Hollywood veteran Kathy Bates proved she hasn't lost her sense of humor when she dramatically tore up her acceptance speech at the 2025 Golden Globes.
According to Daily Mail, the 76-year-old Matlock star was captured on camera ripping up her acceptance speech after losing to Anna Sawai in the Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series - Drama category.
The incident occurred moments after Sawai, 32, was announced as the winner for her performance in Shogun. While Bates initially maintained composure and applauded with other attendees, she was later caught by cameras destroying her prepared speech with an exaggerated expression of mock fury.
The dramatic reaction comes at a significant time in Bates' career, as she recently revealed her intentions to step away from acting. In September, she shared her feelings about retirement with The New York Times.
Bates told The New York Times:
Everything I've prayed for, worked for, clawed my way up for, I am suddenly able to be asked to use all of it. And it's exhausting. This is my last dance.
Despite her retirement plans, Bates has committed to completing the second season of Matlock, a gender-flipped reboot of the original series that ran from 1986 to 1995.
The award ceremony sparked additional discussion about Bates' well-being, as viewers expressed concern over her recent weight loss. The Oscar winner's appearance during the presentation of the Best Supporting Actress - TV award alongside Anthony Ramos drew significant attention on social media.
Bates has been open about her health journey, addressing speculation about her use of Ozempic. The actress revealed she had lost 80 pounds through lifestyle changes over seven years, with an additional 20-pound loss attributed to the medication.
The decision to focus on her health came after her type 2 diabetes diagnosis in 2017. Bates emphasized the effort behind her transformation, stating to People magazine in October:
There's been a lot of talk that I just was able to do this because of Ozempic. But I have to impress upon people out there that this was hard work for me, especially during the pandemic. It's very hard to say you've had enough.
The night marked a significant moment for both nominees, with Sawai's win representing a breakthrough for the Japanese period drama Shogun. The series follows the story of Lord Yoshii Toranaga in 1600, depicting a political thriller where a European explorer rises from outsider to samurai.
The award show's appearance holds particular significance as Bates approaches what she describes as her final chapter in acting. While her reaction to the loss generated buzz, it also highlighted the emotional weight of potentially one of her last award show appearances.
The seasoned actress's career spans decades of acclaimed performances, making her current role in Matlock a fitting bookend to her distinguished time in Hollywood. Despite her retirement plans, Bates continues to demonstrate her dedication to her craft through her commitment to completing the series' second season.
Kathy Bates' dramatic response to losing the Golden Globe for Best Actress to Anna Sawai created a memorable moment at the 2025 ceremony. The incident occurred during what may be one of her final award show appearances as she prepares for retirement after completing the second season of Matlock. The event also drew attention to her recent health journey and physical transformation, highlighting both her professional dedication and personal challenges during the twilight of her celebrated career.
