The Golden Globes reached a moment of reinvention and renewed attention. With Oppenheimer, Poor Things, and Anatomy of a Fall standing out in cinema, and Succession, Bear, and Bronca making waves on television, the 81st edition showcased how the awards themselves became the centerpiece of the season. The controversy surrounding the Hollywood Foreign Press Association had earlier prompted a collapse after questions about diversity, ethics, and finances were raised, ultimately handing control to a businessman and widening voting to about 300 journalists. The uproar faded from headlines, and Hollywood staged its first marquee awards night in a while, signaling a return to the traditional kickoff of awards season.
The evening’s box office and nominations races centered on a head-to-head duel between Oppenheimer and Barbie. Christopher Nolan’s film not only earned top drama recognition, elevating it as a front-runner in the Oscar race, but also marked a milestone for its writer, who claimed his first major writing prize after a string of nominations. It was a night that underlined Nolan’s influence while spotlighting Barbie’s enduring cultural footprint as Greta Gerwig’s creative vision for Mattel’s iconic brand translated to broad critical acclaim and audience appeal.
Irish actor Cillian Murphy, a longtime collaborator of Nolan, received critical praise for his portrayal on screen and his status as a leading figure in the ensemble. Murphy’s performance contributed to a moment of strong recognition for the film and its score, with Ludwig Göransson’s composition earning a top prize.
Barbie, a cinematic achievement produced by Gerwig, did not fade into the background. It earned nominations across major categories, including the new designations that recognized its cinematic value and box office success. The film also triumphed in the best comedy or musical categories, as Billie Eilish’s track What Was I Made For? was highlighted as part of the film’s broader cultural impact. Yet in the drama divisions, Poor Things and its director, Yorgos Lanthimos, delivered a standout performance from Emma Stone that captured significant attention.
Historic moment for Lily Gladstone
The night’s most resonant moment came when Lily Gladstone, an Indigenous actress known for Moon Killers, received the award that sparked a standing ovation at the Beverly Hilton. In a speech delivered partly in the language of the Blackfoot people, Gladstone dedicated the trophy to Indigenous children and spoke about representation and the ongoing work of allies, underscoring a commitment to inclusion within the industry.
Paul Giamatti, too, used the moment to honor teachers and the cast of the drama Those Left Behind, a performance celebrated for its depth and nuance. The film, directed by Alexander Payne, reinforced Giamatti’s standing as a versatile performer and a strong voice in contemporary cinema.
Hollywood red carpet returns to form
The Globes made a stylish return, moving away from their usual broadcast partner and seeking a streamlined format. The hostless show leaned on a mix of humor and heartfelt moments, aiming for a more contemporary tone. In a year marked by political tensions, the ceremony chose to keep speeches focused on the art and craft of filmmaking rather than current affairs, presenting a three-hour celebration of screen work.
On television, the fourth and final season of Subrogation delivered a dignified exit, with acting honors going to Kieran Culkin and Sarah Snook and Rachel Macfadyen’s supporting performance rounding out a strong ensemble showing. Elizabeth Debicki’s portrayal in The Crown added to the night’s female-led triumphs, demonstrating the depth of series storytelling across genres.
The Bear secured the award for best comedy series, with Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri earning recognition for their performances. The mini-series Order also claimed top acting prizes for Ali Wong and Steven Yeun, highlighting a year in which television broad appeal and bold storytelling converged on the awards stage.