2025 Golden Globes celebrate UNCSA alumni in film and TV success
The Golden Globes have long been a celebration of film and television success, but the 2025 awards marked a distinctive shift in the spotlight. This year, the glitz of Hollywood took a backseat to the raw, unfiltered brilliance of independent and international films.
Films like “The Brutalist” and “Emilia Pérez” swept major categories, proving that storytelling knows no borders and that the heart of cinema often beats strongest in its most unconventional corners. Amid this celebration, the contributions of UNCSA alumni shone brightly — making a strong appearance in the night's award-winning films and TV shows.
Here's a list of all the 2025 Golden Globe-winning productions with UNCSA connections — in alphabetical order.
The Penguin
Colin Farrell won the Golden Globe for best performance by a male actor in a limited series, anthology series or a motion picture made for television for his role as Penguin in the HBO series “The Penguin.” The series dives into the gritty underworld of Gotham City, following Oswald Cobblepot’s ruthless rise to power as he transforms into the infamous criminal mastermind, “The Penguin."
Several School of Filmmaking alumni have connections to the tv show, including Craig Zobel (B.F.A. Directing ‘99), who served as the director of three episodes and executive producer of all eight episodes; Zoe White (B.F.A. Cinematography ‘04), who served as the director of photography for one episode; Christopf Gebert (B.F.A. Directing ‘00), who served as a production sound mixer for the show; and Filipp Penson (B.F.A. Cinematography ‘10), who served as the “C” cam, first assistant for the show.
The Substance
Demi Moore won the Golden Globe for best performance by a female actor in a motion picture — musical or comedy for her role of Elisabeth in the film "The Substance." The film explores the dark and mysterious consequences of a groundbreaking scientific experiment, delving into the lives of those affected as they grapple with the terrifying power of 'The Substance.'
Margaret Qualley, who attended the School of Dance's High School Ballet program, plays Sue in the film and was also nominated for best performance by a female actor in a supporting role in any motion picture.
Wicked
“Wicked” won the Golden Globe for cinematic and box office achievement and best original song - motion picture. The film brings the beloved Broadway musical to the big screen, uncovering the untold story of Elphaba and Glinda — two unlikely friends whose lives take very different paths in the magical land of Oz, revealing the complexities of good, evil and everything in between.
School of Design and Production alumnus Tony and Emmy Award-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell (B.F.A. Costume Design '86) served as Costume Designer for the film adaptation of "Wicked," reimagining Oz’s most iconic characters with his signature eye for detail and storytelling. School of Drama alumna Tiffany Little Canfield (B.F.A. ’00) brought her casting expertise to “Wicked.” Her work, including the selection of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, has contributed to a fresh, authentic portrayal of Oz, according to critics.
Editor’s note: Learn how Wicked-ly talented UNCSA alumni shaped the enchanting world of Oz.
Did you catch a connection to a 2025 Golden Globe win or nomination that is not included on this list? Send us an email and we will update the story.
Get the best news, performance and alumni stories from UNCSA.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTERS(OPENS IN NEW TAB)(OPENS IN NEW TAB)(opens in new tab)
January 07, 2025