10 Surprises at Golden Globes 2025 We Didn’t See Coming
- The 82nd Golden Globes nominations are here, and they’re already making waves.
- Hollywood’s biggest stars are up for surprises and unexpected moments this year.
- Of course, some snubs and controversial picks have added to the drama.
The Golden Globes are back, and this year’s nominations are making waves! The 82nd Annual Golden Globes have set the stage for Hollywood’s biggest stars, and the surprises are plenty.
From Disney Channel icons to groundbreaking moments in cinema, this year’s lineup has something for everyone. Of course, no awards season is complete without a few snubs and controversial picks.
The nominations were announced at the Beverly Hilton by Mindy Kaling and Morris Chestnut, and let’s just say—Hollywood isn’t ready for what’s coming.
Whether it’s a movie leading the pack with ten nominations or unexpected nods for superhero stories, the list has fans and critics buzzing. Oh, and don’t get us started on the films and performances that were left out.
The show will air live on January 5, 2025. But before that, let’s break down the ten biggest surprises that left us speechless (and maybe a little frustrated).
1. Emilia Pérez Leads With 10 Nominations
The biggest winner so far is Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez. This Spanish-language crime musical has taken Hollywood by storm, earning ten nominations—the most this year.
The movie, which explores themes of identity and transformation, has been a hit ever since its debut. Karla Sofía Gascón, the star of the film, is up for Best Actress, and the film also landed nods for Best Comedy or Musical, Best Director, and more.
Netflix is celebrating big with this one. After dominating the European Film Awards, Emilia Pérez is now set to make waves in Hollywood. Emilia Pérez is officially the belle of the ball. Hollywood loves a bold move, and this one paid off big time.
2. Disney Alums Steal the Spotlight
The Disney Channel queens are back—and they’re here to win. Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, and Miley Cyrus have all landed nominations this year, and it feels like 2009 again.
Grande is making her Golden Globes debut with her role as Glinda in Wicked: Part One. Selly earned two nominations: one for Only Murders in the Building and another for Emilia Pérez. Cyrus isn’t far behind, snagging a nod for Best Original Song with Beautiful That Way from The Last Showgirl.
It’s like a nostalgic reunion, seeing these stars dominating Hollywood in new ways. Their careers have come a long way from their Disney days, and the Globes are finally recognizing their talents.
3. Deadpool & Wolverine Snubbed Hard
Deadpool & Wolverine was expected to get some love in the comedy category, but the Globes had other plans. Back in 2016, Deadpool and Ryan Reynolds both snagged nominations in the musical/comedy category—and honestly, it made sense.
The movie was hilarious, and Reynolds totally nailed it. However, the film only received one nomination for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, which feels more like a consolation prize.
Reynolds and Hugh Jackman didn’t get any acting nods, and the movie itself wasn’t recognized as a comedy. Considering how much buzz this film generated, the snub is surprising. The Globes have honored superhero comedies before, so it’s strange to see this one left out.
4. Superhero Shows Get Their Moment
While Deadpool & Wolverine got snubbed, superhero stories on TV got their due. HBO’s The Penguin scored big with nominations for Best Series and acting nods for Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti.
Meanwhile, Kathryn Hahn’s performance in Agatha All Along earned her a nomination in the comedy category.
5. Sebastian Stan’s Double Feature
Sebastian Stan is having a moment, with not one but two major nominations. He’s up for Best Actor in a Drama for playing a young Donald Trump in The Apprentice. The film faced controversy from the start, with Trump’s team trying to block its release.
Despite the drama, Stan’s performance is being praised. Stan’s second nomination comes from A Different Man, where he plays a disfigured actor undergoing a radical transformation. Two very different roles, but one undeniable talent.
6. Kate Winslet Pulls Double Duty
Kate Winslet is no stranger to award shows, and this year she’s a double nominee. Her role in the biopic Lee, about war photographer Lee Miller, earned her a Best Actress nomination.
On top of that, she’s up for Best Actress in a Limited Series for HBO’s The Regime. Winslet continues to show her versatility and dedication to her craft. Two nominations in different categories is a rare and impressive feat.
7. Payal Kapadia Makes History
Payal Kapadia has become the first Indian filmmaker to be nominated for Best Director at the Golden Globes. Her film All We Imagine as Light also earned a nomination for Best Non-English Language Film.
The movie, which tells the story of two nurses in Mumbai, is a powerful and emotional piece of work. Kapadia’s nomination is a groundbreaking moment, shining a light on Indian cinema in Hollywood.
8. Denis Villeneuve Gets the Cold Shoulder
Denis Villeneuve didn’t get a Best Director nomination at the 2025 Golden Globes for his work on Dune: Part Two, despite the film’s huge success.
While Dune was up for Best Drama, the man behind the epic still didn’t get the recognition he deserves. This isn’t his first time being overlooked, especially when it comes to the Dune films.
9. The Substance Surprises Everyone
Demi Moore’s body-horror film The Substance wasn’t expected to dominate the Globes, but it did just that. The movie earned nominations for Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Picture in the Comedy/Musical category.
Both Moore and her co-star Margaret Qualley received acting nods. Horror doesn’t often get this kind of recognition, but The Substance proves that great storytelling can break through any genre barrier.
10. Black Actresses Overlooked Again
Despite promises of diversity, the Golden Globes missed the mark by snubbing Black actresses in major categories. Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths) and Danielle Deadwyler (The Piano Lesson) delivered some of the year’s most powerful performances, yet neither received a nomination.
While stars like Zendaya and Denzel Washington were recognized, it’s clear the Globes still have room for improvement when it comes to inclusivity.
The 82nd Golden Globes will air live on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET on CBS and stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.
