Iconic Names and Unexpected Victories Steal the Night!
The 2025 Golden Globes brought glamour, unexpected wins, and emotional moments to The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on January 5. This year’s ceremony celebrated groundbreaking performances, with Zoe Saldana and Demi Moore among the night’s standout honorees. Other major winners included Shōgun and The Brutalist, leaving a mark on an evening full of milestones and heartfelt speeches.
Zoe Saldana Leads Emilia Perez to Victory
Zoe Saldana, 46, captured the spotlight early in the night, winning Best Supporting Actress in a Musical or Comedy for her role in Emilia Perez. The Netflix film later secured the coveted Best Film – Musical or Comedy award, making it the most-awarded film of the evening.
An emotional Saldana delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech, thanking the Golden Globes for celebrating the powerful women of Emilia Perez. “My heart is full of gratitude,” she shared, fighting back tears. She praised her fellow nominees, including Ariana Grande (Wicked), Selena Gomez (Emilia Perez), and Margaret Qualley (The Substance), stating, “Your strength and talent inspire me.”
In Emilia Perez, Saldana portrays Rita Mora Castro, a lawyer helping cartel leader Emilia (played by Karla Sofia Gascon) fake her death to live authentically as her true self. Gascon, a trans actress, delivered a poignant closing speech, highlighting themes of resilience and self-acceptance: “You can beat us up, but you can never take away our soul or identity. Raise your voice and say, ‘I am who I am.’”
The film also won Best Non-English Language Film, triumphing over contenders like All We Imagine as Light and I’m Still Here.
Demi Moore Makes History
Demi Moore, 62, celebrated her first Golden Globe win, earning Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy for her role in The Substance. In an emotional speech, Moore reflected on her decades-long journey in Hollywood.
“Thirty years ago, a producer told me I was a ‘popcorn actress,’ implying I could never win an award like this. I believed that for years,” she admitted. Moore credited The Substance for reigniting her passion for acting: “This bold, courageous script reminded me that I’m not done.”
Moore plays Elisabeth, a fading celebrity who experiments with a black-market drug that temporarily creates a younger version of herself. She praised co-star Margaret Qualley and shared an empowering message: “In those moments when you don’t feel enough, remember: it’s not about being enough but recognizing your worth.”
The Brutalist and Shōgun Dominate Drama Categories
On the drama front, The Brutalist won Best Film – Drama, with Adrien Brody earning Best Actor for his portrayal of an architect navigating personal and professional challenges. His emotional speech acknowledged the recent tragedy involving co-star Aubrey Plaza’s husband, Jeff Baena, adding a somber note to the evening.
Television’s drama categories were swept by Shōgun, which won Best TV Series – Drama. Individual honors went to Anna Sawai, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Tadanobu Asano for their captivating performances.
Shocking Wins and Powerful Speeches
One of the night’s biggest surprises came when Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres won Best Actress in a Drama for her role in I’m Still Here. She triumphed over Hollywood heavyweights Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman, and Pamela Anderson.
In her acceptance speech, Torres expressed gratitude for the opportunity to portray complex, authentic characters: “This award represents not just my work but the stories of countless women striving to be seen and heard.”
Memorable Red-Carpet Moments
While the awards celebrated excellence, the Golden Globes also delivered its signature dose of fashion and star power. Saldana dazzled in a custom emerald gown, while Moore stunned in a sleek black ensemble. Adrien Brody turned heads in a classic tuxedo with modern detailing.
Off-stage, Moore and Saldana mingled with their peers, sharing lighthearted moments and posing for photos. The Substance director Coralie Fargeat described the atmosphere as “electric,” adding, “This year’s winners remind us of the power of storytelling.”
Closing the Night
The 2025 Golden Globes will be remembered as a celebration of diversity, resilience, and the transformative power of cinema. Films like Emilia Perez and performances from trailblazers like Zoe Saldana and Demi Moore reflect an industry evolving to embrace bold narratives and underrepresented voices.
As Hollywood moves forward, this year’s winners set a high bar for authenticity and artistry.
