
Savannah Pennington
Staff Writer
The 82nd Golden Globe Awards, held on Jan. 5, in Los Angeles, brought Hollywood’s biggest stars together for a night of celebration, surprises and shocking moments. Hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, the evening was a sensational showcase of talent and storytelling, reflecting the year’s finest achievements in both film and television. Glaser made history as the first solo woman to host the event.
In the film categories, the night’s top honor for Best Motion Picture – Drama went to “The Brutalist,” a gripping tale of art’s relation to commerce in America and personal sacrifice. Director Brady Corbet emphasized the importance of supporting filmmakers in his acceptance speech. Adrien Brody, who starred as the film’s conflicted protagonist, earned the award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama.
“At the core of ‘The Brutalist,’ it is really a story about the human capacity for creation, so I would be remiss to not acknowledge my fellow nominees…” Brody remarked during his acceptance speech.
The Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy award went to “Emilia Pérez” a genre-bending film that captivated audiences with its originality. “Emilia Pérez” also won Best Motion Picture in a Non-English Language, with director Jacques Audiard dedicating the win to sisterhood and resilience.
Despite its critical and commercial success, “Emilia Perez” sparked debates about representation primarily from LGBTQ+ communities online who felt that aspects of the film were more problematic than representational.
“People, specifically transgender people, have been fighting tooth and nail to have transgender actors portray transgender characters,” Robin Gray, a transgender student at the University of South Florida.
“And, at surface value, Karla Sofía Gascón as the titular character was a massive step forwards. Dare I say, there was momentary excitement when I learned that a trans character would be played by a trans person. No more Eddie Redmaynes in ‘The Danish Girl.’ That’s not to say that cishet people cannot portray queer characters, but representation and opportunity for queer actors is incredibly important in this machine of an industry.”
These discussions emphasized the industry’s ongoing efforts to balance creative freedom with realistic representation of specific communities.
Demi Moore won Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy for the body horror film, “The Substance,” and reflected on her career and the importance of self-worth in her speech.
“When we don’t think we’re smart enough, or skinny enough, or successful enough, or basically just enough, just know, You will never be enough,” Moore stated. “But you can know the value of your worth if you just put down the measuring stick.”
Sebastian Stan’s performance in “A Different Man” earned him the award for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy, where he called for more representation of disability in film.
“Our ignorance and discomfort around disability and disfigurement has to end now,” Stan said, who plays an aspiring actor with neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on one’s skin and bones.“We have to normalize it and continue to expose ourselves [and our children] to it. Encourage acceptance. One way we can do that is by continuing to champion stories that are inclusive.”
Television had its share of standout moments as well, with “Shōgun” dominating the evening by winning all four of its nominations, including Best Drama Series. Tadanobu Asano’s portrayal in the series earned him the award for Best Supporting Male Actor in a Television Series, a recognition of his powerful performance in the historical epic.
The Best Musical or Comedy Series honor went to “Hacks,” which continued to resonate with audiences for its strong writing and stellar performances. The series remains a favorite among critics and viewers alike, blending humor with heartfelt storytelling.
“Baby Reindeer” was named Best Television Limited Series and Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, with creator Richard Gadd highlighting the need for stories that explore the intricacies of society and humanity.
Jodie Foster won Best Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie, for her role in “True Detective: Night Country,” while Colin Farrell won Best Actor in the same category for his role as Oswald Cobblepot in “The Penguin.”
Ali Wong’s thoughtful and genuine reflections in her stand-up special “Single Lady” earned her the award for Best Stand-Up Comedy Performance.
The 82nd Golden Globe Awards were a celebration of skill, creativity and inventiveness in the entertainment industry. From ground breaking performances to touching moments of connection, the evening reflected the ever-evolving environment of Hollywood. While the discussions surrounding proper representation serve as a reminder of the work still to be done, the night’s achievements demonstrated the lasting power of storytelling to inspire and connect audiences around the world.