Let’s face it-if you live for movies and TV, awards season is basically your personal festival: part Super Bowl, part fan convention, part all-night binge. The 2025 awards circuit delivered drama, surprise wins, and historic firsts, with streaming platforms changing the game and Hollywood’s landscape shifting in real time. From jaw-dropping victories to unforgettable performances, here are the 10 biggest moments of the 2025 film and TV awards season, counting down to the most transformative event.
10. Apple TV+ Takes Over the Emmys
Apple TV+ went from underdog to unstoppable. The streamer amassed a record 81 Emmy nominations, with Severance leading at 27 and The Studio making history as the most-nominated freshman comedy ever. For the first time, Apple had multiple series in both Outstanding Comedy and Drama categories. The message is loud and clear: streaming wars are real, and Apple is swinging for the fences.
9. Zoe Saldaña’s Historic Wins
Zoe Saldaña’s triumph in the name of Emilia Pérez marked yet another historic moment for American actors of Dominican descent, as she took home wins for Best Supporting Actress at both the Oscars and Golden Globes. Her performance captivated audiences and critics alike, signaling a milestone not just for her career but for representation in Hollywood. Saldaña’s win is the kind of moment that inspires future generations of performers.
8. The Brutalist Dominates Awards Night
Adrien Brody and Brady Corbet solidified legacies with The Brutalist. Brody did an Oscar/Golden Globe sweep in Best Actor, while Corbett took home Best Director at the Globes. The film also won Best Picture (Drama) at the Globes, and did a technical Oscar sweep that included Best Cinematography and Best Original Score. It’s a real performance and production powerhouse that made a dent in the season.
7. Indie Sensation Anora Shines
Amid blockbuster-heavy seasons, Anora emerged as a stand-out indie that took Best Picture at the Oscars, as well as wins for Best Actress for Mikey Madison, Best Director for Sean Baker, and Best Original Screenplay. It proves personal, character-driven stories can dominate even the biggest awards nights.
6. Emilia Pérez Proves International Cinema Can Rule
Emilia Pérez led major ceremonies with 10 Golden Globe nominations, including acting nods for Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldaña. The film also won Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy) at the Globes and Best Original Song at the Oscars. A bold, genre-defying story, it reinforced the global relevance of international filmmaking.
5. Kieran Culkin’s Supporting Actor Sweep
Kieran Culkin finally got the recognition he deserved for A Real Pain, winning Best Supporting Actor at both Oscars and Golden Globes; he gave such a unique combination of awkward humor and emotional depth to his performance that it was unforgettable, proving he’s more than the guy from Succession.
4. Animated Feature Flow Breaks Through
Forget the supposed favorites. Flow was the dark horse that stole the show, beating heavyweights like Inside Out 2 for Best Animated Feature at both the Oscars and Golden Globes. It proves that new studios with fresh voices still can make waves in animation.
3. Conan O’Brien’s Oscars Hosting Magic
Conan O’Brien brought humor and heart to the Oscars, balancing laughter with poignant moments in the wake of the Los Angeles wildfires. From behind-the-scenes antics through lively musical numbers, Conan reminded all that awards shows can entertain without losing emotional resonance.
2. The Streaming Wars Intensify
Netflix, Apple, and other behemoths proved they were here to stay. Emmy domination by Apple and Netflix’s global strategy proved one thing: streaming platforms are not just competing, but they are slowly reshaping Hollywood. The audiences are also winning since there was more diverse high-quality content at their fingertips than ever before.
1. Hollywood Goes Global and Diverse
The takeaway? The 2025 season celebrated a mosaic of voices and international storytelling. Emilia Pérez, Anora, The Brutalist, and Flow were only a few of the films representing a new era of inclusivity and global perspectives. Zoe Saldaña, Mikey Madison, and Fernanda Torres are some of the actors breaking barriers, while international features finally shared center stage. Hollywood is no longer just Hollywood-the story is now worldwide.
From historic firsts to indie triumphs and streaming supremacy, the 2025 awards season truly proved that film and TV are more dynamic, global, and exciting than ever. Whether you’re cheering your favorites, debating snubs, or just enjoying the spectacle, one thing is clear: the future of storytelling is diverse, bold, and unforgettable.