Most Memorable Golden Globe Moments, From Nikki Glaser’s Mean Jokes and “Holding Space” Memes to Emotional Wins and Shots All Around

2025 Golden Globes aimed to elicit laughter, tears, and occasional uncomfortable smiles from attendees, presenters, winners, and host throughout an evening brimming with numerous record-breaking instances. Highlights included host Nikki Glaser’s biting humor, the popular “holding space” Wicked Internet sensation, Zoe Saldaña’s emotional acceptance speech, and Hacks co-creator expressing hope that Jean Smart wouldn’t retaliate with any jabs. These are some of the night’s most unforgettable instances.

Nikki Glaser Didn’t Hold Back on Her Jokes

It turns out that Nikki Glaser wasn’t overly harsh, but she still delivered some sharp wit during her first stint as the host of the Golden Globes. Glaser skillfully navigated between playfully poking fun at numerous celebrities without crossing the line into a full-blown roast. Among her targets were Timothée Chalamet, Harrison Ford, Nicole Kidman, Ben Affleck, the musicals “Wicked” and “Joker 2”, and she even made some political jabs like one about Robert F. Kennedy Jr. You can read more about it here, as reported by James Hibberd.

‘Hacks’ Co-Creator Paul W. Downs Urges Partygoers to “Not Give” Jean Smart a Shot

At the 2025 Golden Globes held on Sunday evening, ‘Hacks’ won the award for best comedy series. Accepting the accolade, one of the show’s creators, Paul W. Downs, expressed his gratitude, stating, “We feel privileged to be in this room among so many talented storytellers.” He thanked their exceptional cast, dedicated crew, and gifted writers for their contributions. With a humorous tone, he warned that they had to shoot the next day at 6 am and jokingly requested that if Jean Smart asks anyone for a shot, they should refrain from giving it to her, while hinting at Kate Winslet to provide water for Smart instead. You can read more about it here – Lexi Carson.

‘Wicked’ Was Still “Holding Space” Throughout the Golden Globes

Although Wicked didn’t take home major awards at the 2025 Golden Globes, it was a focal point of jokes and memorable moments during the event. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the box office smash received four nominations, including best picture in the musical or comedy category. The film’s leads, Cynthia Erivo (as Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (as Galinda/Glinda), were nominated for best actress and best supporting actress respectively. During her opening monologue, host Nikki Glaser referenced the viral “holding space” interview from Wicked, commenting on the recent election. In a playful twist, Glaser quipped to Grande, “I’m scared. Ariana, hold my finger?” To which Grande jokingly grabbed Erivo’s hand instead, echoing their viral interview gesture. Grande also mimed and gestured to Erivo saying, “I’m holding hers.” For more details, see the article by Lexy Perez and Nicole Fell.

Zoe Saldaña Gets Emotional During First-Ever Golden Globes Win

At the 2025 Golden Globes, Emilia Pérez (Zoe Saldaña) tearfully accepted the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture. From the stage at the ceremony on Sunday, she expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating that this was her first-ever Golden Globe win. She thanked the cast and crew of the Netflix film, particularly director Jacques Audiard, co-star Karla Sofía Gascón, and fellow nominee Selena Gomez. Saldaña, who received her initial Golden Globe nomination for this film, expressed admiration for her fellow nominees, commending their support and the camaraderie they displayed throughout the process. This was a truly moving moment as everyone celebrated each other’s achievements. More details can be found here – Ryan Gajewski

Seth Rogen and Catherine O’Hara Were Full of Jokes

At the Golden Globes event on Sunday, Seth Rogen and Catherine O’Hara proudly showcased their Canadian acting backgrounds with some humor. However, their supposed nostalgic tales weren’t suitable for all audiences. While presenting the award for Best Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie, they joked about receiving awards like the “Golden Antler” and “Beaver.” They playfully suggested that in Canada, pornographic films are as celebrated as non-pornographic ones due to the absence of America’s puritanical roots, according to Rogen’s statement from the stage. You can read more about it here. — Etan Vlessing

Colin Farrell Jokes He Has No One to Thank After Golden Globes Win

On Sunday night, Colin Farrell won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie for his performance in “The Penguin.” After receiving the award from Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy, he playfully claimed that he had no one to thank, saying, “I did it all by myself,” before joking about his raw, stripped-down portrayal. However, Farrell went on to acknowledge everyone who contributed to the series, stating that there were too many people to thank and that success in the industry is always a team effort, whether it’s for a small or large screen production. He specifically praised Mike Marino and his makeup team for their exceptional work. You can read more about it here – Carly Thomas.

Kieran Culkin Is Taking Shots With Mario Lopez at the Golden Globes

On Sunday night, Kieran Culkin, victorious at the 2025 Golden Globe awards, admitted to feeling a bit unsteady in his acceptance speech – and for a valid reason. “My wife and I had a tequila shot with Mario Lopez,” Culkin joked, adding, “I think that’s why my speech is now missing.” The father of two, married to Jazz Charton, was met with laughter as he confessed this. “Great job, Kieran, you’re doing great,” someone in the audience commented. Culkin won the statue for his outstanding supporting actor role in the film A Real Pain, directed by and co-starring Jesse Eisenberg. Interestingly, this wasn’t Culkin’s first awards recognition; he received a Globes nomination when he was still quite young. Read more about it here. — Aaron Couch

‘The Brutalist’ Director Delivers “Controversial” Statement During Acceptance Speech

2025 Golden Globes winner for Best Drama Movie, director Brady Corbet, emphasized the need for greater independence for filmmakers during his acceptance speech. “I’m deeply touched,” Corbet expressed, having also won Best Film Director earlier in the ceremony. In a humorous moment, he joked, “I only prepared one speech, not two.” However, Corbet had more to share. He addressed the audience, “I simply wish to provoke thought: The final-cut tiebreak decision should be with the director,” he stated. “This might seem controversial, but it really shouldn’t be. I was informed that this film would be undistributable, that no one would watch it, and that it wouldn’t work.” You can read more about it here — Ryan Gajewski

Find the complete list of 2025 Golden Globe winners here, and the night’s red carpet looks here.

The production company responsible for the Golden Globes, Dick Clark Productions, is a joint venture between Penske Media Corporation and Eldridge, which also owns The Hollywood Reporter as part of their partnership.

2025-01-06 08:55