At Historic Golden Globes, Women Winners Show Age Is Just A Number

At the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, held Sunday, it was clear that women of a certain age might finally be getting their moment. From Demi Moore’s first-ever acting award to Fernanda Torres becoming the first Brazilian female actor to win the award for Best Actress in a Drama, the show celebrated the contributions of seasoned actresses who continue to captivate audiences with their exceptional performances.

Here are some of the highlights of the night.

At 62, Demi Moore won her first Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy for her role in “The Substance,” which tells the story of a fading celebrity who takes a drug to temporarily make her younger.

In her emotional acceptance speech, Moore reflected on her journey.

“Thirty years ago, I was dismissed as a ‘popcorn actress,'” she said. “Tonight, I stand here in shock and gratitude.”

She credited the bold script of “The Substance” for reigniting her passion for acting, emphasizing that it’s never too late to embrace new challenges.

“I felt this wasn’t something that I was allowed to have, that I could do movies that were successful, that made a lot of money, but that I couldn’t be acknowledged,” she said.

Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres, 59, won Best Actress in a Drama for her role in “I’m Still Here,” becoming the first Brazilian to win Best Actress in a Drama. She is the second Brazilian to be nominated in the category, after her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, who was nominated 26 years ago for “Central Station.”

Torres’s portrayal resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, showcasing the depth and nuance that come with experience.

“This is such an amazing year for female performances,” Torres said in her speech. “[My mother] was here 25 years ago and this is proof that art can endure through life, even in difficult moments like this.”

The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where it won for best screenplay, and has since been named one of the top five international films.

Zoe Saldaña, 46, received her first-ever Golden Globe as she won the award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in “Emilia Pérez,” a musical thriller that tells the story of a cartel leader who enlists a lawyer to help fake her death so she can finally live as her true self.

“I’m filled with adrenaline, but my heart is full of gratitude,” she said in her acceptance speech.

The film originally premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Jury Prize.

“Emilia Perez” went on to win a total of 10 awards, the most of any movie, including directing, song writing and screenplay writing.