The API Stars Born to Be Golden at the 83rd Golden Globes
On January 11, the 83rd Golden Globes celebrated the films and performances of the previous year that not only spanned genres but continents as well. Reflecting how 2025 was a remarkable year for Asian-influenced storytelling, this year’s slate of nominees and winners highlighted the larger presence of API voices in global cinema. From South Korean thrillers and action-packed animations to light-hearted comedies and films directed by API visionaries, the awards ceremony was packed with unforgettable moments. Regardless of the outcome, they were all the glowing winners of the night.
Global Glamour on the Carpet
The red carpet celebrated the global star power of this year with several standout appearances. Heated Rivalry’s Hudson Williams charmed interviewers with his easy-going confidence in a striking white Giorgio Armani dinner jacket, proving why the actor is quickly becoming one of the industry’s favorite rising stars at the moment.
SEVENTEEN’s Joshua Hong surprised fans when he was seen rocking the carpet as well, attending on behalf of Lexus. Their ongoing partnership with the K-Pop group reflects the brand’s push to align with globally influential Asian artists, bringing them to the forefront of major Hollywood stages such as this. This move is understandable, as the singer was recently announced to be taking an exciting step into acting after signing with United Talent Agency.
Fellow K-Pop star and actress, Lisa of BLACKPINK, notably turned heads in a stunning sheer Jacquemas gown in support of season 3 of black comedy drama The White Lotus (2021), competing for six nominations. The singer-actress also took to the stage as a presenter later in the night further cementing her status as a global star.
Alongside them, the variety of other API creatives such as Huntrix singers of K-Pop Demon Hunters (2025) Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, actor Kumail Nanjiani, singer Laufey, and even Lee Byung-hun graced the carpet, signifying that the night wasn’t just about the awards but visibility as well for the community.
KPop Demon Hunters Show How It’s Done
Arguably one of the most highly anticipated films to dominate the awards circuit, this action comedy animation fused K-Pop culture and fantasy storytelling into a beloved film that touched millions of hearts. Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans with a star-studded voice cast including Arden Cho, Ahn Hyo-seop, Daniel Dae Kim, and Ken Jeong, the movie was nominated for Best Animated Motion Picture and Cinematic and Box Office Achievement. Celebrating the musical vision of singer-producer Ejae, the film was also nominated for Best Original Song – Motion Picture for its signature song, “Golden.”
As a testament to the popularity of the film within the past year, in between award announcements host Nikki Glaser even performed a parody of the movie’s nominated song “Golden.” Declaring right before she began singing her rendition that it would likely go viral, this hilarious moment was met with cheers and applause for the witty performance.
After dominating the charts since its premiere, it came as no surprise when the title track “Golden” snagged the Best Original Song award. Singer-Songwriter Ejae‘s speech was full of tears as she recounted her once-longing dream to be a Korean idol that unfortunately never came true. Although that door had closed for her, the rejection ultimately redirected her down the brilliant solo career she was celebrating on stage. She dedicated the award to others who had doors closed to them with an inspiring final note and nod to the song’s lyrics that “It’s never too late to shine like you were born to be.”
Although up against other strong contenders such as Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle (2025) or Elio (2025), the ultimate winner of the night for animation went to KPop Demon Hunters as they took home Best Animated Motion Picture. Director Maggie Kang expressed her gratitude for the honor to “everyone who believed that a movie so deeply rooted in Korean culture could resonate with a global audience,” reminding viewers that the powerful universal message of a film can transcend language and cultures.
Hamnet Steals the Final Curtain Call
Wrapping up the night, the final winner of the night went to the critically acclaimed Hamnet (2025) for Best Picture – Drama. Taking a moment to herself on the shock of the win, director Chloé Zhao delivered a memorable speech on showing inner vulnerability. She quoted a conversation with lead actor Paul Mescal, where she explained that the actor had realized through filming the drama that the importance of being an artist stemmed from “learning to be vulnerable enough to allow ourselves to be seen for who we are, not who we ought to be.” She reflected on the bravery of giving yourself fully to the world despite the parts people would want to hide and hoped for continued efforts for everyone to stay true to who they are.
From red carpet appearances to chart topping victories, this year’s Golden Globes proved once again that the API community isn’t just showing up but competing, winning, and leading the stories that resonate worldwide. The night offered a snapshot of what’s to come as the award season continues with the Grammys, BAFTAs, and Oscars following shortly within the next few months. If tonight’s wins were any indication, API talent will continue to be a driving force in Hollywood this spring and beyond.
Interested in celebrating more films and shows of last year? Checkout ACT!ON’s favorite series of 2025 here!
