Ushering In A Golden Era Of Modern Culture

The Golden Globes 2025 are back with a bold rebrand and ready to kick off this year’s awards season in Beverly Hills with their red carpet arrivals. From a transformed voting body, these legendary annual awards, once tarnished with allegations of corruption, are reclaiming their spotlight in 2025—not just as a Hollywood celebration but as a reflection of our evolving global culture. That’s right, the Golden Globes have become a cultural barometer, ushering in a golden ear of modern culture, and I, for one, am here for it.

A Voting Body: From Insularity to Inclusivity

Remember the 2021 expose published by the Los Angeles Times that rocked the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the organization that oversees the Golden Globes? The HFPA was found to have no Black members among its 87 voting body at the time and allegations of corruption and unethical practices, resulted in a public backlash, leading to boycotts, sponsors pulling out, and NBC declining to air the Golden Globes in 2022. This pressure pushed the HFPA to implement significant reforms, including diversifying its membership and introducing new ethical guidelines.

Now boasting over 300 members from 76 countries, including 58% who self-identify as ethnically diverse, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association has a restructured voting body and clearly made the necessary changes from inside out. The Golden Globes 2025 nominations announcement—with international journalists now also playing a key role—include nominations that span continents and cultures and reflect a broader worldview. There is no doubt in my mind that internal change is necessary to drive external perception and the HFPA’s reforms—diversifying its membership and restructuring its voting body—highlight the importance of making substantial internal changes to authentically reflect external values. And brands that want to champion inclusivity must first implement those principles within their organizations.

I’ve emphasized the importance of diversity in building outperforming brands in The Kim Kardashian Principle. Research from the Institute for Public Relations also reveals that diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiatives are essential for building a strong reputation and achieving financial success. Their findings show that nearly 80% of executives view D&I functions as critical drivers of their company’s overall perception, underscoring the strategic value of prioritizing inclusivity within organizational frameworks.

This year’s acting categories include Brazil’s Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here), India’s Payal Kapadia (All We Imagine as Light), and Spain’s Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez). These notable nominees are a celebration of global cinema, while your all-American blockbusters like Deadpool & Wolverine, Twisters, Inside Out 2, Gladiator II, and The Wild Robot are still included—vying for the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement Award, a category introduced last year to spotlight mainstream films and their cultural impact.

From Colman Domingo to Kathy Bates: A Celebration of Talent Across Generations

The film category is packed with fierce competition, particularly among drama contenders like The Brutalist, Emilia Pérez, and A Real Pain. Again, these powerful narratives showcase the depth and complexity of today’s global cinema. Meanwhile, the comedy category brings a lighter touch, with mystery comedy hits such as A Complete Unknown offering sharp and innovative storytelling.

Among the standouts this year is Colman Domingo, whose poignant performance in Sing Sing has earned him a nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama. I’d say Domingo’s commanding portrayal of a man seeking redemption solidifies his reputation as one of the year’s most remarkable actors. And in the supporting categories, actress and pop star, Selena Gomez continues to expand her artistic horizons with a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for her role as Jessi Del Monte in the much buzzed about Emilia Pérez. Gomez’s nuanced performance has struck a chord with audiences and critics alike.

Television also shines at the Golden Globes this year, with industry veterans like the iconic Kathy Bates receiving a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama for her role in Matlock. Bates’ always-magnetic screen presence underscores her legendary career and enduring relevance.

What I find equally refreshing is that emerging stars are making their mark as well. Mikey Madison earns a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for her dynamic role in Anora. Similarly, Margaret Qualley secures a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture for The Substance, demonstrating her exceptional ability to deliver layered and compelling performances.

Could this all be a result of the new multi-cultural membership and the knock on effect on nomination ballots? You better believe it. A study published by the School of Business, Law and Entrepreneurship, Swinburne University of Technology in Australia, highlights how it enhances employees’ perceptions of organizational values, leading to stronger brand equity. This alignment not only bolsters internal morale but also creates powerful external associations, fostering greater loyalty and advocacy among stakeholders.

This isn’t to say the Golden Globes hasn’t snubbed anyone. This year it’s takes the form for talents like Viola Davis, a Golden Globes regular, and Danielle Deadwyler for The Piano Lesson—potentially highlighting areas where the industry still falls short. Nevertheless, Viola Davis is honored with the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award, a recognition of her outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry. This lifetime achievement award celebrates her enduring legacy and influence, even as it reminds audiences that more work is needed to ensure diverse representation in competitive categories. And everyone’s favorite, Ted Danson will receive the Carol Burnett Award at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards, honoring his outstanding contributions to television. Danson, a three-time Golden Globe winner, has been renowned for years for his iconic role as Sam Malone on “Cheers” and has had a prolific career in series such as “The Good Place,” “Mr. Mayor,” and “CSI.” Past recipients of these special awards like Carol Burnett herself set a high bar for this year’s honorees.

A New Era of Awards Season

I’m not surprised that vewership for award ceremonies like the Globes is making a comeback given many of the awards brands are redefining themselves for a new generation. The Golden Globes 2025 red carpet will undoubtedly trend on platforms like Access Hollywood, (one of my old contributor stomping grounds,) given younger audiences are more than ever re-engaging with the glamour and cultural significance of red carpet moments across multiple platforms.

