The 82nd Golden Globe Awards, held on January 5, 2025, highlighted Asian talent in a celebration that marked triumphs and near misses. Director Payal Kapadia, nominated for her critically acclaimed film All We Imagine As Light, faced disappointment as she lost in both categories she was nominated for. Despite this, Kapadia’s presence as only the third Asian woman ever nominated for Best Director at the Globes was seen as a monumental achievement for Indian cinema.
Kapadia’s film garnered international acclaim, winning the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024 and earning nominations at the Critics Choice Awards. However, All We Imagine As Light at the Globes lost the Best Non-English Language Motion Picture award to Emilia Perez, while Brady Corbet won Best Director for The Brutalist. The film, which had a limited theatrical release in India late last year, began streaming on Disney+ Hotstar in January 2025, allowing a wider audience to appreciate its artistry.
Controversy surrounded the Film Federation of India’s decision not to select Kapadia’s film as India’s official Oscar entry, opting instead for Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies. The latter failed to reach the Academy Awards shortlist, further fueling debates over the decision.
On the television front, it was a groundbreaking night for the FX series Shogun, which took home the award for Best TV Drama Series. Based on James Clavell’s 1975 novel, the samurai epic continued its historic streak, following its record-breaking 18 Emmy wins last year. Cast members Anna Sawai, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Tadanobu Asano all earned individual honours for their performances, further cementing the show’s place in Golden Globes' history.
Anna Sawai won Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series for her role as Toda Mariko. In her acceptance speech, the New Zealand-born Japanese actress humorously acknowledged her fellow nominee, Kathy Bates, while expressing gratitude for the show's writers. Sawai emphasized the importance of strong storytelling in crafting memorable performances.
Hiroyuki Sanada, who received the award for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Series for his portrayal of Yoshii Toranaga, spoke passionately about the show’s impact on representation. In a backstage interview, he stated, “The gates have swung open not only for Japan but also for other Asian countries.” Sanada encouraged young creators to remain authentic and persistent in pursuing their dreams.
The series’ unique approach, with 70% of its dialogue in Japanese, demonstrated the growing acceptance of non-English content in global entertainment. Sanada celebrated this milestone, describing Shogun as a bridge breaking language and cultural barriers.
On the red carpet, Mindy Kaling stunned in a strapless gold sequin column dress, exuding elegance, while Glen Powell turned heads in a black velvet suit paired with sunglasses, showcasing a fusion of classic and modern fashion.
The night stood as a testament to the increasing visibility and recognition of Asian talent in Hollywood, heralding a new era of inclusivity and cultural exchange.
