The 2025 Golden Globe nominations have come and gone, and as usual, the Hollywood glitterati has been buzzing with both excitement and shock. Some of the most anticipated stars, like Lady Gaga and Ryan Reynolds, were notably absent from the list of nominees, leaving fans and critics alike scratching their heads. Despite impressive performances and considerable fanfare, these and other A-list celebrities found themselves snubbed by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the organization behind the Golden Globes. This unexpected list of omissions has raised eyebrows, as the Globes often favor Hollywood heavyweights and notable performances from the biggest films of the year. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most surprising snubs, dissecting what went wrong and how this year’s nominees were chosen.
Lady Gaga: A Shockingly Missed Opportunity for “Joker: Folie à Deux”
Lady Gaga’s role as Harley Quinn in Joker: Folie à Deux had been a source of major buzz in the lead-up to the Golden Globe nominations. Many believed that the iconic pop star-turned-actress might secure her first acting nomination or even win an award for her complex portrayal of the infamous comic book character. Gaga’s performance was highly anticipated, especially after the overwhelming success of Joker (2019) which saw Joaquin Phoenix bagging the Golden Globe for Best Actor. However, despite the film’s high expectations, Joker: Folie à Deux received lackluster reviews and underperformed at the box office, which likely contributed to its exclusion from the 2025 nominations.
Moreover, Gaga’s performance was overshadowed by other star-studded contenders, leaving her out in the cold. This snub was particularly surprising given her immense popularity and previous recognition for her acting chops, notably for her role in A Star Is Born (2018). Unfortunately, despite her best efforts, Gaga was not part of this year’s nominations, signaling that even the biggest stars are vulnerable when their projects don’t meet critical or commercial expectations.
Ryan Reynolds: Deadpool 3 and Its Absence from the Nominations
Ryan Reynolds has long been a beloved figure in Hollywood, with his portrayal of Deadpool earning him a cult following and numerous award nominations in the past. The first Deadpool film, which was released in 2016, received praise for its sharp humor and Reynolds’ charismatic performance, earning him two Golden Globe nominations. But when Deadpool 3 hit theaters, expectations were sky-high, especially with Reynolds reunited with Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine for what many expected to be an epic blockbuster.
Despite the film’s massive success at the box office, Deadpool 3 was notably absent from the 2025 Golden Globe nominations. The film, which had fans eagerly awaiting its release, failed to land significant nominations, even in the highly competitive Best Comedy/Musical category. While Reynolds has always been a front-runner in comedy roles, this snub was a blow to his long-standing Golden Globe reputation, leaving fans questioning what went wrong.
Other Notable Snubs: Michael Keaton, Saoirse Ronan, and More
Michael Keaton: A Masterful Return in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and Goodrich
Michael Keaton, known for his iconic roles in films like Beetlejuice and Batman, had a standout year with two remarkable performances in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and Goodrich. Keaton reprised his role as the mischievous demon in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, a much-anticipated sequel to Tim Burton’s 1988 classic. Additionally, his portrayal of a grieving father in Goodrich earned him widespread critical acclaim. Despite the strong performances, Keaton was shockingly overlooked by the HFPA, leaving his fans disappointed by his exclusion from the nominations.
Saoirse Ronan: A Double Nomination Dream That Never Was
Saoirse Ronan has long been a critical darling in Hollywood, and this year, many predicted that she would receive a double nomination for her performances in The Outrun and Blitz. Ronan’s portrayal of a recovering alcoholic in The Outrun and her supporting role in Blitz were highly praised. However, despite the rave reviews, neither film garnered much attention from the HFPA, and Ronan failed to land any nominations for her performances.
Stanley Tucci: Snubbed for Conclave
Stanley Tucci’s role in Conclave was another notable snub. Tucci, known for his brilliant performances in films like The Devil Wears Prada and The Hunger Games, delivered a standout portrayal of a liberal cardinal in the political drama. While Conclave itself was a major contender, receiving six Golden Globe nominations, Tucci was left out in the cold, with the HFPA choosing other actors over him.
The Disappointment of Gladiator II
The sequel to the 2000 Oscar-winning film Gladiator was expected to follow in the original’s award-winning footsteps. However, Gladiator II, starring Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal, failed to make the same impact, earning only two nominations in total. While Denzel Washington’s performance was recognized in the Best Supporting Actor category, the film did not garner the widespread praise anticipated. The absence of major nominations for Gladiator II was seen as a huge disappointment given the film’s high-profile cast and the legacy of the original.
Surprising Oversights: June Squibb, Lily-Rose Depp, and More
Several other stars were also excluded from the 2025 Golden Globe nominations despite standout performances. June Squibb, a 95-year-old veteran actress, received rave reviews for her role in Thelma but failed to secure a nomination in the highly competitive Best Comedy Actress category.
Similarly, Lily-Rose Depp’s stunning performance in Nosferatu was another major snub. Despite being recognized for her haunting portrayal, Depp’s absence from the list of nominees was unexpected given the film’s critical success.
Additionally, Danielle Deadwyler’s expected nomination for The Piano Lesson did not materialize, as the film failed to gather significant recognition, leaving Deadwyler’s performance unnoticed by the HFPA.
Why These Snubs Matter
These Golden Globe snubs highlight the unpredictable nature of award season. While certain stars are expected to be front-runners, the HFPA often surprises with their selections, leaving many deserving performances overlooked. The Golden Globes, voted on by roughly 300 international journalists, are a key indicator of which performances and films will be in the running for larger awards like the Academy Awards. These snubs can impact the momentum of these stars’ campaigns for other awards, making them even more significant in the larger context of Hollywood’s award season.
Conclusion: The Golden Globes Are Anything But Predictable
The 2025 Golden Globe nominations have proven once again that Hollywood’s awards season is filled with surprises, disappointments, and unexpected outcomes. Some of the most talented and beloved stars, like Lady Gaga, Ryan Reynolds, and Michael Keaton, were notably absent from this year’s nominations, despite their stellar performances. While these snubs may have shocked fans, they serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the awards race. As the Golden Globe Awards draw closer, all eyes will be on which nominees take home the coveted trophies—and which stars, once again, get overlooked.
FAQs
1. Why were Lady Gaga and Ryan Reynolds snubbed for the 2025 Golden Globes?
Lady Gaga and Ryan Reynolds were snubbed due to underwhelming performances in films that received mixed or negative reviews. Joker: Folie à Deux and Deadpool 3 both failed to meet expectations with critics and at the box office, which likely contributed to their absence from the nominations.
2. Who were the biggest snubs at the 2025 Golden Globes?
Some of the biggest snubs include Lady Gaga, Ryan Reynolds, Michael Keaton, Saoirse Ronan, and Stanley Tucci. Despite strong performances in their respective films, these stars were not recognized in the Golden Globe nominations.
3. How are Golden Globe nominees selected?
Golden Globe nominees are selected by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), which is made up of roughly 300 entertainment journalists from around the world. They vote on various categories for film and television, often with surprising results.
4. Can a Golden Globe snub affect an actor’s career?
While a snub at the Golden Globes can be disappointing, it doesn’t necessarily define an actor’s career. Many actors have bounced back from snubs and gone on to win major awards later in their careers, including at the Oscars.
5. What films received the most Golden Globe nominations in 2025?
Some of the top films that received nominations for the 2025 Golden Globes include Wicked, The Brutalist, and Conclave, which all received multiple nominations in various categories.
