Director Jon M. Chu attends the premiere of "Wicked: For Good" at Lincoln Center, Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo)
The Golden Globes have once again delivered a roller coaster of reactions. Despite expanded categories and a longer nominee list, several expected contenders were completely overlooked. Meanwhile, some unexpected names and titles found their way into the spotlight. From “Wicked: For Good” to Sydney Sweeney, here’s a deeper look at the nominations that stirred both confusion and excitement.
“Wicked: For Good” Misses the Magic
“Wicked: For Good” entered award season with sky-high expectations. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande still earned acting nods, although Grande landing in the supporting category surprised many. But fans were stunned to see the movie shut out of the Musical/Comedy Best Picture category. Jon M. Chu was also absent from the Best Director lineup. It appears the Globes were not quite won over by part two of the fantasy musical. Some believe critics’ lukewarm reception played a role. Others think this reflects a repeated failure to honor large-scale two-part films until the full story is complete.
Julia Roberts Shines Again
Julia Roberts returned to serious drama in “After the Hunt,” playing a conflicted Yale professor. The movie underperformed with critics and audiences, leaving her awards chances uncertain. Yet star power still rules at the Globes. Despite the film’s struggles, Roberts earned a surprise Best Actress nomination. The organization clearly welcomes Hollywood royalty with open arms.
Sydney Sweeney Shut Out
Sydney Sweeney looked poised for recognition after her gripping role as a boxer in “Christy.” The performance drew praise at the Toronto International Film Festival. Still, the movie’s box office failure may have overshadowed her momentum. Considering her massive influence on pop culture, her absence from the drama actress list stands out as one of the most shocking omissions.
Wicked: For Good, It was Just an Accident, Christy and After the HuntAllie Fredericks, Everett Collection, Yannis Drakoulidis/Amazon MGM Studios, Universal Pictures.
Unexpected Love for “KPop Demon Hunters”
Netflix does not share box office data. Still, “KPop Demon Hunters” found itself nominated for the Box Office Achievement award. This raised eyebrows across the industry. Its theatrical run was short and promotional in nature. Meanwhile, huge hits like “A Minecraft Movie” and “Superman” were excluded. The decision leaves many questioning the award’s criteria.
A Global Phenomenon Ignored: “Ne Zha II”
The Chinese animated spectacle “Ne Zha II” is the highest-grossing film of the year. It earned over $2 billion worldwide. Yet it received no recognition in either the animated feature or box office categories. Its exclusion seems tied to industry classification rules rather than performance. Fans argue that figures this large deserve acknowledgment regardless of studio affiliation.
Gwyneth Paltrow Needed More Love
Gwyneth Paltrow delivered a powerful comeback performance in “Marty Supreme.” Many expected her to secure a supporting actress nomination. Her omission stunned industry watchers. With the Globes eager to boost glamour on the red carpet, this missed opportunity feels especially puzzling.
Podcasts: Controversy Off the Ballot
The Globes introduced a new podcast category this year. Yet “The Joe Rogan Experience,” the most-listened-to podcast of the year, did not appear. Other major political shows also missed out. It signals a possible shift toward less political content in early years of the category.
Emily Blunt Breaks Through
Emily Blunt found her place among nominees for “The Smashing Machine.” Her role received mixed reviews, but she remains a beloved figure in the industry. Her nomination is a pleasant surprise, although some feel it came at the expense of other deserving contenders.
Fans Left Wanting More From Favorites
Several notable projects received zero recognition. “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” failed to score a single nomination. HBO’s lavish drama “The Gilded Age” was fully overlooked. Even Emmy winner Katherine LaNasa missed a spot on the list. Loyal viewers were left disappointed.
The Golden Globes have once again reminded audiences that awards season is unpredictable. Snubs, shockers, and unexpected delights remain part of the show. As debates unfold, one thing is clear: the road to Oscar night is only getting more interesting.
