Three Key Insights from the 2025 Golden Globes

The Golden Globes are often seen as a celebration where everyone appears to win, rather than a harsh competition. This event has always been more about enjoyment and socializing among Hollywood’s top stars than about strict outcomes, despite its history of controversies.

This year's ceremony was notably free of awkward moments and scandals. Instead of dreaded jokes from last year's performance, the festivities featured light remarks made by host Nikki Glaser, which contributed to a fun atmosphere.

Films Emilia Pérez and The Brutalist were standout winners, along with the popular TV series Shōgun and Hacks. Here are three major highlights from this year's event:

Nikki Glaser's Successful Hosting

Last year, comedian Jo Koy's performance at the Golden Globes left audiences puzzled due to his misfired jokes. His comments about the film Barbie and celebrities like Taylor Swift didn’t resonate well, leading to an uncomfortable atmosphere.

This year, Nikki Glaser had a unique opportunity to improve on that experience. She successfully engaged with the audience, making clever jokes about various celebrities while maintaining an air of lightheartedness. Her playful teasing of Timothée Chalamet's facial hair and comments about Adrien Brody showed her comedic skills.

In her preparation, Glaser focused on understanding the audience and creating a comfortable setting for humor. She told Variety that learning from Koy’s experience was crucial for her. Glaser's strategic approach paid off, resulting in a highly enjoyable hosting experience.

Netflix's Triumph

As the lines between television and movies continue to blur, with stars engaging in both areas, streaming giant Netflix shined at this year's Golden Globes. This platform won significant awards, showcasing its strong presence in the industry.

Among the notable victories, Emilia Pérez took home awards for Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, Best Motion Picture Non-English Language, and Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role (won by Zoe Saldana). The film also received recognition for Best Original Song (“El Mal”). Despite some critiques regarding its premise, the film is expected to continue its success at the Oscars.

On the television side, Baby Reindeer won Best Television Limited Series, with actress Jessica Gunning winning for her performance as well.

The Golden Globes: Fun and Enjoyable

In recent years, the Golden Globes faced substantial scrutiny, particularly after allegations of unethical practices led to its removal from broadcasting. However, the 2023 revival made it clear that the Globes serve the purpose of providing a lighthearted celebration rather than serious competition.

This year's event successfully highlighted this goal. The speeches were entertaining and evocative without diving into heavy political topics. Celebrities appeared joyous, and the organized viewing experience allowed audiences a glimpse into the glamorous atmosphere.

The 2025 ceremony was slightly less remarkable but still enjoyable, reinforcing the idea that an uneventful awards show can still be delightful. In the end, it showed that a relaxing night can be more satisfying than one filled with drama.

goldenglobes, celebration, entertainment