The 2025 Golden Globe Awards have delivered some exciting and surprising wins across the movies category. Let’s take a closer look at the winners and which ones may have taken us by surprise.
Best Motion Picture – Drama: The Brutalist
The Brutalist, a film directed by Brady Corbet, took home the coveted prize for Best Motion Picture – Drama. While critically acclaimed, the win might have surprised some, given the strength of competition from heavy hitters like Oppenheimer and Killers of the Flower Moon. The Brutalist is a more niche film with its dark psychological drama, and its triumph over more high-profile projects shows the preference for complex and thought-provoking narratives this year.
- Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy: Emilia Pérez
This win could have caught some off-guard, as Emilia Pérez isn’t a widely recognized name in mainstream Hollywood. The film’s unique mix of comedy and drama set against a culturally rich backdrop helped it stand out, but its win over other films like The Marvels and The Promising Young Woman sequel might raise eyebrows. It showcases the Golden Globes’ increasing focus on international and unconventional narratives. - **Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama: Adrien Brody, The Brutalist
Adrien Brody’s performance in The Brutalist was widely praised, but with the presence of acclaimed performances from Leonardo DiCaprio (Killers of the Flower Moon) and Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer), Brody’s victory is a surprising one. His portrayal of a complex character dealing with internal and external struggles truly resonated with voters. - Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama: Fernanda Torres, I’m Still Here
Fernanda Torres’ win in the Best Actress category is a remarkable achievement, especially given the strong competition from other contenders. I’m Still Here might not have had as much buzz as some of the other films in the running, but Torres’ outstanding performance in this emotionally layered drama captivated the voters. - Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture: Kieran Culkin, The Midway
Kieran Culkin’s win here for The Midway is unexpected, considering the powerhouse performances in supporting roles this year. The category was filled with stars like Robert Downey Jr. (Oppenheimer) and Paul Dano (The Fabelmans), but Culkin’s nuanced performance earned him the recognition, which highlights how voters often favor subtler, more subdued performances over high-profile ones. - Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture: Zoe Saldaña, Emilia Pérez
Zoe Saldaña’s win for Emilia Pérez was a big surprise, as she is typically seen in action-packed roles, and this film represents a departure into more dramatic, character-driven territory. Her role in Emilia Pérez showcased her depth as an actress, which is likely what swayed the voting panel.
The 2025 Golden Globe Awards delivered a few surprises, from The Brutalist’s unexpected wins to the triumph of Emilia Pérez in multiple categories. While some films, such as Oppenheimer and Barbie, were seen as frontrunners but left empty-handed, others like The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez have emerged as fresh contenders, reflecting the evolving tastes and preferences of the Golden Globe voters.
