Awards season is about to take off thanks to the2025 Golden Globes. Although critics have been handing out awards since early December, the Golden Globes is the unofficial start of the awards calendar. A win at the Globes could propel a movie or performer into the lead position in the Oscar race.
In previous years, the Golden Globes typically rewarded star power in the various categories. The ceremony is a television show, and at the end of the day, the chances that more viewers will watch are significantly higher when A-list stars are in contention for awards. However, the Globes’ have revamped their entire voting body, with more diverse and international candidates than ever. How will that affect the vote? Below are Digital Trends’ predictions for the film categories.
2025 Golden Globes predictions: Film
Best Motion Picture – Drama
The Brutalisthas been described as the next great American masterpiece. Does the voting body of theGolden Globe Foundationagree?Dune: Part Twohas the goods to win, butDune: Messiah, and the belief that that movie will be honored for Villeneuve’s overall achievement, is sinking its chances of winning. It’s similar to how voters waited to reward the Lord of the Rings franchise forThe Return of the Kinginstead ofThe Two Towers.The Brutalistfeels like the smart pick.
What should win:Dune: Part TwoWhat will win:The Brutalist
Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
DoesWickedhave enough support to go the distance? The best comparison forWickedisBarbie,a popular film that won Cinematic and Box Office Achievement instead of Musical or Comedy.Anorais an Oscar contender with a star-making performance at the center, something the Globes typically reward. However,Emilia Pérezreceived the most nominations out of any film. That matters, even thoughAnorais the better film.
What should win:AnoraWhat will win:Emilia Pérez
Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama
This is the most stacked category of the night. Take away Sebastian Stan, and you’re looking at the five names who will likely be contending for Best Actor at the Oscars. Adrien Brody is a good comeback story, but this feels like Timothée Chalamet’s moment to grab the crown of Hollywood’s top movie star under 35. It also helps that Chalamet just completed a sensational press tour forA Complete Unknown.
Who should win:Timothée Chalamet –A Complete UnknownWho will win:Timothée Chalamet –A Complete Unknown
Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama
This is a two-woman race between Angelina Jolie and Nicole Kidman. The two actresses have combined to win nine Golden Globes. The slight edge goes to Kidman, who won Best Actress at Venice.
Who should win:Nicole Kidman –BabygirlWho will win:Nicole Kidman –Babygirl
Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
Unfortunately, none of these six performers will go on to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. Jesse Eisenberg is probably the favorite, consideringA Real Painhas the most nominations out of every movie in this category. The actor who should win is Glen Powell, who arguably won the year in Hollywood before Chalamet snatched the belt away at the last second.
Who should win:Glen Powell –Hit ManWho will win:Jesse Eisenberg –A Real Pain
Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
This is a very strong category with highly respected actresses. Demi Moore winning would be a sensational story because of her triumphant return to the spotlight. That being said, Mikey Madison and Cynthia Erivo are the two favorite candidates competing for the Globe. We’ll know how strongWickedis with voters by the end of the ceremony. But Madison is a revelation inAnoraand should win her first Globe ever.
Who should win:Mikey Madison –AnoraWho will win:Mikey Madison –Anora
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture
This category is the easiest one to call since there’s been a clear frontrunner since the start of awards season. Kieran Culkin seems destined to win every supporting category this year on his way to the Oscars. I’m pulling for Yura Borisov as the henchman with a heart, but Mac’s little brother has this one in the bag.
Who should win:Yura Borisov –AnoraWho will win:Kieran Culkin –A Real Pain
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture
Like Erivo, Ariana Grande has become a legitimate contender thanks toWicked’sstrong box-office success and word-of-mouth. Margaret Qualley winning here would be very cool. Yet, once Netflix decided Zoe Saldaña would run in the supporting actegory, it’s been her award to lose.
Who should win:Margaret Qualley –The SubstanceWho will win:Zoe Saldaña –Emilia Pérez
Best Director — Motion Picture
A good indicator in this category is to side with the director of a film that can win either Best Drama or Best Musical or Comedy. 2019 was the last year when Best Director went to a person who helmed a movie that did not win one of the top two prizes. The race likely comes down to Brady Corbet and Jacques Audiard. Because ofEmilia Pérez’snear record-breaking amount of nominations, Audiard is the pick.
Who should win:Sean Baker –AnoraWho will win:Jacques Audiard –Emilia Pérez
Best Screenplay – Motion Picture
AnoraandConclaveare the frontrunners in the screenplay category. This feels like an “it’s time” win for Baker, a well-respected independent filmmaker, as well as forAnora, the doomed love story that combines the romance ofPretty Womanwith the anxiety ofUncut Gems.
What should win:AnoraWhat will win:Anora
Best Original Score – Motion Picture
Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross made the most infectious score all year withChallengers. It’s banger after banger, especially on the tennis court. While a Reznor and Ross win would be amazing, Daniel Blumberg’s score toThe Brutalistis arguably the most integral aspect of that movie’s success. The epic doesn’t work as well if Blumberg’s score wasn’t there.
What should win:ChallengersWhat will win:The Brutalist
Best Original Song – Motion Picture
Conventional wisdom says to take the song from a musical.El Malis more of an anthem thanMi Camino, giving it a slight edge. However,Kiss the Skyby Maren Morris could pull the upset.
What should win:Kiss the Sky–The Wild RobotWhat will win:El Mal–Emilia Pérez
Best Motion Picture – Animated
If there are legitimate discussions to include an animated movie in Best Picture, surely it should win in the animated category.The Wild Robotfits the criteria.
What should win:The Wild RobotWhat will win:The Wild Robot
Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language
Emilia Pérezdelivered the best showing during the nomination process. It should win, but do not count outAll We Imagine As Light.
What should win:All We Imagine As LightWhat will win:Emilia Pérez
Cinematic and Box Office Achievement
Wickedcan’t go winless, right? As previously stated,Wicked, an extremely popular movie, should win in this category, just likeBarbiedid last year.
Who should win:TwistersWho will win:Wicked
