Golden Globes 2025 winners: Zoe Saldana leads Emilia Perez to top honors while Demi Moore becomes first time winner at 62 and Adrien Brody triumphs with The Brutalist

Zoe Saldana led the film Emilia Perez to top honors while Demi Moore became a first time winner at 62 at the Golden Globes 2025 on Sunday night where Shōgun and The Brutalist were also big winners.

Zoe, 46, earned Best Supporting Actress – Musical or Comedy early in the night before the Netflix film earned top prize Best Film – Musical or Comedy on a night which featured a star-studded red carpet which took place at The Beverly Hilton hotel in Los Angeles on January 5.

Demi sent a powerful message with her acceptance speech as she took home Best Actress – Musical or Comedy for her work in The Substance.

When it came to the film drama categories it was The Brutalist which earned top prize Best Film – Drama and a Best Actor – Drama gong for Adrien Brody who was emotional at the mention of the tragedy involving Aubrey Plaza’s husband Jeff Baena earlier in the night.

On the television side, it was Shōgun which swept the drama categories including Best TV Series and individual honors for Anna Sawai, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Tadanobu Asano. 

However, the most shocking moment certainly came when Brazilian actress  Fernanda Torres triumphed over A-listers Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman, and Pamela Anderson in the Best Actress – Drama for I’m Still Here.

Emilia Perez earned the most awards on the night with four but truly had it’s crowning moment at the end of the night as the film earned Best Film – Musical or Comedy over Anora, Challengers, A Real Pain, The Substance, and Wicked 

Leading actress Karla Sofia Gascon – who is a trans woman – gave a powerful speech to conclude the event as she said: ‘Thank you so much. I chose these colors tonight because I have a message. The light always wins over darkness. 

‘I have a lot of things to say to you, because you can maybe put us in jail, you can beat us up, but you never can take away our soul, our existence, our identity. I want to say to you, raise your voice. And say, I am who I am. No who you are. Thank you so much.’

In Emilia Perez, Zoe plays Rita Mora Castro who is a lawyer as the film is centered around four remarkable women pursuing their individual happiness in Mexico.

Cartel leader Emilia (played by Karla Sofia Gascon) enlists Rita, an unappreciated lawyer, to help fake her death so that she can finally live authentically as her true self. 

 The 2025 Golden Globe Awards kicked off in fine form as Zoe upset Ariana Grande to take home the first award of the night.

 The 46-year-old actress was emotional as she earned Best Supporting Female Actor for her transcendent work in Emilia Perez.

She triumphed over an impressive field which included the aforementioned Ariana for Wicked in addition to  Selena Gomez for Emilia Pérez, Felicity Jones for The Brutalist, Margaret Qualley for The Substance, and Isabella Rossellini for Conclave.

Zoe had tears running down her face as she accepted the honor as she took to the podium and said: ‘I know I don’t have much time, and I have dyslexia, so I tend to forget when I’m really anxious, and I’m filled with adrenaline, but my heart is full of gratitude. 

‘Thank you so much to the Golden Globes for celebrating our film, and honoring the women of Emilia Perez. Thank you so much. Oh, my god!’

She went on to thank her fellow nominees as she continued: ‘This is a first time for me, and I’m just so blessed that I’m sharing this moment with Selena and Carla and Jack and all of my fellow nominees. I am in all of you. 

‘Your strength, your complexity, your undeniable talent. I know it’s a competition, but all I have witnessed is just us showing up for each other and celebrating each other, and it is just so beautiful. 

‘Selena, Ariana, Margaret, Felicity, Isabella, I had lunch one time in your house and I thought I had made it already. You are magic. You’re all magic.’ 

Emilia Perez also earned the coveted Best Non-English Language Film award later in the night over All We Imagine as Light, The Girl with the Needle, I’m Still Here, The Seed of the Sacred Fig, and Vermiglio.

Meanwhile, Demi was left shocked as she earned Best Actress in Musical or Comedy for The Substance. 

The 62-year-old actress gave a riveting speech about the journey it took her to get to this crowning achievement.

She won over a very impressive field including: Amy Adams for Nightbitch, Cynthia Erivo for Wicked, Karla Sofía Gascón for Emilia Pérez, Mikey Madison for Anora, and Zendaya for Challengers.

Demi began her acceptance speech by saying: ‘Oh, wow! I really wasn’t expecting that. I’m just in shock right now. I’ve been doing this a long time, like, over 45 years, and this is the first time I’ve ever won anything as an actor. And I am just so humbled and so grateful. 

’30 years ago I had a producer tell me that I was a popcorn actress, and at that time I made that mean that this is not something I was allowed to have. That I could do movies that were successful and made a lot of money, but that I couldn’t be acknowledged, and I bought in and I believed that. That corroded me over time, to the point where I thought a few years ago that maybe this was it, maybe I was complete, maybe I had done what I was supposed to do.’

