While the Hollywood Foreign Press Association has made strides when it comes to acknowledgement of diverse storytelling at their annual glitzy awards show, the 2025 Golden Globes still wasn’t enough for some of our favorite Black stars to walk way with the win.
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The 82nd annual show took place on Sunday, Jan. 5 and saw a myriad of winners—but sadly some of the expected stars and shows went without winning the prestigious honor. And if you didn’t watch the ceremony, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Read on to see some of the biggest snubs of the night.
Ayo Edebiri and Quinta Brunson
Though “The Bear” star Ayo Edebiri and “Abbott Elementary” star Quinta Brunson may have stunned on the red carpet with their fabulous fashions, audiences at home were stunned when both women lost to Jean Smart for her role in “Hacks” in the category of Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series: Musical or Comedy. Brunson and Edebiri went on to lose for a second time when “Hacks” took home the award for Best Television Series: Musical or Comedy later on in the evening.
Cynthia Erivo & Zendaya
Another duo that had audiences holding space for their respective performances in “Wicked” and “Challengers,” respectively, was Cynthia Erivo and Zendaya. However, they both left the annual show without those coveted gold statuettes thanks to Demi Moore winning in the category of Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture: Musical or Comedy for her role in “The Substance.” Erivo would, however, go on to win with the rest of “Wicked” cast for Best Cinematic and Box Office Achievement.
Denzel Washington
Though many thought veteran actor Denzel Washington’s role in “Gladiator II” was more than awards-worthy, it unfortunately didn’t clinch the win for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture. That honor, instead, went to Kieran Culkin for his role in “A Real Pain.”
Jamie Foxx
Jamie Foxx’s Netflix special “What Had Happened Was...” may have tugged on the hearts of viewers, it didn’t sway the voters of the HFPA enough to give him a win for Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television. Ali Wong and her special “Single Lady” took that home that award.
Colman Domingo
Much like the aforementioned Washington, Colman Domingo has been a consistent name in the awards circuit for his performance in “Sing Sing.” But despite that and his earlier Gotham Awards win back in Dec. 2024 (which usually signify later major wins)— Domingo didn’t take home the gold for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture: Drama. That honor was instead given to Adrien Brody for his role in “The Brutalist.”
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