The 2025 Golden Globe nominations have arrived, bringing with them the typical mix of celebration, shock, and debate. As usual, the nominations reflect the Globes’ tendency to shake up the awards season narrative, with some unexpected contenders rising to the top and a few notable omissions leaving fans and industry insiders alike puzzled. From Emilia Pérez smashing records to Sing Sing facing a snub, here’s a deep dive into the five biggest takeaways from this year’s nominations—and what they could mean for the upcoming Oscars.

1. Emilia Pérez Shatters Records and Steals the Spotlight

Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez has taken the awards season by storm, cementing itself as a major contender with an unprecedented 10 Golden Globe nominations. The musical crime drama broke the record for the most nominations ever received by a musical or comedy at the Globes, showcasing its wide-ranging appeal across numerous categories.

The film’s accolades include a nomination for best musical or comedy picture, recognition for Audiard’s directing and screenplay, and acting nods for its three stars—Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, and Zoe Saldaña. Beyond that, it made a splash in the best original song category, with two of its tracks competing for the prize.

Emilia Pérez also earned a coveted spot on the American Film Institute (AFI)’s top 10 films of the year—a rare honor for a primarily Spanish-language film. While the AFI typically reserves its list for American productions, the inclusion of Emilia Pérez was justified due to its American stars. This recognition underscores the film’s cross-cultural impact and boosts its chances of securing a best-picture nomination at the Oscars.

Despite some initial criticism when the film debuted on Netflix, Emilia Pérez has proven its staying power, becoming one of the season’s most talked-about films. With its historical Golden Globe run and international acclaim, it’s positioned to remain a dominant force as the awards season progresses.

2. Sing Sing Faces a Surprising Snub Despite Its Strong Showing Elsewhere

Few films have had as strong a week as Sing Sing, which recently won two Gotham acting awards and landed on both the AFI’s and National Board of Review’s (NBR) top 10 lists. Yet, despite its growing momentum, the film failed to secure a best-drama nomination at the Golden Globes. Even more surprising was the omission of Clarence Maclin, whose transformative performance was expected to earn him a supporting actor nod.

This snub is especially perplexing given Sing Sing’s consistent presence throughout awards season so far. However, it’s important to note that the Globes’ unique split between drama and musical/comedy categories limits the number of dramatic films that can be included, leaving some worthy contenders on the cutting-room floor.

While the Globes’ snub is a setback, it’s far from a death knell for Sing Sing. The Oscars’ best-picture category allows for up to 10 films, offering more room for recognition. The film’s inclusion on influential lists like the NBR and AFI top 10 ensures it remains in the conversation, even as the Globes overlook it.

3. Wicked Lives Up to the Hype with Major Nominations

Jon M. Chu’s Wicked has soared into awards season with the kind of momentum that’s hard to ignore. As both a commercial juggernaut and a crowd-pleasing spectacle, the film was widely expected to dominate the Golden Globes—and it didn’t disappoint.

Wicked earned a best-picture nomination in the musical or comedy category, as well as acting nods for its two stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Additionally, the film secured a spot in the cinematic-and-box-office-achievement category, a relatively new addition to the Globes that rewards films based on audience engagement and box office success. Given its massive popularity and critical acclaim, Wickedis a strong contender to win in this category, following in the footsteps of last year’s winner, Barbie.

The National Board of Review also recognized Wicked, awarding it best film, while Jon M. Chu took home the best-director prize. In a year with stiff competition among directors, Chu’s win is a significant boost for the film’s awards season campaign. Wicked’s success at the Globes cements its status as a frontrunner for both audience and critical accolades as it heads toward the Oscars.

4. Best Actress: The Most Crowded Category of the Year

The best actress race at the Globes is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and competitive categories of the year, blending expected nominees with some surprising additions. On the drama side, the nominations include Angelina Jolie (Maria), Nicole Kidman(Babygirl), Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here), and Tilda Swinton (The Room Next Door), whose nomination could solidify her position as a strong Oscar contender.

The category, however, also raised eyebrows with some unexpected choices like Pamela Anderson (The Last Showgirl) and Kate Winslet(Lee), both of whom are seen as long shots for the Academy Awards. Meanwhile, the omission of Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths), despite her performance being celebrated by critics’ groups, has sparked disappointment and debate among industry watchers.

On the musical or comedy side, the nominations are just as fiercely contested, featuring standout performances from Amy Adams(Nightbitch), Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Demi Moore (The Substance), Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez), Mikey Madison (Anora), and Zendaya (Challengers). With such a breadth of acclaimed performances across genres, this year’s best actress category not only highlights the remarkable depth of talent in the field but also ensures an unpredictable and nail-biting road to the Oscars.

5. A Complete Unknown Gains Late-Season Momentum

As one of the last films to enter the awards race, A Complete Unknown has been a wildcard this season. The Bob Dylan biopic, which began screening in late November, has quickly gained traction, earning significant recognition at the Golden Globes.

The film landed a nomination for best-drama picture, with Timothée Chalamet receiving a nod for lead actor and Edward Norton earning a supporting actor nomination for his portrayal of Pete Seeger. Norton’s inclusion is particularly noteworthy, given that he has not been as visible on the campaign trail as some of his co-stars.

While A Complete Unknown faced challenges due to its late release, the film’s strong showing at the Globes suggests it has resonated with voters. Its nuanced storytelling and standout performances make it a dark horse contender as the Oscars race heats up.

The 2025 Golden Globe nominations have set the stage for an awards season filled with surprises, upsets, and unforgettable moments. From Emilia Pérez’s historic run to the unpredictable best actress race, these nominations highlight the diverse and dynamic slate of films competing for top honors this year. As the Oscars loom on the horizon, these takeaways offer a glimpse into the narratives that will shape the rest of the season.