The 2025 Golden Globe Awards: What to Expect from Hollywood’s Biggest Party

The 82nd Golden Globe Awards are set to light up Hollywood once again, ushering in awards season with glitz, glamour, and a sprinkle of unpredictability. Dubbed “Hollywood’s Party of the Year,” the Globes offer a more relaxed alternative to the Oscars, celebrating achievements across both film and television.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about this year’s Golden Globe Awards – from nominees to new categories and the highly anticipated host.

How to Watch the Golden Globes 2025

The awards ceremony will take place at the iconic Beverly Hilton Hotel on Sunday, January 5, 2025. Viewers can catch the action live at 8 p.m. ET on CBS, with streaming available through Paramount+ for U.S. audiences. CBS acquired the broadcast rights in 2023, taking over from NBC.

For those unable to tune in live, NBC News will provide real-time updates through their live blog, ensuring fans don’t miss any major moments or surprise wins.

Meet the Host – Nikki Glaser’s Big Night

This year’s Golden Globes will see Nikki Glaser take center stage as the first solo female host in the event’s history. Glaser, a comedian celebrated for her fearless stand-up and sharp wit, is stepping into the spotlight after an impressive 2024, which included her HBO special “Someday You’ll Die” and a standout appearance on Netflix’s “The Roast of Tom Brady.”

In an interview, Glaser admitted to feeling both thrilled and nervous:
“It’s a live room filled with legends I admire – not exactly the easiest crowd for comedy. But I love a challenge.”

Glaser’s no-holds-barred humor and confident stage presence promise to add an exciting dynamic to the awards night.

Film Categories and Front-Runners – Who’s Leading the Pack?

Unlike the Oscars, the Golden Globes divide the Best Picture category into two segments – Drama and Musical/Comedy – expanding the playing field and allowing a broader range of films to be honored.

Drama Category

Leading the charge in the Best Drama category are:

• “The Brutalist” – A sweeping postwar immigrant tale.
• “Conclave” – A gripping thriller about Vatican politics.
• “A Complete Unknown”
• “Dune: Part Two”
• “Nickel Boys”
• “September 5”

Industry insiders at Gold Derby predict that “The Brutalist” and “Conclave” have the best shot at winning, but “Dune: Part Two” remains a fan-favorite blockbuster that could shake things up.

Musical/Comedy Category

In the Musical/Comedy division, standout contenders include:

• “Anora” – A bold, comedic portrayal of a Brooklyn sex worker.
• “Wicked” – The much-anticipated adaptation of the beloved Broadway hit.
• “Challengers”
• “Emilia Pérez”
• “A Real Pain”
• “The Substance”

“Wicked” and “Anora” are viewed as front-runners, but “Emilia Pérez” leads the overall nominations with 10 nods across multiple categories, solidifying its place as a strong contender for the night’s top honors.

New Category – Cinematic and Box Office Achievement

Introduced in 2024, the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement category honors films that achieved massive commercial success. This year’s nominees include:

• “Alien: Romulus”
• “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”
• “Deadpool & Wolverine”
• “Gladiator II”
• “Inside Out 2”
• “Twisters”
• “Wicked”
• “The Wild Robot”

With “Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Inside Out 2” both grossing over $600 million, they appear as strong contenders. However, “Wicked”, set for release right before the ceremony, is generating buzz and could walk away with the prize.

Television Contenders – What to Watch For

While the focus often leans toward the cinematic side, television categories remain fiercely competitive. Returning heavyweights such as “Succession,” “The Bear,” and “The Morning Show” are expected to dominate, but newer hits like “The Curse” and “Beef” could surprise voters.

Additionally, limited series categories promise excitement, with acclaimed projects such as “True Detective: Night Country” and “Fargo” likely to grab nominations.

Why the Golden Globes Matter

The Golden Globes are often viewed as an indicator for Academy Award success, shaping narratives for Oscar contenders. However, their informal, celebratory atmosphere allows for unexpected moments – whether it’s a heartfelt acceptance speech, impromptu jokes, or viral gaffes.

With Nikki Glaser at the helm, a slew of blockbusters and critically acclaimed films in the running, and the addition of new categories, this year’s ceremony promises to be a night to remember.

Mark your calendars for January 5 – Hollywood’s biggest stars are ready to party.