Golden Globes 2025 nominations: Complete list of award contenders

The Golden Globe Awards are one of the most anticipated events in Hollywood’s award season, often regarded as a precursor to the Academy Awards. With the 2025 Golden Globes fast approaching, the excitement around the nominations has already begun to build. In this article, we take a closer look at the complete list of nominees in the major categories for the upcoming Golden Globes, celebrating the finest in film and television.

The Golden Globes: A Brief Overview

The Golden Globe Awards are presented annually by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) to honor outstanding achievements in film and television, both domestic and foreign. The ceremony serves as a celebration of the year’s most notable works, with categories spanning from drama and comedy films to TV series, actors, and directors. While the Oscars remain the pinnacle of recognition in Hollywood, the Golden Globes hold significant prestige in the industry.

Golden Globes nominations are often seen as a key indicator for what will follow in other award shows, such as the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, the BAFTA Awards, and the Oscars. The awards are divided into two main sections: Best Motion Picture (Drama and Comedy/Musical) and Best Television Series (Drama and Comedy/Musical), with additional accolades for acting, directing, and writing in both mediums.

The 2025 Golden Globes: The Nominees

Best Motion Picture – Drama

This category traditionally honors the most serious and compelling films of the year, typically with strong performances, high-quality storytelling, and intricate direction. The nominees for Best Motion Picture – Drama in 2025 are:

1. Killers of the Flower Moon
   Martin Scorsese’s epic drama, based on David Grann’s book, delves into the Osage murders in 1920s Oklahoma. The film explores themes of greed, racial injustice, and corruption, with standout performances by Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro.
2. Oppenheimer
   Christopher Nolan’s historical drama about J. Robert Oppenheimer and the creation of the atomic bomb has already generated immense buzz. Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of the physicist has been widely acclaimed.
3. The Holdovers
   Directed by Alexander Payne, this film blends comedy and drama as it explores the relationships between a professor and his students at a college during the 1970s. Its heartfelt narrative and strong performances by Paul Giamatti have earned it a place among the top contenders.
4. Poor Things
   Yorgos Lanthimos’ film is a dark and eccentric tale about a woman brought back to life by a brilliant but unorthodox scientist. Emma Stone’s portrayal has been a highlight, with critics praising her performance as a significant achievement.
5. The Color Purple
   A remake of the beloved 1985 film, this musical adaptation, directed by Blitz Bazawule, continues the story of Celie, an African American woman struggling with oppression and adversity in the early 20th century. The film has been lauded for its vibrant performances and powerful narrative.

Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy

This category celebrates lighter, often more whimsical, fare in the film industry, but also occasionally recognizes films with biting satire or comedic depth. The nominees for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy in 2025 include:

1. Barbie
   Greta Gerwig’s playful yet insightful exploration of the iconic doll’s world took audiences by surprise. Margot Robbie’s performance, coupled with a sharp script, earned the film a place in this highly competitive category.
2. The Fabelmans
   Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical film about his formative years growing up in post-war America and discovering his love for cinema is a personal and heartfelt tale. Its balance of humor and emotion has made it a standout.
3. Wonka
   The prequel to the beloved Willy Wonka story, directed by Paul King, offers a fresh take on the iconic character. Timothée Chalamet’s performance as the younger Wonka is a central element to the film’s charm.
4. Strange Way of Life
   Pedro Almodóvar’s film is a Western-infused drama that blends themes of love and desire in a unique narrative. The film has received praise for its exploration of queer relationships and its lush cinematography.
5. Asteroid City
   Wes Anderson’s latest creation, a quirky tale set in a fictional American desert town, combines his signature visual style with an ensemble cast. The film’s eccentric humor and visual appeal have made it a major contender.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama

The Best Actor in a Drama category is often one of the most closely watched of the Golden Globes, recognizing outstanding individual performances in the world of film. The nominees for this category are:

1. Leonardo DiCaprio – Killers of the Flower Moon
   DiCaprio’s performance as an oil heir involved in a series of murders is a masterclass in subtlety and intensity.
2. Cillian Murphy – Oppenheimer
   Murphy’s portrayal of the man behind the atomic bomb has been a critical highlight, with many calling it his career-defining role.
3. Timothée Chalamet – The King
   Chalamet’s portrayal of King Henry V in this historical drama has earned him widespread recognition for his captivating and complex performance.
4. Paul Giamatti – The Holdovers
   Giamatti delivers a career-best performance as a curmudgeonly professor, which has been met with praise for its depth and nuance.
5. Jonathan Majors – Magazine Dreams
   Majors’ role as a struggling bodybuilder trying to make his mark in the world of professional bodybuilding has been praised for its raw emotional depth.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama

This category highlights some of the most talented and accomplished actresses of the year. The nominees are:

1. Emma Stone – Poor Things
   Stone’s performance as a woman reanimated from death is a revelation, blending eccentricity and vulnerability in a standout role.
2. Viola Davis – The Color Purple
   Davis brings her unmatched depth and intensity to the role of Celie, a character defined by both personal trauma and strength.
3. Michelle Williams – The Fabelmans
   Williams brings a grounded yet emotionally resonant performance as the mother of a young Spielberg, capturing the essence of nurturing and complexity.
4. Carey Mulligan – Saltburn
   Mulligan’s performance as a wealthy but troubled woman in this darkly comedic thriller has garnered attention for its sharpness and subtlety.
5. Natalie Portman – The Marvels
   Portman’s performance in the highly anticipated Marvel sequel has been praised for its complexity, offering a unique perspective on the superhero genre.

Best Television Series – Drama

The drama series category is where television truly shines, with shows that tackle complex stories and feature top-tier acting and writing. The nominees for Best Television Series – Drama in 2025 are:

1. Succession
   The final season of this explosive family drama has continued to captivate audiences with its sharp writing and brilliant performances.
2. The Crown
   The acclaimed series about the British royal family continues to impress with its deep dive into political intrigue and personal drama.
3. The Last of Us
   Based on the popular video game, this post-apocalyptic drama about survival and human connection has become a cultural phenomenon.
4. The Bear
   A dark comedy about a chef’s struggles to manage a struggling restaurant, The Bear is praised for its emotional depth and fast-paced storytelling.
5. House of the Dragon
   The Game of Thrones prequel brings a new generation of Targaryens into the spotlight, and its gripping plot and intricate political machinations have made it a favorite.

Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy

This category tends to recognize lighter or more humorous fare, although it often includes shows with a deeper emotional core. The nominees for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy in 2025 include:

1. Ted Lasso
   The final season of Ted Lasso has drawn praise for wrapping up the story of the optimistic coach with heartwarming sincerity.
2. The Bear
   While The Bear fits squarely in the drama category, its blend of humor and tension places it in contention for this category as well.
3. Wednesday
   A quirky and dark comedy centered around the Addams Family’s daughter, Wednesday combines gothic elements with sharp humor, making it a standout hit.
4. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
   The final season of this period comedy continues to captivate viewers with its witty dialogue and stellar performances.
5. Shrinking
   A comedy about a therapist navigating personal challenges while helping others, Shrinking has been praised for its heartfelt and humorous moments.

Conclusion

The 2025 Golden Globes promises to be another exciting night in Hollywood, with a wide range of talented contenders across film and television. From Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon to Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, the nominations reflect the diverse landscape of storytelling in the entertainment industry. With stiff competition in every category, it’s sure to be a night filled with surprises, celebrating the achievements of those who have helped shape the year in film and television.