Snubs & Surprises in the 2025 Golden Globes Nominations
The nominations for the 2025 Golden Globe Awards were announced today, unveiling the contenders for one of Hollywood’s most prestigious honors. With a star-studded list of films and television shows vying for recognition, this year’s nominees span a wide array of genres and performances, showcasing both established talent and rising stars.
The 82nd annual Golden Globe Awards will air live on CBS on January 5, 2024, with comedian and actress Nikki Glaser set to host. As the excitement builds for the big night, anticipation grows for which actors, directors, and projects will take home the coveted trophies in a ceremony that continues to serve as a barometer for the upcoming awards season. Here are the biggest snubs of the nominations and the biggest surprises.
Snubs
Danielle Deadwyler Misses For Her Acclaimed Performance
Danielle Deadwyler’s exclusion from the Golden Globe nominations in the Best Supporting Actress category for her powerhouse performance in “The Piano Lesson” has sparked disappointment among many fans. Deadwyler, who earned widespread acclaim for her portrayal of a woman grappling with both family history and a haunted heirloom, was widely expected to be recognized for her work in this adaptation of August Wilson’s play. Despite the film’s critical success, her snubbing highlights the unpredictable nature of awards recognition, leaving fans and critics puzzled.
“The Piano Lesson” follows the struggle between a brother and sister over an heirloom piano that holds deep family history. Boy Willie (John David Washington) wants to sell the piano to buy land, while his sister Berniece (Danielle Deadwyler) believes it contains the spirits of their ancestors and must be preserved. Set against the backdrop of 1930s Pittsburgh, the film explores themes of legacy, memory, and the weight of past generations in shaping the future.
Jon M. Chu Misses Out on Wicked Mania
Jon M. Chu’s omission from the Golden Globe nominations for Best Director – Motion Picture is a surprising snub, especially considering the massive success of “Wicked” and his recognition at the National Board of Review. The film, a long-awaited adaptation of the beloved musical, has captivated audiences worldwide with its spectacular visuals, impressive performances, and vibrant energy.
Historically, the Golden Globes have shown a particular fondness for musicals, making Chu’s exclusion all the more baffling. With the HFPA no longer overseeing the Globes, there’s a chance Chu’s directorial brilliance got lost in the shuffle. However, given the immense cultural and critical impact of Wicked, his snubbing feels particularly unjust. His work would have been a well-deserved acknowledgment for one of the most talked-about films of the year.
“Sing Sing” Fails To Sing
Despite its strong early momentum, including recognition at the Gotham Awards, “Sing Sing” surprisingly received no Golden Globe nominations beyond Colman Domingo’s well-deserved nod for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. The film, a vibrant and heartfelt exploration of life inside a fictional prison theater program, was widely expected to garner a nomination for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy given its critical acclaim and infectious energy.
Many thought “Sing Sing’s” mix of humor, heart, and powerful performances would resonate with Golden Globe voters, particularly considering its early success during award season. However, the film’s lack of recognition in any category outside of Domingo’s performance feels like a missed opportunity to honor what many hoped would be one of the standout contenders of the year.
Meryl Streep Not Included In “Only Murders” Love
It’s surprising that Meryl Streep missed out on a Golden Globe nomination for her role in “Only Murders in the Building” Season 4, especially considering she was nominated in the same category just last year. While her role was limited to just three of the season’s ten episodes, similar guest appearances have garnered recognition, like Allison Janney’s nomination for “The Diplomat”.
Given Streep’s powerhouse presence and the critical buzz surrounding her performance, her omission raises questions about how the nominations were determined. It’s puzzling why her short but impactful contribution was overlooked when other guest stars received the nod.
“Fallout” Falls Off
“Fallout’s” complete omission from the Golden Globe nominations, despite strong buzz surrounding Ella Purnell’s performance and the series as a whole, is a major snub. Purnell’s portrayal of a young woman navigating the complexities of a post-apocalyptic world was widely praised for its emotional depth and compelling presence.
Many expected the series to secure recognition in both acting and Best Television Series categories, particularly given its critical acclaim and devoted fanbase. However, its absence from all categories highlights the unpredictable nature of the awards season, leaving many to wonder what more the show could have done to earn the recognition it deserved.
Surprises
“The Apprentice” Shows Up
The unexpected love for “The Apprentice” at the Golden Globes has left many stunned, especially considering the film’s focus on Donald Trump—a figure many thought the awards body would steer clear of given the polarized nature of his public persona. However, “The Apprentice” has garnered attention for its sharp performances, particularly from Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong, both of whom earned nominations for their compelling portrayals.
The Golden Globes’ willingness to embrace a film that centers on such a controversial subject reflects a growing trend of awarding performances that transcend political or social boundaries, instead focusing on the craft itself. Despite its connection to Trump, the film’s critical acclaim, alongside the exceptional work by Stan and Strong, proved too powerful to ignore, making the nominations a surprising but deserved acknowledgment of their talent.
Kate Winslet’s Double Nominations
Kate Winslet’s Golden Globe nominations this year, for both “Lee” and “The Regime”, are a testament to the sheer power of her talent, especially considering the mixed receptions of both projects. While “The Regime” was met with largely negative reviews, with critics finding fault in both the writing and execution, “Lee” also received mixed reactions, with some praising Winslet’s performance but others finding the film itself uneven.
Many didn’t expect Winslet to be a serious contender, given the lukewarm reception. Yet, her portrayal of iconic war correspondent Lee Miller in Lee—a nuanced, emotionally charged performance—proved to be a standout, securing her a nomination despite the film’s broader challenges. Meanwhile, her role in The Regime showed her adaptability as an actress, even in a project that didn’t land as well with audiences or critics. Winslet’s ability to shine through in both film and television speaks to her unparalleled range and undeniable skill, proving once again that the strength of her craft can defy expectations.
“The Gentleman” In Comedy Series or Musical
The surprise Golden Globe nomination for “The Gentlemen”, Netflix’s sharp, stylish comedy series, has left many scratching their heads, especially considering the buzz surrounding newer, more talked-about shows like Shrinking and English Teacher. While “The Gentlemen” received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series, it seemed overshadowed in the broader awards conversation by the breakout success of other series this year.
Many expected the spot for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy to go to “Shrinking”, which had a strong second season, or “English Teacher”, which generated significant critical buzz for its debut season. Yet, “The Gentlemen”, with its mix of sharp dialogue, intriguing characters, and stylish visuals, has clearly struck a chord with voters, securing a spot in a highly competitive field. Its unexpected recognition is a testament to its growing appeal and marks a significant moment for the series, proving it’s more than just a sleeper hit.
The 2025 Golden Globe nominations have certainly sparked discussion, with unexpected snubs and thrilling surprises shaping this year’s race. From overlooked performances to underdog successes, the nominations reflect the unpredictable nature of awards season.
Be sure to catch all the action during the live broadcast of the Golden Globe Awards on CBS and Paramount+ on January 5th at 8 PM Eastern, 7 PM Central. For more in-depth coverage and analysis of the awards season, check back with PopViewers.com as we continue to track all the excitement leading up to Hollywood’s big night.
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