At the 2025 Golden Globes, director Brady Corbet made a strong plea for greater creative control for filmmakers. After winning Best Drama Movie and Best Director, Corbet used his acceptance speeches to highlight the importance of supporting directors and their vision. He emphasized that filmmakers should have final say in their projects, especially when faced with skepticism from industry insiders. Despite initial doubts about the viability of his film, Corbet's work received significant recognition, including three Golden Globe wins. His heartfelt speech aimed to inspire support for filmmakers who often face challenges in bringing unconventional projects to life.

The Importance of Final-Cut Control

Corbet's advocacy for directorial autonomy was a central theme of his speech. He argued that giving filmmakers the final cut should not be controversial. Many directors encounter resistance when trying to realize their artistic visions, but Corbet believes this should not deter them. He recounted how his own film was initially deemed undistributable and unlikely to succeed, yet it went on to win critical acclaim. By sharing his experience, Corbet hoped to encourage the industry to trust directors more and provide them with the necessary support.

In a world where films are often shaped by external pressures, Corbet stressed the need for directors to have the ultimate authority over their creations. He mentioned that he had been told his film would not work or find an audience due to its unconventional length and subject matter. However, the success of his project proved otherwise. Corbet urged the industry to reconsider its stance on filmmaker control, emphasizing that films like his can thrive if given the chance. His words resonated with many in the room, highlighting the ongoing struggle for creative freedom in filmmaking.

Celebrating Unconventional Cinema

Corbet also took the opportunity to celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of cinema. He praised all the extraordinary directors present at the event, urging everyone to recognize and uplift filmmakers. His film, which focuses on a mid-century designer and runs for three-and-a-half hours on 70mm film, is a testament to the power of unconventional storytelling. Despite initial skepticism, the film found success and garnered multiple Golden Globe nominations and wins.

Corbet’s film was one of seven nominees for the drama category, competing against titles like Conclave, A Complete Unknown, Dune: Part Two, Nickel Boys, and September 5. Glenn Close presented the award, adding to the prestige of the moment. Corbet expressed sincere gratitude to the Golden Globes for providing visibility to his film, which had once faced significant odds. His message was clear: unconventional films deserve a chance to shine, and the industry should embrace and support them. Nikki Glaser hosted the ceremony at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, broadcast live on CBS and Paramount+ With Showtime.