Viral moments defined the 2025 Golden Globes, and one featured the iconic Kathy Bates with her witty reaction to Anna Sawai's win for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series - Drama.
- January 7, 2025
AceShowbiz - Kathy Bates' expectation for a win at the 2025 Golden Globes quickly transformed into a viral sensation, as the "Shogun" star Anna Sawai clinched the coveted Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series - Drama award.
The 76-year-old "Matlock" star, who was ready with an acceptance speech, humorously ripped it up when Sawai's name was announced, a moment that quickly spread across social media platforms.
The award announcement by presenters Colman Domingo and Salma Hayek captured each nominee's live reaction on camera. As Sawai's name echoed through the venue, Bates gave a gracious round of applause before playfully tearing her speech.
Alongside Bates and Sawai, nominees included Emma D'Arcy ("House of the Dragon), Maya Erskine ("Mr. & Mrs. Smith"), Keira Knightley ("Black Doves), and Keri Russell. Each brought their unique flair to the event, but it was Bates' viral reaction that stole the show.
Russell, who stars in "The Diplomat", couldn't hide her excitement at not winning, seemingly mouthing a relieved "Thank you, oh thank you."
During her acceptance speech, Sawai, who received her first Golden Globe nomination for her role in "Shogun", expressed her gratitude, humorously mentioning that she would have voted for Bates. "I have so much people to thank but I'm gonna keep it short, thank you to the voters for voting for me even though I would vote for Kathy Bates any day," she said to the delighted audience.
Sawai's win builds on her historic 2024 Emmy victory, where she became the first woman of Asian descent to win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. "ShÅgun", chronicling the saga of 1600s feudal Japan, secured several nominations, with costars Tadanobu Asano and Hiroyuki Sanada also winning in their respective categories.
Bates' nomination for "Matlock" marks her ninth Golden Globe nod, heralding a career resurgence she described as "exciting." She portrays Madeline "Matty" Matlock in the gender-flipped reboot of the classic series. The new version revolves around a septuagenarian lawyer who returns to the legal world at a prestigious firm.
As the Golden Globes continued, Bates joined Anthony Ramos to present the awards for Best Supporting Actor and Actress in a Television Drama.
The 2025 Golden Globes not only honored exceptional talent but also highlighted the camaraderie and respect within the entertainment industry. Bates' humor and Sawai's heartfelt speech exemplified the spirit of the evening, making it a night to remember.