The 82nd Annual Golden Globe Nominees: A Star-Studded Lineup for 2025
The excitement surrounding the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards has reached its peak as the nominees for this prestigious event were announced on December 9, 2024. Hosted by Mindy Kaling and Morris Chestnut, the press conference at the Beverly Hilton unveiled a list of nominees that reflects the diverse and vibrant landscape of contemporary cinema and television. With the ceremony set to air live on Sunday, January 5, 2025, this year’s Golden Globe nominations promise to showcase the best in film and TV.
Who Will Win and Who Should Win?
With the Golden Globes just around the corner, speculation is at an all-time high. This year’s nominations reflect a diverse range of talent and storytelling, leaving audiences eager to see who will take home the coveted awards. Here’s a look at the top contenders and predictions for the big night.
Best Motion Picture – Drama
The race for Best Motion Picture – Drama include some of the most anticipated films of the year. The Brutalist (A24), A Complete Unknown (Searchlight Pictures), and Nickel Boys (Orion Pictures / Amazon MGM Studios) are among the contenders, alongside Dune: Part Two (Warner Bros. Pictures), the sequel to Denis Villeneuve’s blockbuster that has already been making waves. Another standout is Conclave (Focus Features), which looks set to captivate audiences with its intense storytelling. The film September 5 (Paramount Pictures) completes the strong lineup, offering a mixture of thrilling narratives that are sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
While The Brutalist leads in innovation, Dune: parth 2 stands out for its gravitas, making the category one of the evening’s most unpredictable.
Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
In the Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy category, a mix of charming comedies and striking musicals has made the list. Anora (NEON), Challengers (Amazon MGM Studios), and Wicked (Universal Pictures) are among the most buzzed-about contenders. Emilia Pérez (Netflix), A Real Pain (Searchlight Pictures), and The Substance (MUBI) offer intriguing narratives that blend music, humor, and poignant stories in unexpected ways. With the ever-popular Wicked returning to the big screen, it is clear that audiences will be treated to a wide range of performances this year.
Emilia Pérez’s vibrant aesthetic and layered themes have resonated with audiences, but Wicked could pull an upset with its unique narrative flair.
Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama
The Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama category is a compelling contest with a remarkable range of talent. Among the nominees are Adrien Brody for The Brutalist, Timothée Chalamet for A Complete Unknown, and Daniel Craig for Queer. Colman Domingo, recognized for his powerful portrayal in Sing Sing, and Ralph Fiennes for his role in Conclave further elevate the category, while Sebastian Stan’s performance in The Apprentice rounds out this outstanding group. With such a varied and deep pool of performances, this category promises to be one of the most closely watched during the Golden Globe ceremony.
Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama
The category for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama features some truly remarkable names, including Pamela Anderson for The Last Showgirl, Nicole Kidman for Babygirl, and Tilda Swinton for The Room Next Door. With these powerhouse performers, the race for this category promises to be fiercely competitive, especially with the added presence of Angelina Jolie in Maria and Kate Winslet in Lee.
Best Director
The Best Director category showcases the diverse range of talent behind this year’s films. Jacques Audiard’s direction of Emilia Pérez and Brady Corbet’s work on The Brutalist are strong contenders, as are the directorial efforts of Edward Berger (Conclave) and Coralie Fargeat (The Substance). Payal Kapadia, with All We Imagine as Light, brings an international flavor to the list, marking a year of global cinematic achievements.
Our predictions – Edward Berger has a storng chance of winning the race.
Best Motion Picture – Animated: Family-Friendly Films Lead the Way
Animation also takes center stage with Best Motion Picture – Animated nominees like Inside Out 2 (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures) and Moana 2 (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures) continuing beloved stories. Also in the running are Flow (Sideshow / Janus Films), Memoir of a Snail (IFC Films), Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (Netflix), and The Wild Robot (Universal Pictures), all of which bring their own unique flavors to animated cinema.
A Strong Television Presence
Television is also well-represented, with series like The Day of the Jackal (Peacock), The Diplomat (Netflix), and Squid Game (Netflix) vying for Best Television Series – Drama. The Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy category sees a dynamic mix of humor, wit, and charm with Abbott Elementary (ABC), The Bear (FX/Hulu), and Only Murders in the Building (Hulu) among the nominees. The race for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Series – Drama includes standout stars like Donald Glover (Mr. & Mrs. Smith) and Gary Oldman (Slow Horses), both known for their captivating portrayals of complex characters.
Stand-Up Comedy: Laughter Takes the Spotlight
In a unique twist, the Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television category highlights the humor of some of the brightest comedy stars, including Jamie Foxx (Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was), Nikki Glaser (Nikki Glaser: Someday You’ll Die), and Ali Wong (Ali Wong: Single Lady). This category reflects the Golden Globes’ appreciation for diverse forms of entertainment, bringing attention to both established comedians and emerging talent.
A Star-Studded Event Ahead
With nominees from across the globe, including French, Italian, and Brazilian cinema, the 82nd Golden Globe Awards promises to be an exciting celebration of storytelling. The star-studded event will be aired live on CBS at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET, with streaming available on Paramount+ in the U.S. Whether it’s film or television, drama or comedy, the 2025 Golden Globes are set to honor exceptional talent across every facet of the entertainment industry.