises (and snubs) from the 2025 Golden Globe nominations

The 2025 Golden Globe nominations have caused a stir with their celebration of excellence across film and television, while also sparking discussions about snubs and surprises. Leading the pack in the film categories is Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez, which racked up an impressive 10 nominations. This bold musical-comedy-drama has been recognized in categories such as Best Motion Picture—Musical or Comedy, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. Its stars, Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldaña, earned nods for their performances, cementing the film’s place as a critical darling of the season. The story, which explores themes of transformation and resilience, has captivated audiences and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association alike​.

Dominance of ‘Emilia Pérez’

The overwhelming presence of Emilia Pérez in the nominations underscores its impact as one of the most innovative films of the year. Jacques Audiard’s direction received high praise for its balance of humor and emotional depth. Selena Gomez’s portrayal of a woman grappling with societal pressures and Zoe Saldaña’s commanding performance as a fierce mentor figure have been hailed as career-defining. The film’s soundtrack and visual storytelling further elevated it as a standout piece, ensuring its dominance across technical and artistic categories​.

Television: ‘The Bear’ Roars Loud

In the television realm, FX’s The Bear leads with five nominations. The series, which follows the tumultuous life of a chef returning to manage his late brother’s Chicago restaurant, has been lauded for its realistic portrayal of kitchen culture and human vulnerability. Jeremy Allen White, who plays the lead, received a nomination for Best Actor in a Television Series—Musical or Comedy, and Liza Colón-Zayas earned recognition in the Supporting Actress category. The show is also up for Best Television Series—Musical or Comedy—a testament to its narrative strength and ensemble performance​.

Strong Contenders in Film and TV

Beyond Emilia Pérez, other films like The Brutalist and Conclave have emerged as strong contenders. The Brutalist, an architectural drama, scored nominations for its direction, screenplay, and standout performances. Meanwhile, Conclave, a gripping political thriller, earned recognition for its ensemble cast and nuanced storytelling. The diversity in themes—from musicals to serious dramas—highlights the eclectic tastes of the HFPA this year​.

In the animated film category, Moana 2 and The Wild Robot are leading the charge. Both films showcase the evolution of storytelling in animation, with rich narratives that appeal to audiences of all ages. Similarly, the Best Non-English Language Film category includes a wide array of entries, from the introspective All We Imagine as Light to the socially charged The Girl with the Needle. These films reflect the growing global influence of cinema and the importance of diverse storytelling​.

Snubs and Surprises

While the nominations celebrated a variety of talent, several notable snubs have sparked debate. Ryan Gosling, despite his widely acclaimed performance in Barbie, was absent from the Best Actor categories. Similarly, Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two, a critical and commercial success, was overlooked in the Best Director category, though it earned recognition in technical areas. Television saw its share of surprises as well, with critically adored shows like Succession receiving fewer nods than expected​.

One of the biggest surprises was the nomination of The Substance, a satirical French drama, for multiple categories, including Best Actress for Demi Moore. The film’s inclusion reflects the HFPA’s willingness to embrace unconventional and international narratives. On the flip side, blockbuster franchises such as Deadpool & Wolverine received little attention, sparking conversations about the treatment of mainstream superhero films at award shows​.

The Road to the Ceremony

The 2025 Golden Globe Awards will be held on January 5, 2025, and anticipation is already high. With Emilia Pérez poised as a potential major winner and The Bear dominating television, the ceremony is shaping up to be a celebration of bold storytelling and exceptional talent. The inclusivity of genres and international representation marks a positive shift in the landscape of award recognition.