2025 Golden Globe nominations’ biggest snubs and surprises

The Golden Globes nominations have unveiled a new group of honorees, ushering them into the prestigious realm of awards season. While the Globes encompass various categories spanning across film and TV, the competition for recognition in Hollywood is fierce. Entertainment Weekly has compiled a list of all the snubs and surprises from the recent nominations, shedding light on notable omissions and unexpected inclusions. Find out which nominees will emerge victorious or disappointed at the upcoming Golden Globes ceremony on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, airing on CBS and Paramount+.

SNUB: Pachinko; (Apple TV+)

The decision by Golden Globe voters to overlook “Pachinko,” a foreign-language drama series on Apple TV+, is disappointing considering its exceptional quality. The adaptation of Min Jin Lee’s novel boasts a stellar cast, including Lee Min-Ho and Youn Yuh-jung, along with impeccable production and writing. Despite its brilliance, “Pachinko” was left unrecognized, highlighting the need for awards voters to acknowledge outstanding international productions. – Kristen Baldwin

SURPRISE: Margaret Qualley, The Substance

“The Substance,” directed by Coralie Fargeat, emerged as a surprising contender at the Golden Globes, earning nominations for its direction, screenwriting, and Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. Margaret Qualley’s exceptional supporting performance in this genre film was a standout, showcasing the often-overlooked talent in such productions. The recognition for “The Substance” underscores the diversity and depth of performances deserving of acclaim. – Joey Nolfi

SURPRISE: Diego Luna, La Máquina; (Hulu)

“La Máquina,” Hulu’s unique series featuring Diego Luna in a compelling role, stood out for its originality and entertainment value. Luna’s portrayal as Andy, a boxing manager with a twist, garnered attention despite the series being snubbed in a major category. This recognition for Luna’s performance may pave the way for a reassessment of the show’s merits by future awards voters. – KB

SNUB: Walton Goggins, Fallout; (Prime Video)

Walton Goggins’ portrayal of the Ghoul in “Fallout” was surprisingly overlooked by Golden Globe voters, raising questions about the criteria for recognition. Despite delivering a charismatic performance, Goggins’ character did not receive the same acclaim as others in similar roles. The snub highlights the subjective nature of awards and the sometimes puzzling decisions made in the selection process. – KB

SNUB: Niecy Nash-Betts, Grotesquerie; (FX)

Despite the complexity of “Grotesquerie,” Niecy Nash-Betts’ performance as Lois Tryon shone brightly, anchoring the narrative amidst its intricate plot. Nash-Betts’ commanding presence and intensity added depth to the series, making her snub by the Golden Globes all the more surprising. The omission underscores the challenges faced by actors in gaining recognition for their exceptional work. – KB

SNUB: Danielle Deadwyler, The Piano Lesson

Danielle Deadwyler’s remarkable talent in “The Piano Lesson” deserved acknowledgment, yet the Golden Globes overlooked her exceptional supporting performance. Despite earning critical praise for her role, Deadwyler’s absence from the nominations reflects the competitive nature of awards season. The Screen Actors Guild Awards may offer her another chance at recognition in the coming weeks. – JN

SNUB: Clarence Maclin, Sing Sing

Despite the initial acclaim for “Sing Sing,” Clarence Maclin’s impactful performance was overlooked by the Golden Globes, despite significant buzz surrounding his role. While his co-star received a nomination, Maclin’s omission from the list of contenders raises questions about the criteria for recognition in the industry. The oversight highlights the unpredictability of awards and the challenges faced by deserving actors. – JN

SURPRISE: A Real Pain

“A Real Pain,” featuring Kieran Culkin and directed by Jesse Eisenberg, exceeded expectations with its nominations in various categories at the Golden Globes. Culkin’s performance, in particular, stood out, solidifying his position as a frontrunner in the awards race. The film’s success at the Globes underscores the enduring impact of Sundance-bowing titles in the industry. – JN

The 2025 Golden Globes ceremony will air Sunday, Jan. 5 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on CBS.

FAQs

Q: What are the Golden Globes?

A: The Golden Globes are annual awards honoring outstanding achievements in film and television, voted on by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

Q: How are Golden Globe nominees selected?

A: Golden Globe nominees are selected through a voting process by the members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

Q: What categories are included in the Golden Globes?

A: The Golden Globes include categories for film and television, encompassing genres such as drama, comedy, and musical or comedy.

Q: What is the significance of Golden Globe nominations?

A: Golden Globe nominations are highly coveted in the entertainment industry as they often serve as indicators of potential success at other major awards shows, such as the Oscars.

Credit: ew.com