According to a 2022 survey by the Motion Picture Association, 80% of respondents admitted that red carpet appearances influence their decision to watch a movie. Red carpet events have evolved from mere pre-show rituals to powerful marketing tools, shaping audience perceptions and driving interest in films. The impact of red carpet events extends beyond entertainment, deeply influencing consumer behavior and fashion trends. A study titled “Exploring how social media platforms influence fashion consumer decisions in the UK retail sector” discusses the role of social media in shaping consumer behavior. The study suggests that social media has created consumers who can be impacted at any stage of the decision process, adding to the research regarding unplanned consumer behavior. Participants’ behaviors were stimuli-driven and user-controlled, having a larger impact on inspiration rather than modifying their behaviors to align exactly with trends or products. This highlights the role red carpet moments play in driving trends and shaping modern consumer culture.

A 50% rise in ratings last year was driven by factors like increased inclusivity, viral moments (think nominee Pamela Anderson and her magnificent no-makeup trend that I have emphasized before). Nate Bargatze, the acclaimed comedian known for his sharp wit and relatable humor, is set to present an award, adding a comedic edge to the evening. Joining him is the ever-charming Amy Poehler, whose renowned comedic talent and effortless charisma will bring additional sparkle as she takes the stage to present. Adding a touch of musical brilliance, the legendary Elton John is expected to deliver a special performance, showcasing his iconic artistry and ensuring a show-stopping moment. Together, these stars will elevate the ceremony, blending laughter and music into a celebration of excellence in entertainment.

Hollywood Glamour Meets Global Influence

The Globes are no longer just about American films. This year, Asian films and international stories take center stage, with performances by Hiroyuki Sanada, Zoe Saldana, and Ralph Fiennes earning nods. The Golden Globes Time has truly become global, reflecting a broader audience’s tastes.

Meanwhile, industry phenomena like the In-N-Out Burger Expansion underscore how entertainment and cultural milestones intersect. In October 2023, In-N-Out Burger commemorated its 75th anniversary with a large-scale festival at the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Pomona, California. The event featured drag racing, a car show, carnival rides, games, and live music performances by bands such as ZZ Top, 311, and .48 Special. This celebration exemplified how In-N-Out Burger has transcended its role as a fast-food chain to become a cultural icon, intertwining its brand identity with entertainment and community engagement. The success of the anniversary event, I believe, highlighted the brand’s ability to resonate with diverse audiences and its commitment to honoring its heritage while fostering a sense of community among its patrons.

The Golden Globes as a Cultural Barometer

From Viola Davis Golden Globes nominations to Sebastian Stan’s rise in major awards buzz, the Globes are attempting to transform themselves into more than an award ceremony; they’re a brand lens through which we see Hollywood’s evolution. And perhaps they have always—deep down—been a brand that has been open to change but lost their way a little.

The Henrietta Award (World Film Favorite) was presented by the After all, the HFPA from 1951 to 1980 before being discontinued as part of the Golden Globes’ effort to stay relevant. In 2024, the Globes introduced new categories like Cinematic and Box Office Achievement and Best Stand-Up Comedian on Television, reflecting evolving industry trends. And now with stars like Daniel Craig earning a nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for his powerful performance in Queer, Ayo Edebiriis nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy for her standout role in The Bear, a performance that has cemented her status as a comedic force to watch. And, Felicity Jones brings depth and emotion to her role in The Brutalist, earning her a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture, the Golden Globes is racing ahead to highlight what’s next for the entertainment industry.

Several studies and analyses explore how brands function as cultural barometers, reflecting and influencing societal values and trends. In “Brands and Cultural Analysis,” Arthur Asa Berger examines the role of brands in American society through a cultural studies lens, discussing how they mirror consumer cultures and societal norms. Another study, “Culture and Branding,” provides an extensive review of academic research on the interplay between culture and branding since the 1990s. It analyzes how cultural contexts and consumer segments affect branding practices and how consumer-brand relationships are shaped by culturally relevant values.

As stars like Selena Gomez and Brandi Carlile take center stage and the likes of Nicolas Cage, known for his eclectic and daring choices, has earned a nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for his role in Dream Scenario. Meanwhile, the ever-enigmatic Tilda Swinton is nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama category for her captivating portrayal in The Room Next Door inevitably shine on the Golden Globes 2025 red carpet—the Globes remind us of their power to captivate, inspire, and reflect the zeitgeist.

Trailblazing comedian Nikki Glaser is set to make history as the Golden Globes’ first solo female host. But, don’t expect her to wade into the ongoing It Ends with Us controversy between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, where both stars are dominating daily headlines having accused each other of launching smear campaigns against each other. “The Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni situation is such a hot-button issue right now that even mentioning it could make it seem like I’m taking a side—when I’m absolutely not,” Glaser told Yahoo!.

When Do The Golden Globes Start?

Mark your calendars: the Golden Globes 2025 will air this Sunday, January 5 2025. Tune in at 8 PM EST to catch the Golden Globes Start Time and all the action, from saturday night movie-worthy moments to inspiring speeches. The awards show will be airing live on CBS. U.S. viewers will also have the ability to stream it on Paramount+.

But this year, I’d like to ask you, is the real question “Where to watch Golden Globes?” or is it “How will they shape the future of Hollywood?” As I see it, the Golden Globes 2025 are doing more than honoring achievements; they’re redefining the stories, voices, and talents that deserve the spotlight in an ever-changing industry—this time for the better.

Named Esquire’s Influencer Of The Year, Jeetendr Sehdev is a media personality, international speaker and the author of the New York Times bestselling sensation, The Kim Kardashian Principle: Why Shameless Sells (and How to Do It Right.)