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Amid the glitz and glamour of iconic red carpet looks, the 82nd annual Golden Globe Awards kicked off this year’s awards season on Jan. 5. In recent years, the ceremony has been deemed a joke due to its open bar, unserious banter and notorious past conflicts. The awards show has regained its credibility following this year’s show, with a highly entertaining monologue and several deserved wins. But of course, it wouldn’t be a Hollywood drama without several upsets changing the momentum of the 2025 awards season.

Nikki Glaser’s impressive kick-off
When it comes to hosting an award show, it’s undeniable that the host has the most difficult job — entertaining haughty celebrity A-listers while still appealing to a general audience. Comedian Nikki Glaser had tough shoes to fill following a huge blunder from comedian Jo Koy, where he infamously made sexist jokes about “Barbie” and blamed his unsuccessful jests on his writers.

Glaser, known for her brutal celebrity roasts on “Comedy Central Roast,” delivered an absolutely hilarious monologue that poked fun at different attendees while straying away from overly offensive and political material. In her best segment, Glaser pulled out her roasting skills to make fun of Timothée Chalamet’s moustache, calling it “the most gorgeous eyelashes on his upper lip.” Glaser even managed to uncannily impersonate Adam Sandler pronouncing Chalamet’s name.

Glaser’s humorous monologue marked her knack for entertaining both celebrities and audiences, a difficult talent to master that other award show hosts should take note of.

Emilia Pérez’s antagonistic win
What is Hollywood without an unexpected villain? Netflix’s “Emilia Pérez” became the night’s antagonist after winning four of its 10 nominations, paving its way for Oscar success in an undeserved fashion.

The film is a drama-comedy-musical following a transgender Mexican drug lord who secretly undergoes gender-affirming surgery. Under her new name, Emilia Pérez (Karla Sofía Gascón) embraces a new life as a generous philanthropist with the help of her lawyer Rita (Zoe Saldaña).

Aside from its cringy and atrocious songs, the film had many grave faults. The director, Jacques Audiard, and his writing team portrayed inaccurate Mexican stereotypes rather than enriching the culture. Audiard even stated that he did not research much about Mexican culture because he claimed to already know enough. The film also poorly depicted the transgender community. Rather than embracing Pérez’s womanhood, the film instead uses her new identity as a way to absolve her past crimes, undermining the entire message of the film.

Though the film’s ignorant message has caused outrage on social media, it continues to be critically acclaimed by critics and other filmmakers, including high praise from Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro.

“Emilia Pérez,” which won the Jury Prize and Best Actress at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, edged out the widely-regarded “Wicked” for Best Musical and Comedy and Saldaña even took home her first Golden Globe. All that’s to say, the two opposite receptions of the film ultimately highlight just how detached the industry has become from society, making the success of “Emilia Pérez” disgraceful rather than celebratory.

Sophia Burke | Design Editor

Anora’s shortcomings surprise audience members
The biggest surprise of the night was probably the fact that “Anora” left empty-handed. For critics and movie lovers alike, “Anora” did everything right and won the hearts of many, so the shut-out came as a complete shock. Most of all, Mikey Madison was primed to win best actress, which Demi Moore won instead.

Madison, the film’s lead star, displayed a transformative performance as a sex worker in Brooklyn. Her convincing performance earned the film the Palme d’Or at Cannes, setting her apart from other nominees. Though Madison was snubbed for the Golden Globe, the race is still wide open for Madison to cement herself as a young and talented actress.

The Globes finally give credit where it’s due
This year’s Golden Globes acting nominees featured a mix of seasoned veterans, such as 17-time nominee Nicole Kidman, and young newcomers, like first-time nominee Yura Borisov.

Despite the slate’s diverse range, this year’s Golden Globes gave their flowers to actors who have been in the industry for decades but have yet to establish themselves as award winners. Saldaña, one of the highest-grossing actresses of all time, won her first Golden Globe after almost 25 years in the business. Likewise, Demi Moore scored her first win in her 45-year career and gave a heartfelt and emotional speech to never give up on one’s dreams.

While it is a momentous occasion to celebrate these long-time actors, there still isn’t a clear winner for the Oscars in many categories.

Jeremy Allen White once again steals the spotlight
In terms of the night’s television awards, everyone who won got what they deserved. From “Shogun” sweeping their Golden Globes run to “Hacks’” success, all decisions were fair – with the exception of Jeremy Allen White’s win for best actor in a musical or comedy television series in “The Bear.”

“The Bear,” which has garnered success since its release in 2022, was almost completely shut out after their sub-par third season. It’s a hotly-contested debate on whether the series falls in the drama or comedy genre.

While there’s no denying that his performance is riveting in each episode, he overshadows other, more deserving nominees, such as “Only Murders in the Building,” which has been nominated 16 times without winning a single award.

Because of the series’ high tension and deep narrative, voters have a natural tendency to award dramatic TV shows rather than quirky comedies, giving a huge bias towards White and “The Bear” even when the show was not at its strongest.

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The 82nd Golden Globes didn’t fail to entertain both snooty celebrities and modest audiences, thanks to Glaser’s comical and unfiltered monologue. While the Golden Globes honors actors bound to receive praise after years of hard work, there is still more to come in terms of who will bring home the coveted Oscar trophy.

Published on January 15, 2025 at 11:34 pm