‘The Brutalist,’ ‘Emilia Perez’ triumph at Golden Globes

Key Takeaways:

• “The Brutalist” and “Emilia Perez” won top honors, positioning them as strong Oscar contenders
• Demi Moore won her first Golden Globe for “The Substance,” marking a significant comeback
• Karla Sofia Gascón delivered a powerful speech on identity and resilience on behalf of “Emilia Perez”
• “Wicked” was recognized for its commercial success, grossing nearly $700 million
• Television series “Shōgun” dominated the TV awards with four wins

A Night of Bold Cinema at the Golden Globes

The 82nd Golden Globe Awards celebrated daring storytelling and diverse voices, with two audacious films—Brady Corbet’s epic “The Brutalist” and Jacques Audiard’s genre-defying musical “Emilia Perez” —emerging as the evening’s big winners. Held at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, the ceremony signaled a bold direction for Hollywood’s awards season.

‘The Brutalist’ Takes Center Stage

“The Brutalist” , a 215-minute postwar epic shot in VistaVision and released with an intermission, was crowned Best Film, Drama . The film also secured Best Director for Brady Corbet and Best Actor for Adrien Brody. In his acceptance speech, Corbet reflected on the challenges of bringing such an ambitious project to life.

“I was told that this film was un-distributable,” said Corbet. “No one was asking for a three-and-a-half-hour film about a mid-century designer in 70mm. But it works.”

‘Emilia Perez’ Shines in Musical Glory

Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Perez” , a Spanish-language, genre-shifting trans musical, won Best Film, Comedy or Musical . The film also garnered awards for Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldana, Best Song (“El Mal”), and Best Non-English Language Film . Karla Sofia Gascón, the film’s transgender star portraying a Mexican drug lord undergoing gender-affirming surgery, delivered a poignant message.

“The light always wins over darkness,” said Gascón, gesturing to her brightly orange dress. “You can maybe put us in jail. You can beat us up. But you never can take away our soul or existence or identity. I am who I am. Not who you want.”

Surprising Victories and Memorable Speeches

In a surprise win, Demi Moore claimed Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical for her role in “The Substance” , portraying a Hollywood star resorting to experimental methods to regain her youth. This marks the 62-year-old actress’s first Golden Globe.

“I’m just in shock right now,” Moore expressed. “I’ve been doing this a long time, like over 45 years, and this is the first thing I’ve ever won as an actor.”

Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres won Best Actress in a Drama for “I’m Still Here” , a true-story drama about a family enduring the disappearance of a political dissident in 1970s Rio de Janeiro. She dedicated the award to her mother, legendary actress Fernanda Montenegro.

“She was here 25 years ago,” said Torres. “And this is like proof that art can endure through life even through difficult moments.”

Acknowledging Challenging Narratives

Sebastian Stan received Best Supporting Actor in a Musical or Comedy for “A Different Man” , in which he portrays a man with a deformed face who undergoes healing. Stan highlighted the importance of telling difficult stories.

“These are tough subject matters, but these films are real and they’re necessary,” noted Stan. “But we can’t be afraid and look away.”

Humor and Reflection from the Host

Comedian Nikki Glaser hosted the evening, infusing it with wit while addressing the industry’s influence.

“You could really do anything… except tell the country who to vote for,” Glaser quipped. “But it’s OK, you’ll get ’em next time… if there is one. I’m scared.”

Celebrating Commercial Success with ‘Wicked’

Jon M. Chu’s “Wicked” was honored with the award for Cinematic and Box-Office Achievement , having grossed nearly $700 million. In a heavily arthouse Oscar field, “Wicked” stands out as a significant commercial success. Accepting the award, Chu advocated for optimism in art.

Television Triumphs with ‘Shōgun’

On the television front, “Shōgun” dominated with four awards , including Best Drama Series and acting honors for Hiroyuki Sanada, Anna Sawai, and Tadanobu Asano. Other notable TV winners included “Hacks” (Best Comedy Series and Best Actress for Jean Smart), Jeremy Allen White for “The Bear” , and accolades for Ali Wong, Jodie Foster, and Colin Farrell.

Looking Forward

The 82nd Golden Globes showcased Hollywood’s embrace of bold narratives and diverse talent. With surprising wins and powerful messages, the ceremony set a tone of audacity and inclusivity for the awards season ahead.