The Brutalist was the big winner at the 2025 Golden Globes, taking home awards for Best Picture, Drama, Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for Adrien Brody, and Best Director for Brady Corbet. Corbet delivered an emotional speech urging studios to support filmmakers and allow them creative control over their projects, even if they are unconventional in terms of length or subject matter. The film follows the life of László Tóth, a Hungarian-born Jewish architect and Holocaust survivor, as he navigates the challenges of pursuing the American Dream. Despite initial skepticism about the film’s viability, Corbet’s vision ultimately resonated with audiences and critics alike.
The 2025 Golden Globes marked a return to normalcy for the awards show after several tumultuous years. In 2022, NBC dropped their coverage of the Globes following revelations about the lack of diversity within the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the organization responsible for the awards. Since then, the HPFA has made efforts to diversify its membership, including adding new Black voters. The 2025 Golden Globes were hosted by Nikki Glaser, and the broadcast can be streamed on Paramount+. The night saw a mix of streaming and theatrical releases competing for top honors, with films like Dune: Part Two and Conclave available for streaming, while others like The Brutalist and A Complete Unknown were still in theaters.
The success of The Brutalist at the Golden Globes is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of giving filmmakers creative control over their projects. Despite initial doubts about the film’s length and subject matter, Corbet’s vision ultimately struck a chord with audiences and critics, leading to multiple wins for the film at the awards show. The story of László Tóth and his journey as an immigrant and Holocaust survivor resonated with viewers, highlighting the universal themes of resilience and the pursuit of the American Dream.
The recognition of The Brutalist at the Golden Globes serves as a reminder of the impact that diverse and compelling storytelling can have on audiences. By supporting filmmakers and allowing them the freedom to explore challenging and unconventional themes, the industry can continue to push boundaries and create meaningful art that resonates with viewers. The success of The Brutalist is a testament to the power of cinema to engage, inspire, and provoke thought, showcasing the importance of championing diverse voices and bold storytelling in the film industry.
Overall, the 2025 Golden Globes celebrated the achievements of filmmakers and performers who took risks, challenged conventions, and pushed the boundaries of storytelling. The awards show marked a return to normalcy after a period of upheaval within the industry, with efforts being made to address issues of diversity and representation. As audiences continue to demand more inclusive and thought-provoking content, events like the Golden Globes play a vital role in honoring the creativity and vision of artists who are unafraid to tackle difficult subjects and push the limits of cinematic storytelling.
