As the film awards season heats up, excitement is mounting for the upcoming Golden Globe nominations, which are set to be revealed on Monday. A plethora of films, including the much-anticipated Wicked, Anora, Conclave, and The Brutalist, are expected to make the shortlist, shedding light on the films that may compete for the coveted Oscar on March 2, 2025.

The Golden Globes will kick off the awards season on a high note, with US actors Mindy Kaling and Morris Chestnut slated to announce the nominees live at 13:15 GMT. This prestigious ceremony is the first major film event to reveal its nominations, offering an early glimpse into the competition that lies ahead.

Unlike other awards, the Golden Globes distinguish their categories for drama and comedy/musical, allowing for a more diversified selection of films and performances. This year, nominees for acting will total 36, compared to the 20 available at the Oscars, reducing the perception of snubs and increasing the excitement among fans and filmmakers alike.

The 2025 Golden Globe Ceremony is set to take place in Los Angeles on January 5, an event that promises to deliver surprises and applause as contenders from various genres vie for attention.

Who Are the Contenders?

This awards cycle differs significantly from the previous year, where Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer dominated. This season, there's an impressive roster of films including Anora, which tells the gripping story of a New York stripper caught in a tumultuous romance with the son of a Russian oligarch. Meanwhile, The Brutalist portrays a Hungarian architect seeking a fresh start in America after World War II.

Conclave, adapted from Robert Harris' novel, provides a glimpse into the intrigues of cardinals gathered in Rome to choose a new Pope. Major blockbusters such as Wicked, the highly anticipated musical adaptation, Dune: Part Two, a sequel in the popular franchise, and the historical drama Gladiator II are also strong contenders thanks to their commercial success.

Other films generating buzz include Sing Sing, showcasing the transformative power of art among prison inmates, and Emilia Pérez, which explores themes of identity and change within the context of a Mexican drug lord’s story.

Noteworthy mentions include September 5, a harrowing retelling of the Munich Olympics terrorist attack, A Real Pain, focusing on grief, and Nickel Boys, highlighting the struggles of youth in a reform school during the 1960s.

The biopic A Complete Unknown, centered on the life of Bob Dylan, and films like The Room Next Door, Blitz, and Nosferatu are all drawing interest as potential nominees.

Outstanding Performances on the Horizon

This year's best actress category is peppered with comeback stories featuring Demi Moore (The Substance), Angelina Jolie (Maria), and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths). They face fierce competition from rising stars like Mikey Madison for her role in Anora and established names such as Cynthia Erivo in Wicked.

In the best actor category, Adrien Brody (The Brutalist), Ralph Fiennes (Conclave), and Colman Domingo (Sing Sing) stand out as frontrunners. A-list stars Daniel Craig (Queer) and Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown) are also expected to be vying for nominations, contributing to a highly competitive landscape.

Supporting actor nominations are likely for talents like Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain), Denzel Washington (Gladiator II), and Jeremy Strong (The Apprentice). For supporting actresses, Ariana Grande (Wicked), Isabella Rossellini (Conclave), and the likes of Selena Gomez (Emilia Pérez) are in contention.

The Golden Globes often draw in big-name celebrities, increasing the spectacle of the awards ceremony.

A Unique Ceremony with an Evolving Legacy

The Golden Globes stand out not only for their film nominations but also for their television categories. Expect potential nominations for drama series such as Baby Reindeer and comedies like Only Murders in the Building.

However, the awards have faced scrutiny in recent years for diversity and ethical concerns. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association came under fire in 2021, but significant reforms have since been adopted, including expanding and diversifying membership. As a result, the event has gained new credibility and is set to deliver a lively and entertaining evening.

The Golden Globes, while not always accurate predictors for the Oscars, offer vital insight into the awards landscape. A powerful acceptance speech or a standout performance at this event can spark momentum as nominees vie for Oscar consideration.

Mark your calendars for January 5 and prepare for an unforgettable evening of entertainment as the Golden Globe nominations loom large! What surprises and upsets await us this awards season?