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The 2025 Golden Globe Awards unfolded on Sunday, showcasing a range of talents with Emilia Pérez and Shōgun each emerging as the biggest winners, both securing four awards. Following closely was The Brutalist with a total of three accolades. Alongside the recognition of these projects, the ceremony also prompted discussions about its overall presentation. Here’s a look at the highlights and lowlights of the event.
HIGH: Comedian Nikki Glaser marked a standout moment with her opening monologue exuding her signature roast style. Her 10-minute set was filled with incisive commentary on the industry’s quirks, touching on topics such as the influence of Ozempic and the often-mocked streaming service Peacock. Glaser’s humor cleverly balanced sharp observations with lighthearted antics, including a playful call to Adam Sandler for an unexpected performance. Her self-deprecation was evident as she lightheartedly addressed her own loss in the stand-up category to Ali Wong, establishing her as a refreshing contrast to previous hosts like Jo Koy.
LOW: However, the presentation format for the awards posed challenges for many presenters. The cramped, close-up framing led to awkward interactions, leaving little room for personality or spontaneity. One of the few to navigate this effectively was Seth Rogen, who candidly criticized the setup as “inelegant” during his segment with Catherine O’Hara. In contrast, comedian Nate Bargatze thrived in his role, effortlessly delivering his lines, showcasing the disparity in how the format affected different presenters.
HIGH: The duo of Rogen and O’Hara took an entertaining leap with a segment where they humorously recounted fictional awards they garnered in Canada. Rogen quipped about winning “Golden Antlers” while O’Hara described her role alongside a baby otter, highlighting their comedic chemistry and ability to inject humor into their presentation.
LOW: In stark contrast to their comedic highlights, Ted Danson did not receive significant recognition during the broadcast, despite being a notable recipient of an honorary Carol Burnett Award for lifetime achievement just days prior. His achievement, along with Viola Davis‘s Cecil B. DeMille Award, was barely mentioned during the main event, which has traditionally served as a platform for honoring such accomplishments.
HIGH: Acceptance speeches sparked poignant moments, such as Colin Farrell’s thankful acknowledgment of his team while accepting the award for best actor in a limited series for The Penguin. His genuine expression of gratitude for “Carolina,” who managed the craft services, humanized the ceremony with a touching recognition of teamwork behind the scenes.
HIGH: Another heartfelt moment came from Demi Moore, whose speech while receiving the Best Film Comedy/Musical Actress award for The Substance resonated deeply. Reflecting on her journey over 45 years, she recounted how this recognition validated her career, countering a previous producer’s assertion that she was merely a “popcorn actress.” Her remarks highlighted the challenges and triumphs of her career, making her win particularly moving.
LOW: Amid these triumphs, the introduction of the Best Cinematic and Box Office Achievement category continued to draw criticism. Many see it as an ambiguous consolation for films that do not fit into traditional artistic categories. Jon M. Chu, while accepting the award for Wicked, used the opportunity to stress the importance of representation in film, showcasing an earnest approach to the day’s more cynical offerings.
HIGH: Comedians Awkwafina and Melissa McCarthy brought levity to their presentation of the Best TV Comedy Series award. Their playful jabs at celebrity activism created a refreshing moment filled with humor, demonstrating their proven comedic prowess amidst a mixed bag of presentation styles throughout the evening.
HIGH: The competition for this year’s Best Actress Oscar appears tighter than ever, a fact underscored at the Globes where prominent nominees in the category were eclipsed by other performances. While Demi Moore walked away with a win, the surprises highlighted a shift from the traditional focus on established stars, suggesting a new direction for how the awards may prioritize diverse talent recognition moving forward.
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www.goldderby.com