The 2025 Golden Globes nominations have officially been unveiled, sparking excitement, debate, and a fair share of controversy. With Emilia Pérez and The Brutalist leading the charge with 10 and 7 nominations respectively, the list recognizes a wide range of genres, stories, and performances. However, true to the Globes’ reputation, the nominations were not without their surprises—and some glaring omissions.

From Pamela Anderson’s unexpected rise in the awards race to notable snubs of critically acclaimed projects, this year’s announcement encapsulates the unpredictable nature of the Golden Globes. As the film and TV industries prepare for another high-stakes awards season, let’s delve into the shocks, surprises, and head-scratchers of the 2025 Golden Globes.

Sing Sing Misses Major Categories

One of the most critically acclaimed films of the year, Sing Sing, failed to earn the recognition many thought it deserved. While Colman Domingo secured a Best Actor nomination for his powerful performance, the film was snubbed in the Best Motion Picture – Drama category, as well as in Supporting Actor for Clarence Maclin and Screenplay for Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar. The omission of such a poignant and socially significant story, which features a cast largely composed of former inmates, has left fans and critics questioning the Globes’ priorities.

Overlooking Hard Truths and The Piano Lesson

Two films championed for their exceptional storytelling and performances—Hard Truths and The Piano Lesson—were surprisingly absent in the nominations. Marianne Jean-Baptiste’s heartfelt portrayal in Hard Truths and Danielle Deadwyler’s captivating performance in The Piano Lesson were overlooked, despite earning widespread acclaim and nominations from other major organizations. These snubs have sparked discussions about the Globes’ continued struggles with recognizing diverse narratives and performances.

No Recognition for Paul Mescal and Saoirse Ronan

Fans of Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II were dismayed to see Paul Mescal excluded from the Best Actor category, despite his commanding performance in the highly anticipated sequel. Similarly, Saoirse Ronan’s double absence—for her roles in Blitz and The Outrun—was another glaring omission, marking a rare instance where the Irish star was overlooked during awards season.

Pamela Anderson’s Awards Season Breakthrough

Pamela Anderson’s nomination for The Last Showgirl has emerged as one of the most heartwarming surprises of the season. Her portrayal of a Las Vegas performer grappling with the end of her career earned her a first-ever major awards nod, catapulting her into the awards race alongside more seasoned names. Anderson’s performance, lauded for its vulnerability and depth, has become a standout narrative in an already unpredictable season.

Double Nominations for Sebastian Stan & Kate Winslet

Sebastian Stan became one of the rare actors to receive double nominations in a single year, earning nods for The Apprentice (Best Actor – Drama) and A Different Man (Best Actor – Musical or Comedy). Meanwhile, Kate Winslet’s tireless efforts paid off with dual nominations: one for her role in Lee (Best Actress – Drama) and another for HBO’s The Regime (Best Actress in a Limited Series). These double recognitions underline the exceptional range and talent both actors bring to their craft.

Defying early predictions, two women—Coralie Fargeat (The Substance) and Payal Kapadia (All We Imagine as Light)—secured nominations in the Best Director category. Fargeat’s stylish and provocative storytelling and Kapadia’s deeply intimate narrative each brought fresh perspectives to the year’s most compelling films. Their inclusion marks a step forward for gender representation in one of the most prestigious categories.

Nobody Wants This Rises to the Occasion

Netflix’s breakout comedy Nobody Wants This surprised everyone by earning multiple nominations, including Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy. Its stars, Adam Brody and Kristen Bell, also received acting nods, making this underdog comedy one of the biggest winners among the surprises.

The Golden Globes’ penchant for mixing mainstream favorites with offbeat choices ensures that no nomination list is without controversy. The snubs of Sing Sing, Hard Truths, and The Piano Lesson underscore the continued struggle to balance critical acclaim with industry politics. Meanwhile, surprises like Pamela Anderson’s breakthrough, Sebastian Stan’s double nods, and the inclusion of Nobody Wants This highlight the Globes’ ability to elevate unexpected contenders.

As awards season unfolds, these nominations set the stage for a lively and unpredictable race. Will Emilia Pérez dominate the ceremony as it did the nominations? Or will underdogs like The Brutalist or Nobody Wants This steal the spotlight?

Find out when the 82nd Golden Globes air on January 5, 2025, live from the Beverly Hilton Hotel on CBS.

For our full list of nominations click here and for our predictions on this year’s Golden Globes click here