The Golden Globes have definitely cleaned up their act. Good for them. But in doing so, they've become a bit of a downer. The once lively award show, which underwent a transformation and was acquired by Dick Clark Productions last year following a string of scandals, revealed their 2025 nominees for film and television on Monday morning.

Unlike the freewheeling Globes of the past, which welcomed films like 'Bridesmaids,' 'Deadpool,' and 'Crazy Rich Asians' alongside more serious contenders, the current list feels more like a black-tie European film festival. I half-expected presenters Mindy Kaling and Morris Chestnut to start the announcements with, 'Mesdames et Messieurs…'

This year's ceremony could, for the first time, outdo the Oscars in snobbery. Hard to believe, considering the days when the Globes nominated 'The Tourist' (20% on Rotten Tomatoes) just to get Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie in attendance. This time around, with a more refined approach, French director Jacques Audiard's 'Emilia Perez,' a Spanish-language musical about a Mexican drug lord transitioning into a woman, led with 10 nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical.

Netflix's 'The Brutalist,' a three-and-a-half-hour film with an intermission, followed with seven nominations, including Motion Picture – Drama and Actor – Drama for Adrien Brody. 'Anora,' the standout among them, secured five nominations, notably for Picture – Comedy or Musical and for lead actress Mikey Madison.

As for the more familiar titles, 'Dune: Part Two' managed just one nomination – Motion Picture – Drama. 'Wicked' scored four, including nominations for its stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, and the Box Office Achievement category. Surprisingly, the big-budget Broadway adaptation was outperformed by the controversial Cannes body-horror movie 'The Substance' starring Demi Moore, which received five nominations.

This list's biggest statement: France's Coralie Fargeat, director of 'The Substance,' received a nod, while 'Wicked'’s Jon M. Chu, an American, did not. Ridley Scott of 'Gladiator II' also missed out. The Globes are clearly showing their hand with these picks.

Their movie selections are respectable, and many nominees are excellent. However, the old Globes served as a refreshing alternative to the Oscars in both taste and style. The broadcast was lively thanks to hosts like Ricky Gervais and the free-flowing Champagne. Popular titles like 'Deadpool & Wolverine' and 'Inside Out 2' were once included in major categories to recognize different skills. Now, they're confined to Box Office Achievement and Animated Feature.

Mainstream performances that once competed in acting categories will no longer be allowed. Before the Globes reformed and added more dignified voters outside the US, Michael Keaton might have been nominated for 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' or Ryan Reynolds for 'Deadpool & Wolverine.' Now, if someone sneaks in, it'll be for a niche project. Actress – Comedy nominee Pamela Anderson, for instance, might seem like a Pia Zadora, but she shines in 'The Last Showgirl.'

We've already reached award show overload. In their attempt to correct past corruption, the Globes have given us more of the same — only more French-influenced. The 2025 Golden Globes air Sunday, Jan. 5 at 8 p.m. on CBS. It will indeed be a Dry January.

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