The 2025 Golden Globe Awards saw Italian cinema and talent garner both praise and disappointment, with some shining victories and notable near-misses. One of the standout moments of the evening was the victory of Challengers, a sports drama directed by Luca Guadagnino.

On the other hand, Vermiglio, the latest film by Maura Del Pero, did not secure any wins, and the Italian legend Isabella Rossellini, despite her nomination, was left without a Golden Globe for her role in Conclave.

The big winner for Italy at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards was Challengers, which took home the Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical award. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, known for his masterful storytelling in films such as Call Me by Your Name and Suspiria, Challengers captivated critics and audiences alike. The film, a thrilling and poignant exploration of the world of competitive sports, outshone the competition to win the prestigious award, marking a significant achievement for Italian cinema on the global stage.

Challengers was also praised for its exceptional performances, particularly by its lead actor, who delivered a compelling portrayal of a young athlete grappling with personal and professional dilemmas. Guadagnino's ability to weave together themes of ambition, rivalry, and human emotion earned him widespread acclaim, and his Golden Globe win further solidified his status as one of the foremost directors working today. This victory was not only a personal triumph for Guadagnino but also a reminder of the power and influence of Italian filmmakers in international cinema.

While Challengers triumphed, the evening was less kind to Maura Del Pero's Vermiglio. The film, which had generated significant buzz leading up to the Golden Globes for its exploration of themes related to identity and loss, failed to secure any awards. Vermiglio had been nominated in the Best Foreign Language Film category, alongside other critically acclaimed international films, but ultimately did not win.

The disappointment for Vermiglio was particularly poignant given the film's ambitious narrative and the recognition it had garnered from critics. Del Pero’s direction was widely praised for its subtle, evocative storytelling and its delicate handling of complex emotions. However, the competition in this category was fierce, and Vermiglio was ultimately edged out by other films that resonated more strongly with voters. Despite this, Vermiglio’s nomination marked a significant milestone for Del Pero and Italian cinema, as the film was considered one of the year’s best and most promising works from Italy.

Though Vermiglio did not win, the film’s selection as a nominee at the Golden Globes demonstrated the increasing visibility of Italian filmmakers on the international awards circuit. It also highlighted the ever-growing diversity of Italian cinema, which continues to expand beyond traditional genres and themes to explore deeper, more personal narratives.

Italian actress Isabella Rossellini was also in the running for a Golden Globe this year, having been nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Conclave, a political drama set inside the Vatican. Rossellini’s portrayal of a strong, complex character within the highly secretive and often malevolent world of the Church was widely regarded as one of the highlights of the film.

Despite her acclaim, Rossellini was not awarded the Golden Globe in this category, with the honor going to an American actress. Her nomination, however, was a significant recognition of her decades-long career and her continued ability to deliver powerful performances. Many had hoped that this would be Rossellini’s year, as she has long been a beloved figure in international cinema, with a legacy that stretches from her iconic roles in films by directors such as David Lynch to her more recent, nuanced portrayals in television and film.

Although Rossellini did not win, her nomination for Conclave served as a reminder of her immense talent and the lasting impact she has had on both Italian and global cinema. It also helped bring attention to the film, which, despite not sweeping the awards, garnered critical praise for its sharp dialogue, engaging plot, and the stellar performances of its cast.

In conclusion, the 2025 Golden Globe Awards highlighted the contrasting fortunes of Italian cinema and talent. While Challengers by Luca Guadagnino emerged as a significant winner, securing the Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical award, Vermiglio by Maura Del Pero and Isabella Rossellini’s performance in Conclave did not claim the honors they had hoped for. Nonetheless, these nominations and wins underscore the continuing strength and influence of Italian cinema on the global stage, marking the year as one of both triumph and setback for the Italian entertainment industry.

Italy’s cinematic presence at the Golden Globes continues to grow, and while not every contender was victorious, the recognition of these works—whether in the form of nominations or awards—reinforces Italy's vital role in shaping global cinema.