Jobaaj Stories
The 82nd Golden Globe Awards, held on Monday morning, kicked off the awards season with excitement and surprises. From unexpected wins to heartfelt speeches, the night was filled with memorable moments. While India’s All We Imagine As Light missed out on a Globe, there were still plenty of reasons to cheer, with new frontrunners emerging for the Oscars.
The Brutalist Takes the Lead
One of the most notable stories of the Golden Globes 2025 was the rise of The Brutalist, a poignant drama directed by Brady Corbet. The film, which tells the story of a Holocaust survivor starting a new life in America, became a frontrunner for the Oscars after winning three major awards. Adrien Brody took home Best Actor in a Drama, while Corbet won Best Director, and the film also earned Best Picture.
Corbet’s win was significant not only because of the quality of his film but also because it meant that Payal Kapadia, nominated for All We Imagine As Light, lost out in the same category. Kapadia’s chances were slim, as the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) has seldom awarded non-English language directors. The only exception in recent years was Alfonso Cuarón’s victory for Roma in 2018.
The Snub for All We Imagine As Light
Despite All We Imagine As Light being one of the most awarded international films in critics' circles, it was overlooked at the Golden Globes. The award for Best Foreign Language Film went to Emilia Perez, a French musical about a drug cartel, directed by Jacques Audiard. Although All We Imagine As Light didn't secure the win, its journey so far has been impressive, especially given that it wasn't selected by India’s Oscar committee, meaning it won’t be competing in the Foreign Language category at the Academy Awards.
However, the film has not been entirely shut out. It has earned a nomination in the Foreign Language Film category at the upcoming Critics Choice Awards (January 13), and it has also been longlisted in three categories at the BAFTA Awards. The final BAFTA nominations will be announced on January 18, and fans are hoping the film can secure a top 5 spot.
Anora’s Disappointing Night
Another notable snub at the Golden Globes was for Sean Baker’s Anora. Despite having five nominations, the Palme d'Or-winning drama was completely shut out during the ceremony. The film’s failure to win any of its categories raises questions about its Oscar chances, and it remains to be seen whether it can still make an impact later in the season.
Surprise Wins That Stole the Show
While the Golden Globes were mostly predictable in the television categories, where The Bear and Shogun took home wins for Best Drama and Best Comedy, the acting categories brought some welcome surprises.
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Colin Farrell, who stars in the HBO series The Penguin (a spin-off of The Batman), won Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama, defeating Richard Gadd, who was considered a frontrunner for his role in The Bear.
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Tadanobu Asano, the Japanese actor, won Best Supporting Actor for his role in Shogun. Asano’s acceptance speech was one of the most heartfelt of the night. He introduced himself to the audience as if he were a newcomer, saying, “Maybe you don’t know me. I’m an actor from Japan, and my name is Tadanobu Asano!” This charming moment was met with cheers and applause.
Big Surprises in the Film Categories
The film category also saw unexpected wins, particularly in the Best Actress sections.
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Demi Moore, known for her role in The Substance (a horror film), triumphed over favorites like Cynthia Erivo (for Wicked) and Mikey Madison (for Anora). Moore’s victory is seen as a big win for the horror genre, which is rarely acknowledged in major award shows. Her acceptance speech was both powerful and emotional, as she addressed the years-old criticism of being a "popcorn actress" and ended on a note about acceptance and resilience. This win has significantly increased her chances for an Oscar nomination.
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Fernanda Torres, the talented Brazilian actress, won Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy for her performance in I’m Still Here. Torres’ win was especially meaningful because it marked a full-circle moment. Her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, had been nominated for the same award 25 years ago for Central Station. Torres’ emotional speech dedicated the win to her mother, calling it proof that “art can endure through life.”
Looking Ahead
The Golden Globes 2025 have certainly set the stage for an exciting awards season. With The Brutalist now positioned as a major Oscar contender, the race for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor is wide open. Meanwhile, films like All We Imagine As Light and Anora may still find their way into the awards conversation as the season progresses.
As we approach the Critics Choice Awards and the Oscars, the anticipation builds, and the unpredictability of this year’s awards season makes it even more thrilling.
