The 2025 Golden Globes: Heralding a Brilliant Age of Contemporary Customs
The 2025 Golden Globes are back with a fresh identity and are ready to commence this year's award season in Beverly Hills with their glamorous red carpet arrivals. After scrutiny due to accusations of corruption, this iconic annual event is regaining its limelight in 2025, not just as a Hollywood celebration, but as a mirror of our progressing global culture. Indeed, the Golden Globes have changed their tune, transforming into a cultural barometer, and I, for one, applaud this transformation.
A Transformed Voting Body: From Exclusivity to Equality
Recall the 2021 scandal unveiled by the Los Angeles Times that hit the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA)? The HFPA, responsible for organizing the Golden Globes, was criticized for having no Black members among its 87 voting body at the time, resulting in allegations of corruption and unethical practices. This controversy sparked a public outcry, leading to boycotts, sponsors withdrawing, and NBC opting to skip airing the Golden Globes in 2022. This pressure forced the HFPA to enforce major reforms, including diversifying its membership and establishing new ethical norms.
Today, the HFPA boasts a membership of over 300 individuals from 76 countries, with 58% self-identifying as ethnically diverse. The organization has undergone a metamorphosis on the inside, resulting in a change in perception on the outside. The Golden Globes 2025 nominations announcements, featuring greater input from international journalists, reflect a diverse range of stories and viewpoints. It's clear that internal change profoundly impacts external perception, and the HFPA's reforms - diversifying its membership and revamping its voting body - underscore the significance of authenticating internal values to align with external expectations. Brands that advocate for inclusivity should adopt these principles within their organizations.
I've emphasized the importance of diversity in creating successful brands in The Kim Kardashian Principle. Research from the Institute for Public Relations also stresses the importance of diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiatives for building a strong reputation and achieving financial success. Their findings show that close to 80% of executives regard D&I functions as crucial drivers of their company's overall reputation, spotlighting the strategic significance of prioritizing inclusivity within organizational frameworks.
This year's acting categories include Brazil's Fernanda Torres (I'm Still Here), India's Payal Kapadia (All We Imagine as Light), and Spain's Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez). These notable nominees are a testament to global cinema, while traditional favorites like Deadpool & Wolverine, Twisters, Inside Out 2, Gladiator II, and The Wild Robot still compete for the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement Award, introduced last year to honor mainstream films and their cultural impact.
A Celebration of Talent Spanning Generations
The film category this year is marked by fierce competition, particularly in the drama category, which features The Brutalist, Emilia Pérez, and A Real Pain. These captivating narratives showcase the diversity and intricacy of today's global cinema. Meanwhile, the comedy category brings some levity with mystery comedies like A Complete Unknown, showcasing innovative storytelling.
Some of this year's standouts include Colman Domingo, whose powerful performance in Sing Sing earned him a Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama nomination. Domingo's riveting portrayal as a man searching for redemption cements his reputation as one of the year's most impressive actors. In the supporting categories, Selena Gomez secures a Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture nomination for her role as Jessi Del Monte in the critically acclaimed Emilia Pérez. Gomez's nuanced performance has struck a chord with audiences and critics alike.
Television shines at the Golden Globes 2025, with luminaries like the timeless Kathy Bates receiving a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama for her role in Matlock. Bates' magnetic screen presence reaffirms her legendary career and enduring relevance.
What I find particularly refreshing is the emergence of new talents as well. Mikey Madison earns a Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy nomination for her dynamic performance in Anora. Similarly, Margaret Qualley secures a Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture nomination for The Substance, showcasing her exceptional versatility in delivering layered and captivating performances.
Could this shift be a consequence of the new multicultural membership and its impact on nomination ballots? Absolutely. A study from the School of Business, Law, and Entrepreneurship at Swinburne University of Technology, Australia, indicates that it strengthens employees' perceptions of organizational values, leading to stronger brand equity. This internal harmonization bolsters morale and fosters powerful external associations, fueling greater loyalty and advocacy among stakeholders.
The Golden Globes hasn't shied away from controversy this year. Talents like Viola Davis, a regular at the event, and Danielle Deadwyler for The Piano Lesson have been overlooked, potentially revealing areas of the industry that still need improvement. However, Viola Davis is still celebrated with the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award, acknowledging her significant contributions to the entertainment industry. This lifetime achievement award honors her enduring legacy and influence, serving as a reminder that more work is necessary to ensure diverse representation in competitive categories. In 2025, Ted Danson will be honored with the Carol Burnett Award at the Golden Globes, commemorating his outstanding achievements in television. Danson, a three-time Golden Globe winner, has gained fame for his iconic role as Sam Malone on "Cheers" and has continued to thrive in series such as "The Good Place," "Mr. Mayor," and "CSI." Previous recipients of these special awards, like Carol Burnett herself, have set high standards for this year's honorees.
The Resurgence of Award Ceremonies
It's no surprise that the audience for award ceremonies, including the Globes, is rebounding. Many of the awards' brands are reinventing themselves to appeal to a new generation. The 2025 Golden Globes red carpet is sure to generate buzz, especially on platforms such as Access Hollywood, with younger audiences now engaging more thoroughly with the allure and cultural significance of red carpet moments across various platforms.
