As the Golden Globes 2025 nomination list is unveiled, we find ourselves in a dynamic landscape for the film industry, emerging from the shadows of a pandemic and writers' strike, yet still distant from the looming age of AI. This year's event, hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, strives to regain its footing after last year's tepid reception under Jo Koy’s guidance, and aims to shed its past issues regarding diversity and integrity.

Streaming giant Netflix and the innovative distributor A24 dominate this year’s nominations, alongside several films showcased at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. However, the most incendiary reaction seems poised to come from none other than President-elect Donald Trump. The best actor (drama) nod for Sebastian Stan, portraying a young Trump in the biographical film The Apprentice, is sure to be a sore point for the former president, especially since reactions to the film suggest it is relatively mild in its depiction of his early years. Adding to Trump's ire, Jeremy Strong earns a nomination for best supporting actor for his portrayal of Trump’s controversial mentor, Roy Cohn.

While scanning through the nominations, several glaring snubs have left fans and critics disappointed. Cillian Murphy’s acclaimed film Small Things Like These, Jane Schoenbrun’s visionary I Saw the TV Glow, and Saoirse Ronan's engaging performance in The Outrun have all been left in the dust. Yet, a remarkable achievement for Jacques Audiard’s vibrant musical crime-comedy Emilia Pérez stands out—a daring narrative about a Mexican cartel gangster undergoing gender reassignment surgery, racking up an impressive ten nominations. Despite some criticism regarding its execution, the film’s ambition has captivated audiences and awards voters alike since its debut at Cannes.

Notably, Brady Corbet’s thought-provoking The Brutalist, an ambitious tale inspired by the difficulties of a visionary architect in post-war America, gains attention for its nominations, including a nod for Adrien Brody in the lead role. Moreover, Edward Berger’s captivating thriller Conclave, adapted from Robert Harris’s novel, showcases Ralph Fiennes as a cardinal embroiled in a gripping Vatican power struggle.

Among the nominations, Timothée Chalamet has made waves with his extraordinary portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, setting him up for intense competition against both Brody and Fiennes. Meanwhile, Sean Baker’s gritty drama Anora, revolving around a lap dancer marrying a wealthy Russian heir, and Coralie Fargeat’s offbeat satire The Substance, have each secured five nominations. Demi Moore’s nomination for best actress (musical or comedy) in the latter is particularly noteworthy, though she faces fierce competition from Cynthia Erivo in Wicked.

As the anticipation builds for the Golden Globes, one thing is certain: the fiery exchanges on social media between Trump and his supporters are bound to be a spectacle in themselves! With tensions rising and discussions swirling about the state of cinema, the 2025 Golden Globes promises to be a night to remember.