The 82nd Golden Globe Awards brought an evening of unexpected wins, heartfelt speeches, and a few zingers from host Nikki Glaser that kept Hollywood’s glitterati on their toes. From Demi Moore’s jaw-dropping victory to a celebration of groundbreaking films, the event had all the glitz and glamour one might expect.
Demi Moore’s Stunning Comeback
In one of the night’s most talked-about moments, Demi Moore clinched her first Golden Globe for her transformative performance in The Substance. At 62, Moore played a Hollywood star willing to go to extreme lengths to regain her youth, a role that resonated with audiences and critics alike.
“I’ve been doing this for over 45 years, and this is the first thing I’ve ever won as an actor,” Moore said, visibly emotional. Her win in the best actress in a comedy or musical category was particularly shocking, given the strong buzz around Mikey Madison’s performance in Anora.
Moore’s heartfelt speech struck a chord. “Thirty years ago, a producer told me I was a popcorn actress. Well, I guess the popcorn finally popped,” she quipped, drawing laughs and applause.
Sebastian Stan’s Big Night
Sebastian Stan took home the best supporting actor award for his role in A Different Man, a film that delves into the emotional toll of physical transformation. This marked Stan’s second nomination of the night, the other for his portrayal of Donald Trump in The Apprentice.
“These films tackle tough subjects,” Stan remarked. “They remind us to confront life’s harsh realities instead of looking away.” His win reinforced Hollywood’s continued interest in stories that push boundaries and challenge norms.
Nikki Glaser Brings the Laughs
Host Nikki Glaser set the tone for the evening with her sharp humor and quick wit. “I’m not here to roast you,” she began, before diving into a series of lighthearted jabs.
One standout moment was her playful dig at Ariana Grande, urging the singer to “hold my finger,” and a cheeky comment on Timothée Chalamet’s “upper-lip eyelashes.” Glaser also took a shot at Hollywood’s political influence: “You can do anything … except tell the country who to vote for.”
While not every joke landed, Glaser’s performance was a crowd-pleaser, especially compared to last year’s lackluster hosting.
Celebrating Artistic Excellence
The Globes highlighted a diverse range of storytelling, with winners spanning multiple genres and languages.
- The Brutalist, a visually stunning tale of a Jewish architect post-World War II, won best director for Brady Corbet.
- Emilia Pérez, a genre-blending trans musical, dominated with three awards, including best non-English language film and best song for “El Mal.”
- Wicked received the award for cinematic and box-office achievement, with director Jon M. Chu emphasizing the importance of optimism in art.
In a particularly moving moment, French director Jacques Audiard, who helmed Emilia Pérez, reflected on themes of sisterhood, saying, “If there were more sisters in the world, maybe it would be a better place.”
TV Takes Center Stage
Television winners added another layer of excitement to the evening. Shogun led the charge, earning Hiroyuki Sanada and Tadanobu Asano acting awards. Ali Wong, who had once declined hosting the Globes, won for her stand-up performance, while Jean Smart snagged her second Globe for Hacks.
Colin Farrell, recognized for his transformation in The Penguin, summed up his night with characteristic charm: “I guess it’s prosthetics from here on out.”
A Stabilized Event Amid Controversy
The Golden Globes have faced their share of challenges in recent years, from diversity scandals to the disbanding of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Now owned by Eldridge Industries and Dick Clark Productions, the Globes are attempting to rebuild their reputation while staying relevant in the awards circuit.
Last year’s ratings bounce back to 10 million viewers proved the Globes still hold sway. CBS has committed to airing the ceremony for five more years, signaling confidence in the awards’ future.
While legal battles over the sale of the Globes linger, the ceremony remains a crucial marketing platform for studios. As Hollywood sets its sights on the Oscars in March, the Globes reminded us why they matter: they celebrate artistry, create buzz, and keep the awards season alive.
