The 82nd Golden Globe Awards delivered unexpected outcomes that could reshape the Oscars race, particularly in the Best Actress categories. Hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, the awards ceremony highlighted glitz and glamour, but also sparked discussions about its impact on the path to the Academy Awards. The most surprising victories of the night belonged to Demi Moore and Fernanda Torres, whose wins have altered perceptions of the frontrunners for the Oscars.
Demi Moore won Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy for her role in The Substance, a satirical body-horror film. Moore plays a television personality grappling with being replaced by a younger figure, portrayed by Margaret Qualley. Her nuanced performance, combined with a compelling comeback narrative, has brought her back into the spotlight. During her heartfelt acceptance speech, Moore reflected on her career, recounting how she had been dismissed decades ago as a “popcorn actress.” She credited The Substance with reinvigorating her creative drive, calling the project “a bonkers script that arrived at the perfect time.”
Moore’s win is especially noteworthy given the stiff competition she faced. She triumphed over Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Mikey Madison (Anora), and Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez), all of whom were considered stronger Oscar contenders prior to the Globes. While her Globe victory doesn’t guarantee an Academy Award nomination, it has certainly elevated her status in the awards season conversation.
Equally surprising was Fernanda Torres’ win for Best Actress in a Drama for her role in the Brazilian political film I’m Still Here. Directed by Walter Salles, the film examines the trauma of Brazil’s military dictatorship through the eyes of a woman searching for her disappeared husband. Torres’ understated yet deeply emotional performance anchors the film, earning her well-deserved recognition. Her acceptance speech resonated with audiences as she dedicated the award to her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, who was also a nominee 25 years ago for another Salles film, Central Station. Torres further linked her character’s resilience to current global challenges, offering a hopeful message that Hollywood is likely to embrace.
Torres’ unexpected win came against a formidable lineup, which included Nicole Kidman (Babygirl), Angelina Jolie (Maria), and Tilda Swinton (The Room Next Door). Her victory highlights how international cinema can make waves in Hollywood, adding depth to the awards season narrative.
The Golden Globes’ influence lies in their ability to shift momentum. Although the 334 Globe voters don’t overlap with the Academy’s 9,000 Oscar voters, the timing of the ceremony—just days before Oscar voting closes—ensures that these wins remain fresh in voters’ minds. Both Moore and Torres have emerged as serious contenders, challenging established frontrunners in their categories.
Meanwhile, The Brutalist dominated the drama categories, winning Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Actor for Adrien Brody. The film’s director, Brady Corbet, also took home the Best Director award. Emilia Pérez, a French musical, won Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, solidifying its place as a favorite for international recognition.
The Golden Globes also highlighted the growing prominence of television. Shōgun won Best Television Series – Drama, while Hacks claimed Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy. Jeremy Allen White (The Bear) and Anna Sawai (Shōgun) continued their awards streaks, adding to the ceremony’s mix of surprises and expected wins.
While the Globes are often seen as a prelude to the Oscars, they remain unpredictable. Moore and Torres’ victories have upended expectations, reminding audiences and industry insiders alike that awards season is far from over. With Oscar nominations just around the corner, their wins may inspire Academy voters to take a second look at their performances, potentially setting the stage for more surprises in the weeks to come.
A complete list of winners is as follows:
2025 Golden Globe Winners
Motion Picture Categories
- Best Drama Motion Picture: The Brutalist
- Best Musical or Comedy Motion Picture: Emilia Pérez
- Best Foreign Language Film: Emilia Pérez
- Best Animated Feature Film: Flow
- Cinematic and Box Office Achievement: Wicked
Acting in Motion Pictures
- Best Actress in a Drama Motion Picture: Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here)
- Best Actor in a Drama Motion Picture: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)
- Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy Motion Picture: Demi Moore (The Substance)
- Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy Motion Picture: Sebastian Stan (A Different Man)
- Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture: Zoe Saldana (Emilia Pérez)
- Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain)
Creative Categories in Motion Pictures
- Best Director: Brady Corbet (The Brutalist)
- Best Screenplay: Peter Straughan (Conclave)
- Best Original Song: El Mal by Jacques Audiard, Camille, Clément Ducol (Emilia Pérez)
- Best Original Score: Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (Challengers)
Television Categories
Series Awards
- Best Drama TV Series: Shōgun
- Best Musical or Comedy TV Series: Hacks
- Best Miniseries or TV Film: Baby Reindeer
Acting in TV Drama
- Best Actress in a Drama TV Series: Anna Sawai (Shōgun)
- Best Actor in a Drama TV Series: Hiroyuki Sanada (Shōgun)
Acting in TV Comedy
- Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy TV Series: Jean Smart (Hacks)
- Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy TV Series: Jeremy Allen White (The Bear)
Acting in Miniseries or TV Films
- Best Actress in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture for TV: Jodie Foster (True Detective: Night Country)
- Best Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture for TV: Colin Farrell (The Penguin)
Supporting Roles on Television
- Best Supporting Actress on Television: Jessica Gunning (Baby Reindeer)
- Best Supporting Actor on Television: Tadanobu Asano (Shōgun)
Special Awards
- Cecil B. DeMille Award: Viola Davis
- Carol Burnett Award: Ted Danson
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