Demi credits her latest project to helping not only reinvigorate her career but also the artist within herself.

She explained: ‘And as I was at kind of a low point, I had this magical, bold, courageous, out-of-the-box, absently bonkers script come across my desk called The Substance. And the universe told me, you are not done, and I am so grateful to Coralie for trusting me to step in and play this woman.’

She went on to thank her co-star Margaret Qualley in addition to her support system throughout her career.

Demi concluded: ‘And I will just leave you with one thing that I think this movie is imparting. In those moments when we don’t think we are smart enough or pretty enough or skinny enough or successful enough, or basically just not enough, I ha a woman say to me, just know you will never be enough, but you can know the value of your worth if you just put down the measuring stick. 

‘So today I celebrate this as a marker of my wholeness end of the love that is driving me, and the gift of doing something I love and being reminded that I do belong. Thank you so much.’

In the film she plays a fading celebrity named Elisabeth who takes a black-market drug: a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself.

The Brutalist was the big winner when it came to the drama side as it earned  Best Film – Drama over a stacked field including: A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, Nickel Boys, and September 5.

Leading man of the film Adrien Brody was also recognized as he triumphed in the  Best Actor – Drama category.

The 51-year-old actor beat out a field including: Timothée Chalamet for A Complete Unknown, Daniel Craig for Queer, Colman Domingo for Sing Sing, Ralph Fiennes for Conclave, and Sebastian Stan for The Apprentice.

He got personal toward the end of his acceptance speech as he said: ‘You know, this story is really the character’s journey is very reminiscent of my mother’s and my ancestors journey of fleeing war and coming to this great country. 

‘I owe so much to my mother and my grandparents for their sacrifice, and although I do not know fully how to express all of the challenges that you have faced and experienced, and the many people who have struggled immigrating to this country, I hope that this work stands to lift you up a bit and to give you a voice. I’m so grateful. I will cherish this moment forever. Thank you.’

In the film he portrays László Tóth who is a visionary architect that flees post-war Europe with his wife (Felicity Jones) in 1947 to rebuild their legacy and witness the birth of modern United States, only to have their lives are changed forever by a mysterious, wealthy client.

The Brutalist director Brady Corbet named Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena amid tragedy after winning for Best Director earlier in the evening. 

‘Finally, tonight my heart is with Aubrey Plaza and Jeff’s family – good night,’ Corbet said, as the cameras panned on an emotional Adrien Brody, 51, in the audience, as The Brutalist leading man held back tears.

Plaza did not attend the 82nd annual Golden Globe Awards Sunday – where she was slated to be a presenter – days after the tragic death by suicide of her spouse Jeff Baena.

Plaza, 40, was revealed as a presenter by the show in a news release Friday – the same day Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s officials confirmed Baena, 47, was found dead at a home in Los Angeles, ruling it a suicide by hanging.

It was ‘unclear which one or who filled in for’ Plaza at the ceremony as she withdrew from attending amid the family tragedy, TMZ reported Sunday.

In the wake of Baena’s passing, Deadline reported Saturday that ‘the family is devastated and asks for privacy at this difficult time.’

Plaza – who began dating Baena in 2011 and wed him in 2021 – had collaborated with her late spouse on movies such as Life After Beth, The Little Hours and 2022’s Spin Me Round.

One of the highlight wins in television came when Jessica Gunning earned Best Supporting Actress for her work in Baby Reindeer.

 The 38-year-old English thespian beat out Liza Colón-Zayas for The Bear, Hannah Einbinder for Hacks, Dakota Fanning for Ripley, Allison Janney for The Diplomat, and Kali Reis for True Detective: Night Country.

Jessica almost took a tumble as she hit the stage and was quick to make a cheeky joke as she hit the microphone and said: ‘I almost tripped up. You almost saw my Golden Globes there. Thank you very much. 

‘This is an absolute honor, honestly. This is a video of me when I was little, about eight years old, and my mom and dad got me a hamster for Christmas, and they brought it out and they said — in a bin bag, happy Christmas. I have a very Yorkshire accent. I can’t believe this is happening to me. 

‘I realized this morning that has been kind of the soundtrack for my life this last year since Baby Reindeer came out. I can’t believe any of this is happening to me. I want to say thank you for everyone to let me come on this journey.’

In the based-on-a-true-story Netflix series, Gunning portrays Martha Scott who is a former lawyer with a criminal past obsessed with Richard Gadd’s character. 

Baby Reindeer also earned Best Limited TV series over Disclaimer, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, The Penguin, Ripley, and True Detective: Night Country.

Hacks was another major winner in the television categories as leading lady Jean Smart earned  Best TV Actress – Comedy or Musical.

The 73-year-old actress beat out Kristen Bell for Nobody Wants This, Quinta Brunson for Abbott Elementary, Ayo Edebiri for The Bear, Selena Gomez for Only Murders in the Building, and Kathryn Hahn for Agatha All Along.

