The 2025 Golden Globes: A Celebration of Women, Fashion, and Historic Achievements
The 82nd Annual Golden Globes was a night where women took center stage—both on the red carpet and at the podium. From groundbreaking wins to bold sartorial statements, the evening highlighted significant achievements in film and television while redefining Hollywood’s future. The red carpet shimmered with custom couture, archival pieces, and daring designs that told powerful stories of empowerment, diversity, and creativity. Iconic fashion moments emerged as stars donned exquisite gowns and striking ensembles, showcasing their unique styles while paying homage to the legacies of trailblazing women in entertainment. This year's ceremony not only honored artistic excellence but also emphasized the transformative power of fashion in shaping narratives and celebrating representation within the industry.
Photo via WWD
Best Dressed: A Celebration of Style and Substance
Zendaya: Old Hollywood Glamour
Zendaya embodied elegance in a custom Louis Vuitton burnt orange gown that beautifully evoked Old Hollywood glamour. The strapless design featured a sculptural bodice and an exaggerated train, creating a striking silhouette that was further enhanced by matching pointed-toe pumps. Nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for her role in Challengers, Zendaya's look was not only visually stunning but also a tribute to the legacy of Black women in entertainment. Styled by Law Roach, her outfit paid homage to trailblazing vocalist Joyce Bryant from the 1940s and 1950s. Law Roach noted that this was in honor of icons like Diahann Carroll, Eartha Kitt, Dorothy Dandridge, and Joyce Bryant, further cementing Zendaya's status as a modern icon in both fashion and film.
Ariana Grande: Vintage Glamour
Ariana Grande brought vintage elegance to life in a stunning 1966 Givenchy archive gown adorned with crystal embellishments. She paired the butter-yellow dress with short white opera gloves, channeling vintage moviestar aesthetic while celebrating her nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for her role as Glinda in Wicked. The look artfully tied into her character without being overtly theatrical, marking a departure from the usual pink Glinda aesthetic she has embraced in recent months. This outfit also paid homage to the timeless styles of Audrey Hepburn. Styled by Mimi Cuttrell, Grande’s look was a masterclass in blending nostalgia with modern flair.
Nicole Kidman: Timeless Elegance
Nicole Kidman shimmered in a breathtaking silver Balenciaga gown that perfectly complemented her statuesque frame. The sleek, backless design draped elegantly over her body, accentuating her curves and exuding an air of sophistication that could make even the most seasoned red carpet veterans green with envy. Nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for her role in Babygirl, Kidman’s look was a testament to her enduring status as one of Hollywood's leading ladies. Styled by John Mumblo, she completed the outfit with a striking high ponytail that evoked the glamour of the 50s and 60s, adding a touch of vintage flair that framed her face beautifully and elevated her overall appearance.
Selena Gomez: A Vision in Cinderella Blue
Selena Gomez turned heads in a resplendent Cinderella-blue gown by Prada, designed by Miuccia Prada herself. The off-the-shoulder crystal-blue satin dress featured geometric panels that added a modern twist, beautifully complemented by Tiffany & Co. jewelry. Styled by Erin Walsh and assisted by Carlyn Rosario, Gomez's softer look marked a departure from her recent bold choices, showcasing her versatility as she earned dual nominations for Emilia Pérez (film) and Only Murders in the Building (TV). Her enchanting appearance on the red carpet solidified her status as a fashion icon.
Historic Achievements: Breaking Barriers
Anna Sawai: A Historic First
Anna Sawai made history as the first actress of Asian descent to win Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama for her role as Mariko in FX’s Shōgun. This year’s awards celebrated Asian talent, particularly poignant as Sawai's win came four decades after Yoko Shimada became the first Asian woman to win a Golden Globe in 1981 for her portrayal of Mariko in the same series. On the red carpet, styled by Karla Welch, Sawai turned heads in a custom Dior two-piece look featuring a sleeveless peplum-style top and a sleek column skirt that beautifully merged traditional aesthetics with modern couture. She accessorized with archival Cartier jewelry—a four-stranded silver chain choker and a diamond ring—and styled her hair in a chic low ponytail. Sawai’s groundbreaking win not only highlighted her exceptional talent but also marked a significant step forward for representation of Asian actors in the Entertainment Industry.
Demi Moore: A Career-Defining Moment
At 62, Demi Moore achieved a remarkable milestone by winning her first Golden Globe after three nominations over an impressive 45-year career. She took home the award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for her role in The Substance. Dressed in a stunning shimmering gold gown by Giorgio Armani Privé, featuring a striking silver streak running from the neckline to the hip, Moore captivated the audience on the red carpet, styled by Clarke Johnson. Her emotional acceptance speech resonated deeply as she reflected on overcoming industry ageism and the challenges she faced early in her career. “This is proof that talent endures,” she stated, adding, “I’ve been doing this for 45 years, and this is the first time I’ve ever won anything as an actor.” Moore's victory not only marked a personal triumph but also served as an inspiration to women of all ages, highlighting the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Zoe Saldaña: A First-Time Winner
Zoe Saldaña made history as the first Dominican-American to win a Golden Globe, claiming her first award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez. Dressed in a shimmering brown gown by Saint Laurent, featuring a strapless sequin design and a matching cape, she epitomized effortless chic on the red carpet, styled by Petra Flannery. Walking arm-in-arm with her mother, Saldaña turned the evening into a heartwarming family affair. Her victory not only marked a significant personal achievement but also represented progress toward more diverse storytelling in cinema, especially as Emilia Pérez led the night with ten nominations. Saldaña's win is a powerful reminder of the strides being made for representation in Hollywood.
