The 2025 Golden Globe nominees have been announced, and the internet has FEELINGS. Highly anticipated contenders seem to have been snubbed—Meryl Streep didn’t get a nod, y’all—and unexpected nominees have taken center stage. While we’ll have to wait until January to see how things shake out, one thing is for certain: the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s preferences appear to be shifting.
Let’s rip off the Band-Aid on one of the biggies: Wicked was nominated for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, and both leading ladies received nominations in their respective categories. Cynthia Erivo is up for Best Actress in a Leading Role, and Ariana Grande is in the running for Best Supporting Actress. Yay! However, the blockbuster smash was expected to secure a few more major nominations. Director Jon M. Chu didn’t get a nod, nor did any supporting cast members. Jonathan Bailey’s portrayal of Fiyero was anticipated to garner more praise this awards season, but no dice. It’s worth noting that Wicked is only part one of a two-part story. With part two set for release in November 2025, the cast and crew will have another shot at awards season glory.
Another shocker this round? Meryl Streep didn’t receive a nomination for her role in Only Murders in the Building. The iconic actress has been a fixture of awards season for good reason—she’s a frigging chameleon who can portray just about any role, and do it exceptionally well. Her work in the latest season of Only Murders in the Building was no exception, and fans were expecting her to receive recognition in the form of a Golden Globe nomination. Alas, Loretta Durkin will have to be remembered without a little golden statue. Streep’s decades-long dominance in film and television makes this oversight particularly noteworthy, further underscoring the shifts happening in the industry.
Don’t believe me? Just look at the list of nominees. Foreign films like The Girl with the Needle received significantly more attention from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association than they have in past years. The Girl with the Needle is a Danish drama centering on a young pregnant nurse and a mysterious woman who runs an adoption operation. It didn’t exactly flop at Cannes, but it wasn’t a standout either. Yet, audiences seem to have rallied behind it, propelling it onto the Golden Globes list—and even the Oscars shortlist.
The lists of snubs and surprises this year are not short. Comparing the two, however, suggests that filmmakers and audiences alike are seeking something different from what we’ve been accustomed to. Is it possible that the era of large studios dominating the industry is coming to a close? Maybe. One thing is clear: audiences are loving the smaller, edgier content emerging from independent studios.
What changes do you hope to see in the Hollywood landscape? A comeback of the big musical? Continued momentum for smaller studios gaining a foothold in the industry? Or both?
Whatever happens, we’ll have to wait and see. Mark your calendars for the Golden Globe Awards ceremony on January 5, 2025, and let’s find out how this unfolds.
