The Golden Globe Awards are set to return this Sunday, hoping to recapture the comedic spark of past ceremonies. The 82nd ceremony, hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ with Showtime. After a tumultuous period, including the HFPA's disbanding, the Globes appear to have stabilized, attracting a significant audience last year.
Following a widely-criticized 2024 ceremony, this year’s show aims to deliver a more engaging performance, although the host's prior work may not have the same star power as previous comedic choices. The show's renewed viewership suggests a positive turn for the awards show.
Nikki Glaser, the new host, will emcee the event at the Beverly Hilton. The event's ownership structure has transitioned to Todd Boehly's Eldridge Industries and Dick Clark Productions. The choice of Glaser suggests a different tone compared to past hosts, potentially shifting the show's focus.
Despite lacking the blockbuster pairings like "Oppenheimer" and "Barbie" from last year, the 2025 lineup boasts a strong roster of nominees. Stars such as Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet, Angelina Jolie, Daniel Craig, Denzel Washington, Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Selena Gomez are among the nominees.
"Emilia Pérez" leads the pack with 10 nominations, followed by "The Brutalist" (7) and "Conclave" (6). Top-nominated series include "The Bear," "Shogun," and "Only Murders in the Building." This diverse range of nominations reflects the breadth of talent within the film and television industries.
This year's Best Actor in a Drama category features a competitive field, including Ralph Fiennes, Adrien Brody, Daniel Craig, Colman Domingo, Sebastian Stan, and Timothée Chalamet. Chalamet's potential win would be a significant achievement for the young actor.
A separate controversy is swirling around Blake Lively, who sued several individuals associated with the film "It Ends With Us," alleging harassment. This ongoing legal battle could potentially be a topic of discussion, or simply fade into the background.
The show also features nominees for box office achievement, including "Deadpool & Wolverine," highlighting the enduring popularity of the Marvel characters, co-produced and starring Ryan Reynolds.
Given the recent political climate, and the presence of the Trump-themed film "The Apprentice," the potential for political commentary remains a possibility. However, most nominees and presenters may avoid directly addressing contentious issues.
The Globes' ability to affect the upcoming Oscar race remains to be seen. Several films, including "Conclave," "Anora," "Wicked," "Emilia Pérez," and "The Brutalist," are in contention for Best Picture.
Overall, the 2025 Golden Globe Awards present a mixed bag of anticipation and uncertainty. Whether the show can deliver on its promise of entertainment and recognition remains to be seen.
