The 81st Golden Globes Awards ceremony concluded with both anticipated wins and surprising upsets, leaving fans buzzing about the upcoming awards season. From unexpected victories to notable snubs, the evening had its fair share of twists and turns.

Barbie’s Bittersweet Triumph
Greta Gerwig’s much-anticipated film, Barbie, fell short of expectations, securing only two wins out of its nine nominations. Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” clinched the Best Original Song, while the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement category marked the film’s second victory. Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig graciously accepted the awards, but the triumph seemed overshadowed by Poor Things, which unexpectedly snagged the Best Motion Picture (Musical/Comedy) award.

Anatomy of a Fall’s Surprise Sweep
Justine Triet and Arthur Harrari took home the Best Screenplay award for Anatomy of a Fall, a French courtroom drama that defied expectations. The film, gaining momentum since winning the Palme d’Or at Cannes and sweeping the European Film Awards, triumphed over stiff competition from Barbie and Past Lives. Additionally, Anatomy of a Fall secured Best Picture in the Non-English Language category, hinting at a promising awards season ahead.

Elizabeth Debicki Steals the Spotlight
In a surprising turn of events, Elizabeth Debicki surpassed the iconic Meryl Streep to claim the Best Supporting Actress award. Debicki’s portrayal of the doomed Princess Diana in The Crown captivated the Globes, potentially indicating a strong preference for The Crown’s narrative.

Lily Gladstone’s Triumph in a Fierce Best Actress Race
Lily Gladstone emerged as the unexpected frontrunner in the Best Actress race for her role in Killers of the Flower Moon, outshining contenders like Sandra Hüller. While Hüller’s performance in Anatomy of a Fall was noteworthy, Gladstone’s portrayal of an anguished soul in Martin Scorsese’s film secured her the Golden Globe.

Bradley Cooper’s Missed Note
Despite six years of dedicated training to portray American icon Leonard Bernstein, Bradley Cooper left the Golden Globes empty-handed. Cillian Murphy’s victory for Best Actor in Oppenheimer marked a surprising twist, leaving Cooper’s Maestro unrecognized. The actor’s disappointment was evident, raising questions about the unpredictable nature of awards ceremonies.

As the Golden Globes set the stage for the upcoming awards season, the industry is abuzz with speculation about which films and performances will continue to defy expectations on the journey to the Oscars.