At a Glance
- Wagner Moura becomes only the second Brazilian actor to win a Golden Globe, following Fernanda Torres’ 2024 victory.
- “The Secret Agent” also claimed best non-English film, giving Brazil two wins in one night.
- Netflix’s “Adolescence” dominated TV with four trophies, while Seth Rogen and Amy Poehler collected inaugural honors.
- Why it matters: The wins spotlight global storytelling and fresh podcast power, reshaping who gets celebrated in Hollywood.
Brazilian cinema made Golden Globes history as Wagner Moura claimed the trophy for lead actor in a movie drama for “The Secret Agent.” He becomes only the second Brazilian actor to win, after Fernanda Torres secured the prize last year for “I’m Still Here.” The film itself, centered on a fugitive professor protecting his son during Brazil’s 1970s military dictatorship, also won best non-English film.
“‘The Secret Agent’ is a film about memory – or the lack of memory – and generational trauma,” Moura told the crowd. “If trauma can be passed along generations, values can too. This is to the ones that are sticking with their values in difficult moments.” Moura edged out Joel Edgerton, Oscar Isaac, Dwayne Johnson, Michael B. Jordan, and Jeremy Allen White.
The double victory caps a growing Brazilian presence: last year the country earned its first Oscar for international film with “I’m Still Here.”
TV Triumphs
Netflix’s four-part British series “Adolescence” swept the television categories, winning four Globes: best limited series, anthology series or TV movie; male supporting actor for Owen Cooper; female supporting actor for Erin Doherty; and lead male actor for Stephen Graham.
Writer Jack Thorne dedicated the night to youth. “Removing hate is our generation’s responsibility,” he said. “Hope is a beautiful thing.” The series, which follows the aftermath of a teenager’s fatal stabbing, previously collected eight Emmys.
Life Imitates Art
Just months after his series “The Studio” mocked Globe obsession, Seth Rogen picked up his first real trophy for best actor in a comedy series. “This is so weird! We just pretended to do this and now it is happening!” he laughed. Rogen thanked Steve Martin and Martin Short, joking he once dreamed of beating them.
Podcast Milestone
Amy Poehler won the inaugural best podcast award for “Good Hang.” She teased NPR rivals: “Try harder.” The show topped “Armchair Expert,” “Call Her Daddy,” “The Mel Robbins Podcast,” “SmartLess,” and NPR’s “Up First.” Poehler previously won a Globe in 2014 for “Parks and Recreation.”
Chart-Topper
“Golden” from animated hit “KPop Demon Hunters” won best original song. Co-writer Ejae, once rejected as a K-pop trainee, told dreamers to “accept themselves.” The soundtrack debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Soundtracks chart and No. 8 on the all-genre Billboard 200. The film also won best animated feature.
Quirky Moments
- Rose Byrne revealed partner Bobby Cannavale missed her win, opting for a New Jersey reptile expo to buy a bearded dragon.
- George Clooney helped Jean Smart to the stage and hugged former “ER” co-star Noah Wyle en route to collecting best TV drama for “The Pitt.”
- Rhea Seehorn thanked Queen Latifah for kindness shown 20 years ago.
- Host Nikki Glaser roasted Leonardo DiCaprio‘s dating history, while Teyana Taylor stunned on the carpet.
Key Takeaways
Brazil’s back-to-back acting wins signal a rising Latin American voice in Hollywood. “Adolescence” proves limited series can dominate across categories, and first-time podcast and animation victors show the Globes expanding beyond traditional turf.
