All Of It: Reacting to the 2025 Golden Globe Nominations

Episode Release Date: December 11, 2024
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Nate Jones, Vulture Senior Writer

Introduction

In this engaging episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart, the focus centers on the highly anticipated 2025 Golden Globe nominations. Alison welcomes Nate Jones, Vulture's senior writer who specializes in film coverage and co-authored the article “The Biggest Snubs and Surprises of the 2025 Golden Globe Nominations.” Together, they delve into the transformations within the Golden Globes, notable nominations, and the snubs that stirred conversations among audiences and critics alike.

Golden Globes: A New Era

[02:20] Nate Jones:
Nate begins by outlining the significant changes the Golden Globes have undergone in recent years. "A few years back, they were literally canceled... they were just sort of blatantly corrupt and not very diverse," he explains. The revival involved bringing in new members and voters, implementing salaried positions to enhance accountability, though he acknowledges ongoing issues within the organization.

[03:33] Alison Stewart:
Alison probes further into the format changes for this year's awards. Nate responds by comparing the Golden Globes to the Critics Choice Awards, noting an increase in nominees from five to six to ensure broader representation. "They cannot be accused of leaving anybody out," Nate adds [03:35].

Notable Nominations and Performances

Demi Moore in "The Substance"

[04:46] Alison Stewart:
Alison highlights Demi Moore's nomination for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy for her role in "The Substance," one of only four films nominated for Best Picture, Director, and Screenplay.

[04:46] Nate Jones:
Nate attributes Moore's nomination to the film's daring narrative and her fearless performance. "It's a very naked performance, both physically but also emotionally... There's a comedy to it and a lightness that is very accessible," he remarks.

[06:08] Alison Stewart:
Alison raises a critical question about Hollywood’s interest in self-reflection, considering the industry's focus on youth and beauty versus genuine performance depth. Nate concurs but suggests that the Golden Globes favor films with "gonzo" elements and accessibility over more uncomfortable introspection [06:18].

Listener Interactions and Community Opinions

Listeners play a significant role in this episode, sharing their favorite films and performances:

• Steve from Montclair praises "Kneecap," an Irish rap trio’s autobiographical biopic, lamenting its absence from the nominations [07:13]. Nate expands on this, explaining the film's cultural significance and its status as Ireland's official entry for Best International Film [07:52].

• Tess lauds "Shogun!" for its combination of hilarity and action, highlighting director Sean Baker's excellence [08:53].

• Linda from the West Village commends Ellen Kuras's "Lee," focusing on Heather Winslet's portrayal of Lee Miller, a pioneering female photojournalist [13:16]. Kate Winslet shares insights into her role, emphasizing the film's focus on Miller's defining decade and the importance of portraying her strength beyond reductive labels [14:10].

• Steve from Roselle Park, NJ and Willie from Charlotte, NC discuss their favorite shows like "The Diplomat" and "Beef," while another listener praises "Blink Twice" for its sharp social commentary and stunning direction by Zoe Kravitz [20:57-23:10].

Surprising Snubs and Category Debates

The conversation shifts to notable snubs and the phenomenon of category fraud:

[11:07] Nate Jones:
Nate defines category fraud as the strategic placement of films into certain categories to enhance nomination chances. He cites "Challenger" in the Best Musical Comedy category as an example, suggesting it may not fit perfectly but was slotted to increase its visibility [11:07].

[26:18] Alison Stewart:
Alison asks Nate to highlight significant snubs, particularly focusing on African American talent. Nate points out that performances by Marianne Jean Baptiste and others were overlooked, possibly due to the overseas nature of the Golden Globes' voting body, which may not fully resonate with quintessentially American stories [26:20].

Standout Films and Performances

"Emilia Perez" Musical

[19:59] Nate Jones:
Emilia Perez's musical received ten nominations, the most of any film this year. Nate attributes this to the Golden Globes' affinity for "glitz and glamour" and big emotional swings, akin to opera [19:59]. He notes that while the film may not work for everyone, it aligns well with the Golden Globes' preferences.

"Nickel Boys"

[24:29] Nate Jones:
Nate discusses "Nickel Boys," directed by Romel Ross, highlighting its unique narrative structure told through multiple first-person perspectives. He praises its originality and the cinematography, predicting strong recognition in categories like Best Picture and Best Director [24:29].

Conclusion

Alison Stewart wraps up the discussion by reiterating Nate Jones's insights into the Golden Globes' nominations, the balance between popular appeal and critical acclaim, and the ongoing challenges within the awards landscape. The episode underscores the dynamic nature of cultural awards and their reflection of broader societal trends.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Nate Jones [02:29]: "The Globes have remade themselves... they have new members and new voters... there's a little more accountability."

• Nate Jones [04:46]: "It's a very naked performance, both physically but also emotionally... there's a comedy to it and a lightness that is very accessible."

• Nate Jones [11:07]: "Category fraud is a thing that happens where awards campaigns maybe slot themselves into places that they possibly don't belong just to make it easier to get nominations and awards."

• Nate Jones [26:20]: "Many of them are African American talent. And there's a lot of things we can speculate about for that reason."

This episode of All Of It provides a comprehensive look into the 2025 Golden Globe nominations, offering listeners insightful analysis, diverse perspectives, and a deep dive into the intricacies of one of Hollywood's most prestigious award shows.