One Battle After Another and Adolescence emerge as top winners at the 83rd Golden Globes, each securing four major awards and setting the tone for a ceremony that celebrated creative risk, emotional storytelling, and industry-defining performances.
Film Standouts: Big Wins and Emotional Moments
Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another dominated the film categories, earning four trophies, including best comedy or musical film. Anderson also picked up best director and best screenplay—his first-ever Golden Globe wins. Visibly moved, the filmmaker described the night as “just fun” before paying tribute to the late Adam Somner, the film’s assistant director who passed away in November 2024.
The film’s success continued with Teyana Taylor winning best supporting actress. In one of the evening’s most powerful speeches, she dedicated her award to “brown sisters and little brown girls watching tonight,” reminding audiences that their voices matter and their dreams deserve space.
Another major cinematic success came from Hamnet, the largely fictionalised Shakespeare-inspired drama. The film won best drama motion picture, while Jessie Buckley took home best actress in a drama. Steven Spielberg, who produced the film alongside Sam Mendes, praised director Chloé Zhao, calling her the only filmmaker capable of bringing the story to life. Buckley, beating out heavyweights like Julia Roberts and Jennifer Lawrence, called the win “a real, real honour.”
Ryan Coogler’s genre-bending period horror Sinners earned awards for original score and cinematic and box office achievement. Coogler thanked audiences for turning up in theaters, reinforcing the importance of communal moviegoing.
Timothée Chalamet also marked a career milestone, winning best actor in a comedy for Marty Supreme. Beating Leonardo DiCaprio and George Clooney, Chalamet reflected on how losing previous awards made the moment “that much sweeter,” becoming the youngest winner in the category.
International cinema also shined. Brazilian thriller The Secret Agent won best non-English language film, while Wagner Moura made history as the first Brazilian actor to win best lead actor in a drama. Director Kleber Mendonça Filho described the win as meaningful in a crucial moment for global filmmaking.
Other notable film wins included Rose Byrne for best actress in a comedy for the indie If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Stellan Skarsgård for supporting actor in Sentimental Value, and Netflix’s animated juggernaut KPop: Demon Hunters, which won animated feature and original song.
Television Triumphs: Fresh Series Take the Spotlight
On the television side, Adolescence emerge as top winners at the 83rd Golden Globes, continuing its awards momentum with four wins, including best limited series. Creator Jack Thorne clarified in his acceptance speech that the show critiques the world adults have created for young people—not the youth themselves.
Stephen Graham won best actor in a limited series, while Owen Cooper added another trophy to his growing collection following his Emmy win. Erin Doherty also earned recognition for supporting actress, rounding out a dominant night for the series.
New shows made a strong impression. Hospital drama The Pitt won best drama series, with Noah Wyle taking best actor in a drama and using his speech to honour healthcare workers. Apple TV+ also celebrated major wins: The Studio claimed best comedy series, with Seth Rogen winning best actor in a comedy series, while Pluribus earned Rhea Seehorn best actress in a drama for her debut season performance.
Jean Smart won best actress in a musical or comedy series for Hacks for the third time, joking about her competitive streak while wearing a pin supporting an ACLU-backed campaign against ICE violence.
Politics, Protest, and Provocation on the Red Carpet
The ceremony was not without controversy or political statements. Several attendees, including Mark Ruffalo and Wanda Sykes, wore “ICE OUT” pins in protest following the death of Renee Good in Minneapolis. Ruffalo delivered a blistering critique of Donald Trump on the red carpet, making headlines with his remarks.
Comedy, Podcasts, and Closing Highlights
Michelle Williams won for her performance in Dying for Sex, while Ricky Gervais took home the award for stand-up comedy on television—despite not attending. Host Wanda Sykes jokingly accepted on his behalf.
Host Nikki Glaser returned for a second year, delivering sharp-edged humour on everything from Hollywood production slowdowns to celebrity culture and political scandals. The night also introduced a new category: best podcast, which went to Good Hang with Amy Poehler.
While several high-profile nominees left empty-handed, the ceremony ultimately reflected a shifting industry—one embracing new voices, global stories, and bold creative risks.
With Oscar nominations set to be announced on 22 January and the Academy Awards scheduled for 15 March, the 83rd Golden Globes have firmly set the stage for an unpredictable and exciting awards season ahead.
