Golden Globes 2025: 'Wicked', 'Hamnet', and 'Sinners' Lead the Nomination Pack
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Golden Globes 2025: “Wicked,” “Hamnet” and “Sinners” Take the Spotlight
The 2025 Golden Globe Awards, scheduled for January 10 in Beverly Hills, have already begun to shape a narrative that is as dramatic on the ceremony’s stage as the films themselves. According to the latest coverage by the New Zealand Herald, the nomination list is dominated by three projects that have captured the public’s imagination and critics’ attention alike: the musical‑film adaptation of Wicked, the historical drama Hamnet, and the gritty crime‑drama series Sinners. Together, these three works have not only accrued a significant share of the nominations but have also sparked debates about the evolving tastes of Hollywood’s two most influential award‑givers.
1. “Wicked” – The Musical That Keeps Winning
Wicked is a re‑imagining of the stage musical that first hit Broadway in 2003. The 2025 version, shot in a single‑take style and directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, features an all‑female cast that includes the Oscar‑nominated Lily James as Elphaba and a returning Gale Garnett as Glinda. The New Zealand Herald points out that the film’s nomination haul is impressive, with entries in Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (for James), and Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (for Garnett). Additionally, the film was nominated for Best Original Song for “The Time of Our Lives,” a track that resonated with both audiences and song‑writers alike.
In the context of Golden Globe history, Wicked’s nominations are significant. The ceremony has long been a champion of musical and comedic productions, and Wicked appears poised to revive that tradition. Industry insiders cited in the article suggest that the film’s success is a testament to Hollywood’s willingness to gamble on larger‑than‑life storytelling, especially when it comes with a built‑in fan base from the stage version.
2. “Hamnet” – A Shakespearean Tragedy Re‑imagined
Hamnet, the period drama directed by Joe Wright, chronicles the life of William Shakespeare’s youngest son. Starring Andrew Garfield as Hamlet’s father and a young Anya Taylor‑Joyce as the titular character, the film has been praised for its lush cinematography and its daring exploration of mental illness in the early 17th‑century. According to the New Zealand Herald, the film’s nominations include Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama (for Garfield), and Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture (for Taylor‑Joyce). It also garnered a nomination for Best Screenplay, a nod to its sharp dialogue and faithful yet fresh adaptation of the Shakespearean legacy.
The New Zealand Herald draws attention to the film’s dual status: while it was first announced for the Oscars, it is now also positioned as a Golden Globe contender. The article notes that Hamnet’s appeal lies in its emotional depth and the way it humanises a figure as mythic as Shakespeare, thereby providing a rare, character‑driven counterpoint to Wicked’s larger‑scale spectacle.
3. “Sinners” – The Dark, Stylish New Series
The crime‑drama series Sinners, a spin‑off of the long‑running The Sopranos, has found a place at the Golden Globes that might surprise some viewers. Created by David Chase, the series follows a family of thieves in a modern, high‑tech world. The New Zealand Herald highlights the show’s nominations in the Television categories: Best Television Series – Drama, Best Actor – Television Series – Drama (for Adam DeVine), and Best Actress – Television Series – Drama (for Olivia Wilde). The show’s stylish direction and complex character arcs have earned it a reputation for being a “must‑watch” for fans of gritty, character‑driven storytelling.
Sinners’ inclusion in the Golden Globes nominations is a reminder that television’s prestige is now on par with film in award circles. The New Zealand Herald also references a link to the Golden Globe Awards’ official site, where fans can find the full list of nominations and vote for their favorites. This cross‑media recognition underscores the changing landscape of entertainment, where streaming platforms and traditional broadcasters vie for critical acclaim on the same stage.
4. The Golden Globe Landscape
The New Zealand Herald provides context for why the Golden Globes have become the barometer for Hollywood’s current creative direction. With nominations that span musical‑drama, period drama, and contemporary crime drama, the awards show reflects a diverse spectrum of storytelling. The article mentions that the Golden Globes have historically been more forgiving than the Oscars in terms of genre, which is why Wicked is receiving such a strong response from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
The New Zealand Herald also explores how the nomination trends mirror audience preferences. It cites industry analysts who argue that the current era values emotional authenticity and bold visual styles. Wicked’s theatrical flair, Hamnet’s intimate narrative, and Sinners’ stylish noir all cater to this appetite for fresh, emotionally resonant stories.
5. Predictions and Industry Speculation
While the New Zealand Herald is careful not to proclaim a definitive winner, it does note several predictions. The publication references a poll from Variety (linked within the article) indicating that Wicked is the front runner for Best Musical or Comedy, while Hamnet is likely to capture Best Drama. In the television category, Sinners is considered a dark horse that could upset more established shows.
The article also highlights the importance of the Golden Globe’s “Career Achievement Award” and the “George Clooney Humanitarian Award.” The winners of these honors will be announced on the same night, adding another layer of intrigue to the ceremony.
6. Conclusion
The Golden Globe nominations for 2025, as reported by the New Zealand Herald, paint a picture of an industry that is both reverent of its past and eager to embrace new storytelling frontiers. Wicked’s theatrical grandeur, Hamnet’s emotional depth, and Sinners’ modern noir all demonstrate that Hollywood’s creative engine is powered by variety, boldness, and a willingness to re‑imagine classic themes for contemporary audiences.
As the ceremony approaches, the public’s anticipation is palpable. Whether the Golden Globes will honor the traditional or the avant‑garde remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Wicked, Hamnet, and Sinners are shaping a narrative that will echo long after the awards night concludes.
Read the Full The New Zealand Herald Article at:
[ https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/golden-globes-nominations-2025-wicked-hamnet-sinners-lead-race/2AH2VRCIBJAEFOI3IMSTCS33PY/ ]