The 2025 Golden Globe Awards took place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, marking the official kick-off to the awards season. As always, the evening was filled with suspense, excitement, and plenty of surprises. While some awards were predicted, others left everyone in shock, sparking discussions across social media and among critics. The Golden Globes are often seen as a precursor to the Oscars, and this year’s ceremony did not disappoint, especially when it came to unexpected victories.
From shocking wins in film categories to surprising upsets in television performances, the 2025 Golden Globes highlighted the diversity and unpredictability of the entertainment industry. Here are five surprising Golden Globe wins that shocked me the most, starting with the unexpected victory of Emilia Perez in the Best Film (Musical/Comedy) category.
1. Emilia Perez Wins Best Film (Musical/Comedy)
Among the biggest surprises of the night was Emilia Perez winning the coveted Best Film (Musical/Comedy) award. The Netflix film, which had received a mixed reception and even earned criticism for its jumbled narrative, managed to steal the spotlight from two other strong contenders, Anora and Challengers. These two films were widely praised for their engaging plots and cinematic brilliance, making Emilia Perez‘s victory all the more surprising.
At first glance, Emilia Perez seemed like an unlikely contender. The movie, which combines elements of crime drama and music, failed to make a significant impact on me. With three disjointed plotlines stretched over a 132-minute runtime, I found myself more confused than captivated by the film. The musical element, in particular, seemed out of place, disrupting the flow of an otherwise promising storyline.
Despite my personal reservations, Emilia Perez managed to pull off the most surprising win of the night. The film was recognized for its creativity and boldness, even if it wasn’t universally acclaimed by critics. Still, it was impossible to ignore the star power of its cast, including Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldana, and Karla Sofia Gascon, who brought their characters to life with compelling performances. While I would have preferred to see Anora or Challengers take home the win, Emilia Perez’s victory was a testament to the unpredictable nature of the Golden Globes.
While Emilia Perez may have walked away with the Best Film (Musical/Comedy) award, Challengers did take home another victory, winning Best Original Score. This award was certainly well-deserved, as the film’s soundtrack added another layer of excitement to its already gripping story.
2. Flow Takes Home Best Animated Film
Another surprise came in the Best Animated Film category, where Flow, a Latvian animated film, triumphed over much higher-profile contenders like Inside Out 2, The Wild Robot, and Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. Going into the Golden Globes, I, like many others, expected Inside Out 2—the highest-grossing animated film of 2024—to claim the award.
However, Flow managed to defy the odds. Despite being an unfamiliar film to many, including myself, it captured the attention of the Golden Globe voters, earning the top prize in this competitive category. Flow tells the story of a black cat who embarks on an emotional journey through an unfamiliar world, a unique narrative that resonates with both children and adults. Its striking animation style and innovative storytelling likely played a key role in its win, despite the major Disney film’s success.
As someone who had never heard of Flow before the Golden Globes, I must admit that I’m now intrigued to see it for myself. Its unexpected win is a reminder of the depth of talent in the animated film industry, and it serves as a reminder that even lesser-known films can make a lasting impact.
3. Inside Out 2 Misses Out on Cinematic and Box Office Achievement Award
Speaking of Inside Out 2, another shock came when the film failed to win the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement award, despite its status as the highest-grossing movie of 2024. The animated sequel, which garnered over $1 billion at the global box office, was expected by many to sweep the awards in this category, especially considering its success and widespread appeal. However, the award ultimately went to Wicked, another film that was incredibly popular throughout the year.
Wicked‘s box office performance was impressive, but it still fell short when compared to the phenomenal earnings of Inside Out 2. However, there was no denying the cultural impact of Wicked, as it took social media by storm and became a major presence in popular culture. Many fans of the musical and film adaptation were eager to see it recognized at the Golden Globes, and they got their wish when it triumphed in the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement category.
This was a bittersweet moment for Inside Out 2 fans, who were undoubtedly hoping for a win in this category. The film’s snub by the Golden Globes, however, reflects the tough competition in this category and the unpredictable nature of award shows. While Inside Out 2 did not take home the prize, it remains a major achievement in both animation and box office history.
4. Jodie Foster Beats Cristin Milioti for Best Actress in a Limited Series
Another surprising win came in the Best Actress in a Limited Series category, where Jodie Foster took home the Golden Globe for her performance in True Detective: Night Country. Foster’s portrayal of a complex, world-weary detective was undoubtedly deserving of recognition. However, what made this win unexpected was the buzz surrounding Cristin Milioti’s performance in The Penguin, a Max series that also had significant critical acclaim. Milioti’s portrayal of Sofia Falcone had garnered praise from fans and critics alike, making her a strong contender for the award.
Although Foster’s performance in True Detective was exceptional, many felt that Milioti’s work had a more significant impact on the success of The Penguin. Milioti’s role was pivotal to the show’s success, and her standout performance helped the series gain widespread attention. Nonetheless, Foster’s win in this category speaks to the enduring power of her acting talent and the strength of True Detective as a whole.
While Milioti’s snub may be disappointing for her fans, it is important to recognize that the competition was fierce. Both actresses gave remarkable performances, making this category one of the most difficult to call.
5. Fernanda Torres Wins Best Actress in a Drama for I’m Still Here
Lastly, the Best Actress in a Drama category offered a surprise with Fernanda Torres winning the Golden Globe for her role in I’m Still Here. The film, which tells the story of a woman struggling to keep her family intact amid the disappearance of her husband, had several strong contenders in the category, including Hollywood heavyweights like Pamela Anderson in The Last Showgirl and A-list stars such as Angelina Jolie, Kate Winslet, and Nicole Kidman.
Torres’s performance in I’m Still Here was nothing short of extraordinary, as she portrayed a character grappling with grief and the complexities of family dynamics. The film’s emotional depth and Torres’s raw, captivating performance earned her the Golden Globe, marking a significant moment for the Brazilian actress. While some may have expected a more familiar name to take home the award, Torres’s win is a testament to the power of authentic, heartfelt performances in drama.
This victory was a reminder that, while Hollywood stars may dominate the conversation, exceptional talent can come from all corners of the globe. Torres’s win was a well-deserved recognition of her remarkable work.
Conclusion: The Unpredictable Nature of the Golden Globes
The 2025 Golden Globe Awards proved once again that the world of cinema and television is full of surprises. From unexpected victories in the film categories to shocking upsets in television performances, the night was filled with moments that kept us on the edge of our seats. The Golden Globes, like all major award shows, can be unpredictable, and that’s part of what makes them so exciting.
Whether you agree or disagree with the winners, these surprising wins highlight the diversity of talent and the wide range of creative voices that are being recognized in today’s entertainment landscape. The 2025 Golden Globes not only showcased the best of 2024 but also left us with plenty to talk about as the awards season continues.