A survey conducted in 2022 by the Motion Picture Association revealed that 80% of the respondents acknowledged that red carpet appearances significantly influenced their decision to watch a movie. Red carpet events have evolved into powerful marketing tools, significantly impacting audience perceptions and boosting interest in films. A study titled "Exploring how social media platforms influence fashion consumer decisions in the UK retail sector" highlights the role of social media in shaping consumer behavior. It suggests that social media can affect consumers at any stage of the decision-making process, leading to unplanned consumer behavior. Participants' actions were mainly driven by stimuli and user-controlled, leading to a larger influence on inspiration rather than forcing a direct alignment with trends or products. This reaffirms the role red carpet moments play in shaping contemporary consumer culture.
The Golden Globes ratings saw a 50% increase last year due to factors including increased inclusivity, viral moments (such as Pamela Anderson's influential no-makeup trend), and comedians like Nate Bargatze presenting awards. Adding humor to the evening is Amy Poehler, whose exceptional comedic talent and engaging charisma will further enrich the event. The legendary Elton John is expected to perform a special set, ensuring a memorable moment. Together, their collaborative energy will make the ceremony a celebration of excellence in entertainment, blending laughter, music, and talent.
Hollywood Glamour Goes Global
The Golden Globes are no longer limited to American films. This year, Asian films and global stories are being recognized, with actors like Hiroyuki Sanada, Zoe Saldana, and Ralph Fiennes receiving nominations. The Golden Globes has transformed into a platform reflecting a diverse audience's tastes.
Meanwhile, events like the In-N-Out Burger Expansion showcase the intersection of entertainment and cultural milestones. The chain's 75th anniversary celebration in October 2023, marked by a massive festival at the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Pomona, California, featured drag racing, car shows, carnival rides, games, and live music performances by bands such as ZZ Top, 311, and .48 Special. This event demonstrated how In-N-Out Burger has transcended its fast-food status to become a cultural icon, integrating its brand identity with entertainment and community engagement.
The Golden Globes as a Cultural Indicator
From Viola Davis's Golden Globe nomination to Sebastian Stan's major awards buzz, the Globes aim to become more than just an award ceremony. They are now a lens through which we observe Hollywood's transformation. Perhaps they have always—at their core—been open to change but had momentarily lost their way.
The Henrietta Award (World Film Favorite) was reintroduced in 2024 by the HFPA, which had presented it from 1951 to 1980 before discontinuing it as part of the Golden Globes' effort to stay contemporary. Reflecting evolving industry trends, the Globes have introduced new categories such as Cinematic and Box Office Achievement and Best Stand-Up Comedian on Television. Stars like Daniel Craig, who earned a nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for his captivating performance in Queer, have been honored, and Ayo Edebiri, who has been acclaimed for her role in The Bear, has been nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy, solidifying her status as a powerful comedic voice to watch. The Golden Globes is pushing forward to highlight the future of the entertainment industry.
Various investigations and assessments delve into how brands act as cultural barometers, reflecting and shaping societal values and patterns. In "Brands and Cultural Analysis," Arthur Asa Berger examines the part brands play in American society from a cultural studies perspective, discussing how they mimic consumer societies and social norms. Another research, "Culture and Branding," conducts a comprehensive analysis of scholarly literature on the relationship between culture and branding since the 1990s. It analyzes how cultural environments and consumer demographics impact branding strategies and how consumer-brand relationships are formed based on culturally relevant values.
As celebrities like Selena Gomez and Brandi Carlile grab the limelight, while actor Nicolas Cage, known for his unconventional and daring roles, earns a nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for his role in Dream Scenario, Tilda Swinton is nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama category for her captivating portrayal in The Room Next Door. These stars are undeniably the main attraction at the Golden Globes 2025, reminding us of the Globes' power to captivate, inspire, and reflect the Zeitgeist.
Comedian Nikki Glaser is set to make history as the first solo female host of the Golden Globes. However, Glaser assured Yahoo! that she won't intervene in the ongoing It Ends with Us controversy between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, in which both stars have been making headlines due to accusations of launching smear campaigns against each other.
When Does the Golden Globes Air?
Keep your diaries marked: the Golden Globes 2025 will air this Sunday, January 5, 2025. Tune in at 8 PM EST to catch all the action, including captivating movie moments and inspiring speeches. The live broadcast will be aired on CBS, with U.S. viewers also having the option to stream it on Paramount+.
As I see it, rather than asking "Where to watch the Golden Globes?" the more relevant question is "How will the Golden Globes 2025 shape the future of Hollywood?" The Golden Globes 2025 are not just honoring achievements; they're reshaping the narratives, voices, and talents that require the spotlight in an ever-evolving industry—for the better.
Nominated as Esquire’s Influencer Of The Year, Jeetendr Sehdev is a media personality, global speaker, and the author of the New York Times bestselling phenomenon, The Kim Kardashian Principle*: Why Shameless Sells (and How to Do It Right.)
The newly diverse HFPA has impacted the Golden Globes nominations, with a wider range of stories and viewpoints being represented, such as Fernanda Torres from Brazil and Karla Sofía Gascón from Spain. (diversity in nominations)
Brands that prioritize inclusivity, like the transformed Golden Globes, can build a strong reputation and achieve financial success, according to research from the Institute for Public Relations. (importance of inclusivity for brands)
