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Hollywood's awards season

Karla Sofía Gascón's historic and emotional triumph at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards

Gascón took to the stage with her team in an emotional moment that resonated far beyond the glitzy ballroom


Shirley Gomez
Senior Writer
JANUARY 6, 2025 10:08 AM EST

The 82nd edition of the Golden Globe Awards officially kicked off Hollywood's awards season in grand style. Held at the iconic Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, the event brought together some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Hosted by the witty and sharp American comedian Nikki Glaser, the evening showcased not just the best in film and television but also celebrated diversity, resilience, and talent from around the globe.  

The red carpet was dazzling as Hollywood's elite arrived in show-stopping ensembles. Among the most talked-about attendees were two prominent Spanish talents, Javier Bardem and Karla Sofía Gascón. Both were strong contenders for Golden Globe honors, with Bardem nominated for Best Supporting Actor in Television for Netflix's "Monsters: The Story of Lyle and Erik Menéndez" and Gascón earning a nod for her work in Jacques Audiard's musical film "Emilia Pérez."  

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 05: Karla Sofía Gascón attends the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)© FilmMagic
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 05: Karla Sofía Gascón attends the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

Although Bardem and Gascón did not win in their respective categories—losing to Japanese actor Tadanobu Asano and American actress Demi Moore—the night proved unforgettable for Gascón, who made history and stole the spotlight.  

Karla Sofía Gascón’s Historic Triumph  

The biggest surprise of the evening was Karla Sofía Gascón's victory in the Best Foreign Language Film category for "Emilia Pérez." The musical, directed by French auteur Jacques Audiard, received ten impressive nominations and ultimately won four awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña. Gascón, who starred in the film alongside Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz, took to the stage with her team in an emotional moment that resonated far beyond the ballroom.  

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 05: (L-R) Adriana Paz, Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldana and Karla Sofía Gascón, winners of the Best Motion Picture – Musical Or Comedy Award for "Emilia Pérez", pose in the press room at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California.  (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)© FilmMagic
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 05: (L-R) Adriana Paz, Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldana and Karla Sofía Gascón, winners of the Best Motion Picture – Musical Or Comedy Award for "Emilia Pérez", pose in the press room at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

Dressed in a stunning orange-and-yellow Saint Laurent gown with an asymmetrical neckline, Gascón used her acceptance speech to deliver a powerful and uplifting message to her community and fans worldwide. "I chose these colors because I have a message for you: 'Light always triumphs over darkness,'" she declared, her voice breaking with emotion. She continued, "Raise your voices, be free, and say, 'I am who I am, not who you want me to be.'" Her words earned her a standing ovation and cemented her place as a trailblazer in the industry.  

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 05: Karla Sofía Gascón accepts the award for Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty Images)© CBS via Getty Images
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 05: Karla Sofía Gascón accepts the award for Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty Images)

Gascón's victory also marked a historic moment for transgender representation at the Golden Globes. She became the first transgender woman nominated in a film category and has been riding a wave of critical acclaim since "Emilia Pérez" premiered. Having already won Best Actress honors at the Cannes Film Festival and the European Film Awards, Gascón now appears poised for an Oscar nomination, further solidifying her impact on the global stage.  

Javier Bardem’s Absence and Complex Role  

Javier Bardem, who has long been a fixture at awards ceremonies, was notably absent from the event. Nominated for his role as José Menéndez in Netflix's "Monsters: The Story of Lyle and Erik Menéndez," Bardem brought to life the chilling story of a businessman whose murder by his sons shocked the United States in the late 1980s. 

 Javier Bardem at Netflix's "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story" © Carlos Eric Lopez
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 16: Javier Bardem at Netflix's "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story" | LA Premiere after party portrait studio at Chateau Marmont September 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Cr. Carlos Eric Lopez/Netflix

Bardem, who has six Golden Globe nominations and one win for his role in "No Country for Old Men," remains a celebrated figure in Hollywood. While this year's award eluded him, his role in "Monsters" reaffirmed his ability to tackle complex, morally ambiguous characters with finesse.  

Other Highlights of the Evening  

While Pedro Almodóvar's "The Room Next Door" did not secure any nominations, its lead actress, British icon Tilda Swinton, was acknowledged for her performance in the drama category. Swinton portrayed Martha, a mother grappling with a fractured relationship with her daughter and the haunting memories of her past career as a war correspondent.  

As the awards season continues, the triumphs and surprises of the Golden Globes will undoubtedly set the tone for what promises to be an exciting journey toward the Oscars. 

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