2025 Golden Globes nominations snubs and surprises: 'The Substance' picks up steam, 'Sing Sing' misses out
Awards season has officially arrived, bringing all the excitement and emotions that come with recognizing outstanding performances — and the inevitable disappointments for those left out.
The 2025 Golden Globes nominations have been announced ahead of the January 5 ceremony, revealing both expected picks and unexpected surprises. Emilia Pérez dominates the film category with 10 nominations, while The Bear leads in television with five.
Yahoo Entertainment breaks down the films and TV shows that surprised everyone by making the cut — and those that left audiences stunned by their absence.
Saoirse Ronan
After receiving acclaim for her performances in The Outrun and Blitz, Ronan did not secure any nominations. In the past, she has been nominated for four Golden Globes, winning once for her lead role in the comedy Lady Bird.
Mike Faist and Josh O'Connor
While Zendaya earned a nomination for her lead role in Challengers, the film's two leading men—Mike Faist and Josh O'Connor—were notably absent from the list. O'Connor, who previously won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Prince Charles in The Crown, was especially seen as a contender.
Drew Starkey
Despite gaining critical acclaim for his supporting role in Queer, the Outer Banks star didn’t secure a nomination, surprising fans who saw the role as his breakout moment.
Clarence Maclin
Although Sing Sing garnered a few nominations, Clarence Maclin, who gave a standout performance playing a younger version of himself in his first major acting role, was overlooked.
Marianne Jean-Baptiste
Marianne Jean-Baptiste, who has been collecting accolades for her lead role in Hard Truths, didn’t receive a Golden Globe nomination—a snub that has left many puzzled.
Danielle Deadwyler
Despite receiving widespread praise for her supporting role in The Piano Lesson, Danielle Deadwyler was left off the Golden Globes list, sparking disappointment among her fans and critics alike.
Denis Villeneuve
Although Dune: Part Two earned a nomination for Best Motion Picture – Drama, Denis Villeneuve was surprisingly left out of the Best Director category. This omission is particularly striking given his nomination for the first Dune film in 2022.
Ryan Reynolds
Even with Deadpool & Wolverine dominating the box office this year, Ryan Reynolds didn’t receive a nod. Considering the Golden Globes’ tendency to honor comedic performances and superhero films, this was an unexpected miss.
Jonathan Bailey
While Wicked secured several nominations, Jonathan Bailey’s supporting role didn’t make the cut, leaving many fans surprised.
Jon M. Chu
Despite Wicked's strong performances and intricate dance numbers, its director Jon M. Chu was left out of the Best Director category—a decision that left many scratching their heads.
Surprises
The Substance
Following its major award win at the Cannes Film Festival and an unexpected box office triumph, The Substance is naturally garnering awards buzz. However, the sheer volume of nominations has been remarkable. Highlights include Margaret Qualley's nod for her supporting role and Coralie Fargeat's dual nominations for directing and writing, both in fiercely competitive categories.
Jesse Plemons
With its unique triptych structure, Kinds of Kindness presented an unconventional narrative, but Plemons's portrayal of three distinct characters was a clear standout for Golden Globe voters.
Glen Powell
Powell had a standout year, and his nomination for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy for Hit Man came as a surprise. While his work received critical praise, it was his off-screen charm that seemed to steal more of the spotlight.
Hugh Grant
Known for his acting range, Grant’s performance in Heretic earned him a surprising Golden Globe nomination. Even Grant was taken aback, humorously stating, “I feel like a gatecrasher. But a very warmly received one. Massive thanks to the Golden Globes and to Scott Beck and Bryan Woods for spotting my need to kill, and to A24 for sponsoring it.”
Sebastian Stan
Despite being overlooked for Variety's Actors on Actors series, Stan secured an impressive double nomination. He’s recognized for his roles in A Different Man (a comedy) and The Apprentice (a drama), solidifying his versatility as a leading actor.
Kathryn Hahn
While performances in Marvel projects are often bypassed at major award shows, Hahn defied the trend with a Best Actress nomination in the TV category for her starring role in Agatha All Along.
Cooper Koch
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story sparked widespread conversation and controversy, leading to a first-time Golden Globe nomination for Koch.
Selena Gomez
Gomez had a monumental year, earning dual nominations for her work. She was recognized for her supporting role in the musical Emilia Pérez and her lead performance in the comedy series Only Murders in the Building. The acknowledgment of both roles underscores her growing acclaim.
Kate Winslet
A perennial favorite, Winslet earned dual nominations for her work in both film and television. She was honored for her lead role in the drama Lee and her performance in the limited series The Regime.
September 5
The film September 5 has generated significant anticipation, though few have had the chance to see it. Having skipped most festivals and awaiting a December 13 release, its nomination is a surprise, given how little is known about it.
Squid Game
The second season of Squid Game is riding on the reputation of its groundbreaking first season. Expectations remain high as it continues to capture the attention of both audiences and critics.
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