Hacks explores a dark mentorship that forms between Jean’s character Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian, and an entitled, outcast 25-year-old played by Hannah Einbinder. 

The series also  earned top honor Best TV Series – Comedy or Musical over Abbott Elementary, The Bear, The Gentlemen, Nobody Wants This, and Only Murders in the Building.

Sebastian Stan was a major winner as he took home Best Actor – Musical or Comedy for A Different Man. 

The 42-year-old actor was the top man over Jesse Eisenberg for A Real Pain, Hugh Grant for Heretic, Gabriel LaBelle for Saturday Night, Jesse Plemons for Kinds of Kindness, and Glen Powell for Hit Man.

Sebastian shared an important message during his speech as he said: ‘Our ignorance and discomfort around disability and disfigurement has to end now. We have to normalize it and continue to expose ourselves to it, and our children, encourage acceptance. One way we can do that is by continuing to champion stories that are inclusive. 

‘This was not an easy movie to make. Neither is The Apprentice, the other film that I was lucky to be a part of and that I am proud to be in. These are tough subject matters, but these films are real and they are necessary, and we can’t be afraid and look.’

This film is centered around Sebastian’s character Edward who is an aspiring actor undergoes a radical medical procedure to drastically transform his appearance, but his new dream face quickly turns into a nightmare.

Colin Farrell took home Best TV Actor – Limited Series for his work in The Penguin.

 The 48-year-old Irishman beat out Richard Gadd for Baby Reindeer, Kevin Kline for Disclaimer, Cooper Koch for Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, Ewan McGregor for A Gentleman in Moscow, and Andrew Scott for Ripley.

Colin turned up the charm as he began his acceptance speech by saying: ‘No one to think on this one, I did it all by myself. Just a raw. Pared-away performance. 

‘You will know it takes a village whether on the small screen of the big screen. I’m here on the backs of the talent of so many people through the years. Maybe this one more than others because of the designer of the makeup, the extruder a make-up team. 

‘All it took was three hours in the chair in the morning. I drank black coffee and listen to ’80s music and became a canvas for that team’s brilliance.’

In the HBO mini series which takes place following the events of 2022 film The Batman, Colin’s character Oz Cobb, AKA the Penguin, makes a play to seize the reins of the crime world in Gotham.

The annual event was hosted by Emmy-nominated comedian Nikki Glaser.

The 40-year-old comedian hilariously kicked off the night with hilarious jokes about the election, Diddy, Timothee Chalamet, Wicked, Nicole Kidman, Glen Powell, film, and television.

Meanwhile the glam was definitely brought on one of Hollywood’s biggest nights at the red carpet featured plenty of heavy hitters.

Zendaya, 28, led the way in a burnt orange strapless custom Louis Vuitton gown and dripping in Bvlgari diamonds, channeling old Hollywood glamour while hitting the red carpet at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.

Nicole Kidman, 57, showcased her sculpted back in a sparkling Balenciaga Haute Couture number with her strawberry blonde locks half-up, half-down.

Maria star Angelina Jolie, 49, looked like a goddess in her silver and gray fringed McQueen Spring 2025 gown – which also had sheer accents throughout the midsection and arms.

Miley Cyrus, 32, chose a sleek black and silver accented Celine gown, highlighting her slim figure.

Meanwhile, Emma Stone, 36, opted for a crimson red number – custom Louis Vuitton – as she debuted pixie-length locks.

Zendaya brought her fashion A-game in her dusty orange hued strapless number, which had a sweetheart neckline and slim fit – complete with a voluminous train behind her.

The Dune star, who is in a relationship with actor Tom Holland, wore matching dusty orange heels.

Zendaya wore a dazzling diamond Bvlgari necklace and ring that perfectly complimented her classic glamorous ensemble.

She rounded out the look with her hair in classy waves, channeling old Hollywood stars like Veronica Lake and Rita Hayworth. 

Nicole wowed in her backless number, showcasing her statuesque frame.

The Babygirl star chose a one-shoulder silver gown, opting to go bra-less. 

Nicole and Salma Hayek also appeared to squash any animosity after Nicole seemingly pushed Salma away on the red carpet in September after a Balenciaga show. 

Angelina posed on the red carpet with her daughter Zahara, 19.

The movie star flashed a hint of her midriff in the eye-catching look, which had fringed accents toward the hemline. She is wearing McQueen Spring 2025.

Angelina wore her ombre hair half-up, half-down with minimal makeup, showcasing her stunning natural features.

Zahara donned a black and white gown that had a graphic of a tree branch along one side.

Miley brought her rocker vibes to the awards show, choosing a low-cut black and silver Celine gown with cut-out accents along her flat stomach.

The former Disney star brought sunglasses as well – putting them on for a few moments on the red carpet.

Miley sported a fringe, with her hair pulled back into a messy updo.

The Grammy-award winning singer showcased her unique tattoos in the backless number.