Karla Sofía Gascón: Trailblazing Representation
Karla Sofía Gascón made history as the first transgender woman nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for her role in Emilia Pérez. Her nomination represents an important milestone for LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance within mainstream cinema. On the red carpet, Gascón dazzled in a striking two-toned orange dress that beautifully accentuated her figure, styled by Freddy Alonso. During her acceptance speech, she powerfully declared, “I am who I am, not who you want me to be,” resonating deeply with many individuals. Gascón’s presence at the Golden Globes not only highlighted her exceptional talent but also served as an inspiring symbol of progress for the LGBTQ+ community in the film industry.
Breaking New Ground
Nikki Glaser made a memorable impact as the first solo female host of the Golden Globes, captivating audiences not only with her humor and charm but also through her stunning fashion choices. Throughout the night, she showcased an impressive array of nine remarkable dresses that highlighted her versatility and style.
One standout ensemble was a gold satin gown by Prabal Gurung, featuring a rosette at the hip that added an elegant touch. She further impressed in a sparkling silver sequined dress from Zuhair Murad’s Spring 2024 collection, which dazzled under the stage lights. Glaser also donned a whimsical pink sequined dress by Atelier Prabal Gurung, inspired by Glinda from Wicked, perfectly capturing a playful yet glamorous essence.
Glaser’s hosting marked a turning point for inclusivity at awards shows, proving that women can hold center stage while redefining glamour. Styled by Dani Charlton and Emma Rubenstein, her diverse wardrobe choices celebrated her personal style while reflecting a broader narrative of empowerment and creativity within the entertainment industry.
Fashion Trends That Dominated
The red carpet at the 2025 Golden Globes was a masterclass in blending timeless elegance with bold innovation. Several key trends emerged throughout the evening:
Dramatic Trains: Dramatic trains were a highlight of the evening, with Zendaya’s custom Louis Vuitton gown epitomizing this trend, featuring a stunning silhouette that flowed gracefully. Zoe Saldaña's chic Saint Laurent creation and Michelle Yeoh's exquisite Balenciaga ensemble also showcased this captivating style.
Corset Silhouettes: Structured bodices highlighted femininity beautifully; Cynthia Erivo dazzled in Louis Vuitton while Emma Stone made an impression in custom red peplum Louis Vuitton.
Opera Gloves: Ariana Grande revived this vintage accessory with her Givenchy look, pairing it seamlessly with her gown. Janelle James in Christian Siriano and Ali Wong in Balenciaga also embraced opera gloves, bringing back glam one elbow at a time.
Dark Palettes: Rich reds, blacks, and golds dominated; Mikey Madison dazzled in Bottega Veneta while Cristin Milioti turned heads in Rodarte.
These fashion trends not only highlighted individual style but also contributed to a collective narrative of empowerment and creativity that defined the evening.
Fashion Misses
While many stars dazzled, a few missed the mark, leaving us scratching our heads and questioning their stylist’s choices:
Kerry Washington: Her hot pink Balenciaga gown, made from neon silk taffeta and featuring a dramatic train, was paired with black opera gloves that seemed to clash rather than complement. The overall effect? A look that some critics described as "cheap prom" rather than red carpet royalty.
Elle Fanning: Though she attempted to channel vintage vibes in a reproduction of a classic 1953 Balmain design, the leopard-print bodice clashed with her accessories, making it feel more like an afterthought than a statement. With her penchant for colors that wash her out, this outfit didn’t quite hit the mark.
Kathryn Hahn: Stepping onto the red carpet in Altuzarra, sporting an outfit that felt more suited for brunch in Brooklyn than the Golden Globes. While her look was undoubtedly stylish, it lacked the glamour expected at such a prestigious event. The look gave off “typical New Yorker” vibes instead of the red carpet glam we were hoping for, leaving us to wonder if she missed the memo about the dress code.
A Night of Change
The 2025 Golden Globes wasn’t just about awards—it was about rewriting narratives. From Anna Sawai breaking barriers as an Asian actress to Demi Moore proving age is no limitation to success, this year’s ceremony celebrated women who are reshaping Hollywood on their own terms. The red carpet reflected this shift—blending couture storytelling with personal triumphs.
This year wasn’t just about honoring performances; it was about honoring progress—on-screen, on-stage, and on the runway. The Golden Globes 2025 will go down as one of the most empowering nights in film industry history.
