Hosted by Golden Globes president Helen Hoehne and Variety co-editor-in-chief Ramin Setoodeh, the event, held at Lucia Beach, celebrated creative achievement across generations and geographies — offering a moment to acknowledge the artistic breakthroughs shaping the future of film. With members representing more than 75 countries, the Golden Globes has always served as a bridge between cultures, stories, and audiences.

Four joint awards were presented during the evening.

“For 82 years, the Golden Globes have celebrated the best in cinema and helped spotlight emerging talent,” Hoehne said. Setoodeh added, “Variety is turning 120 this year, and there’s no better place to begin the celebration than here in Cannes.”

Charlotte Gainsbourg received the Variety + Golden Globes Vanguard Award for her influential work across film, television, and music. A Cannes Best Actress winner and multiple César Award recipient, Gainsbourg continues to take on roles that challenge and resonate. In her speech, she reflected on her earliest Cannes memories and her collaborations with Lars von Trier; she also paid tribute to her parents, Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin. In addition, she thanked her longtime partner Yvan Attal and spoke about her recent experience working across languages in the new TV series Étoile, calling the project “a beautiful adventure.”

Jeremy O. Harris, known for his work in theater and film, was honored with the Creative Impact Icon Award. Harris is the playwright behind “Slave Play” and is a growing presence in cinema through his company bb². The award was presented by Paul Mescal, who praised Harris’s approach to storytelling and cultural impact. “Jeremy inspires everyone around him,” Mescal said. Harris, in turn, thanked the creatives who believed in his voice and emphasized the importance of staying rooted in one’s truth.

Two Breakthrough Artist Awards were also presented.

Mia Threapleton, honored for her performance in Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme, received the award from Diane Kruger, who praised her subtle strength on screen. Threapleton stated that working with Anderson was a longtime dream, adding that being recognized at Cannes felt “surreal and deeply encouraging.”

Micheal Ward, known for Top Boy, Empire of Light, and Ari Aster’s forthcoming Eddington, was presented the award by Aster. The director being immediately struck by Ward’s presence when he first saw him perform. In his speech, Ward thanked his early mentors and collaborators, saying, “We’re nothing without the people who believe in us.” He also gave heartfelt thanks to his team and the organizations supporting emerging talent.

From new directorial debuts to titles by celebrated auteurs, the 2025 selection continues to push cinema forward. This year’s Cannes, led by jury president Juliette Binoche, reflects a global spirit, with a jury composed of artists from the U.S., South Korea, India, Mexico, and Morocco.

For the Golden Globes, this celebration is part of a larger journey. Many of the stories and talents discovered at festivals like Cannes go on to shape conversations and awards seasons around the world. While recognition is never guaranteed, the Globes has long played a role in spotlighting those who begin their rise at festivals and later take the global stage.

The event also marked major milestones: Variety’s 120th anniversary and Bulova’s 150th, with Bulova as Premier Partner.

As the industry evolves, the Golden Globes remains committed to elevating voices from all parts of the world — honoring not just the end result, but the path it takes to get there.