Golden Globe nominations feature notable omissions and unexpected selections, including ‘Wicked,’ Julia Roberts, and Sydney Sweeney.
The recent announcements of the 2025 Golden Globe nominations have sparked significant discussion within the entertainment industry regarding unexpected omissions and surprising inclusions. Among the most notable snubs is the much-anticipated film “Wicked: For Good,” which was notably excluded from both the Best Picture and Best Director categories, a decision that has left many bewildered. The film, directed by Jon M. Chu, had generated considerable buzz leading up to the awards, but its absence from major nominations raises questions about the criteria used by voters. While lead actresses Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande secured nods for their performances, many believe that the film’s overall reception, which did not match the acclaim of its predecessor, influenced the outcome.
This year’s Golden Globe nominations featured six nominees in most competitive categories, with a separate distinction for comedy/musical and drama. Despite this broad allocation, several prominent figures were overlooked. Notably, Joe Rogan, Sydney Sweeney, and Gwyneth Paltrow were left off the list, creating ripe ground for speculation about the selection process and the preferences of Golden Globe voters.
In contrast to the omissions, the nominations did not shy away from unexpected picks. Julia Roberts’ return to the screen in “After the Hunt” garnered a nomination despite the film’s lackluster performance at the box office and among critics. This choice illustrates the Golden Globes’ tendency to favor star power, even when associated projects struggle commercially.
Other surprising absences included Sweeney, who delivered a praised performance as a boxer in “Christy,” and Paltrow, whose role in “Marty Supreme” drew acclaim yet did not translate into a nomination. The show’s tradition of including A-listers such as Paltrow could have provided both legitimacy and interest at the event.
Additionally, the nomination of “KPop Demon Hunters” for a box office achievement award raised eyebrows, primarily due to Netflix’s opaque reporting policies on box office numbers. The film had limited theatrical exposure, leading to questions about the validity of its nomination.
The Chinese animated feature “Ne Zha II,” a significant success grossing over billion globally, also found itself overlooked due to its lack of affiliation with the Motion Picture Association, emphasizing the rigid boundaries within award nominations.
As voting patterns and industry trends evolve, the 2025 Golden Globe nominations highlight the complex dynamics at play within awards discourse. With several categories still under scrutiny, the reactions to these nominations may influence the ongoing conversation as awards season unfolds.
