At the 2025 Golden Globe Awards, hosted by Nikki Glaser, humor took center stage, albeit with some playful critique. One of her notable moments involved a brief parody mashup of popular songs, which she described half-jokingly. Glaser humorously remarked, “You’re going to look like… a pope,” while dressed in a striking bubblegum pink gown, complemented by a golden cane and a tall white papal crown. This performance coincided with a fabricated emergency message from the production team, indicating dissatisfaction with the proceedings.
Amidst the lighthearted banter, Glaser faced a directive from the imaginary producers to skip an additional song titled “Insane in the Pen-gwain,” highlighting a humorous commentary on the show’s flow, or lack thereof. Her approach blended comedy with a self-aware nod to the challenges of live award ceremonies, encapsulating both the entertainment value and the struggles of such events.At a recent awards ceremony, discussions surrounding the performances and jokes highlighted the contrasting qualities of the nominees. The presenter humorously pointed out the similarities between the nominated films “Conclave” and “Wicked,” suggesting that the tonal juxtaposition between serious themes and comedic song parodies made for engaging commentary. This playful examination of the films, especially the deliberate connection to the song “Popular,” ignited curiosity about both titles. “Conclave,” now streaming on Peacock, touches on the perils of certainty in the quest for power, which adds a layer of complexity to the humor displayed in the ceremony.
The hosting by Glazer has received commendation, drawing comparisons to his performance at the Golden Globes, which had improved significantly from previous years. The event seemed to embrace a more relaxed and celebratory atmosphere, aspiring to be the “Party of the Year.” This approach aimed to engage viewers by leveraging star power and fostering a sense of inclusivity, even as they navigated the challenges of competing with popular events, like the NFL.
However, there were concerns that the ceremony strayed from its primary purpose of honoring cinematic and television achievements. The focus seemed to shift towards celebrity appearances rather than the nominated works themselves. The opening monologue, for instance, concentrated more on who was present rather than highlighting the excellence of the films and shows being celebrated. Clips from nominations were often overshadowed by entertaining anecdotes rather than showcasing the depth of the artistic contributions.
Additionally, notable awards were presented before the main event, possibly diminishing their significance. The decision to prioritize engaging viewers with light-hearted banter over substantive celebration of artistic merit raised questions about the true intent of such ceremonies. In summary, though moments of humor and star power shone through, the event’s divergence from its core purpose has sparked discussions about the future direction of awards ceremonies.The 82nd Golden Globe Awards took place on January 6, 2025, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. This year, the ceremony aired on CBS and was available for streaming on Paramount+. Hosted by Nikki Glaser, the event has been a topic of discussion due to its somewhat diminished prestige compared to other award shows.
Criticism surrounding the Golden Globes often highlights their reputation as less prestigious and for the nature of acceptance speeches, with some, like Zoe Saldaña’s emotional moment, perceived as over the top. In contrast, Kieran Culkin’s more concise acknowledgment of his win received favorable remarks.
One significant point raised regarding the show was the disconnect between the humor relied upon, which often referenced a deeper understanding of specific films and shows, and the overall audience’s familiarity with them. This year’s presenters struggled with material that aimed to resonate with an audience more connected to pop culture than specifically the nominated works. Viewers were left wanting to know more about the films and series celebrated that night, as well as their significance.
Despite the ceremony’s scandals in previous years, it continues to draw a considerable audience. However, there is a call for a broader representation of the films and television that capture Hollywood’s admiration, hoping that this could extend the appreciation of these works beyond industry circles.
The show ended with several popular titles, like Netflix’s “Squid Game” and the musical “Wicked,” winning awards, indicating a possible trend in what viewers may engage with after the event. Ultimately, the Golden Globes remain a notable platform for showcasing both film and television, even as its format and relevance continue to evolve.