Jean Smart, the star of Hacks, claimed the award for Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy at the 2025 Golden Globes on Sunday, January 5. The honor was presented by Mindy Kaling and Kate Hudson.
In her acceptance speech, Smart, 73, humorously said, “Oh, my goodness, thank you so much. I never thought I’d be so happy to be called a hack.” She went on to express gratitude to her team, including the show’s creators and her co-star, Hannah Einbinder, who plays Ava on Hacks. “We have Ava and without Ava, there would be no Deborah,” Smart said, referring to her character, Deborah Vance. She also thanked the cast, crew, and production teams at Max and Universal for their unwavering support.
Smart teased that Hacks is still thriving, as the show is currently in its fourth season. “We’re in the middle of season four and we’re still having a ball,” she added, expressing appreciation for the ongoing support from fans of the show.
Smart’s portrayal of the comedian Deborah Vance, often clashing with her assistant Ava as they bridge a generational gap while revamping her career, earned her a Golden Globe in 2021. She was also nominated in the same category last year.
Smart shared that when she took on the role of a comic, she wanted to be credible as a stand-up comedian. “When I read the script, I said, ‘This is everything I could possibly want for my next job,’” she told The Hollywood Reporter in June. “But I needed to be sure that real stand-ups could believe I was a comic.”
Other nominees in the category included Kristen Bell, Quinta Brunson, Ayo Edebiri, Selena Gomez, and Kathryn Hahn. Bell, 44, stars in Nobody Wants This as Joanne, a sex podcaster who falls for a newly single rabbi. Bell has said that the show explores the complexities of love beyond the traditional “puzzle piece” narrative, emphasizing the choices and compromises love requires.
Brunson, 34, is the creator and star of Abbott Elementary, playing the role of Janine Teagues. In a recent interview, she discussed the character’s evolution over three seasons, particularly Janine’s growth in her personal style, which reflects her development as a young teacher. Abbott Elementary also earned a nomination for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy.
Edebiri, who won a Golden Globe for her role as Sydney Adamu on The Bear, shared that her previous restaurant experience helped her connect with the character. “I worked in restaurants for five or six years in New York,” she explained. Edebiri trained with her co-star Jeremy Allen White at the Institute of Culinary Education to prepare for the role.
Gomez, 32, stars in Only Murders in the Building alongside Steve Martin and Martin Short. She recently shared how she has grown into her character, Mabel Mora, over time. Only Murders in the Building, along with Martin and Short, also received Golden Globe nominations.
Kathryn Hahn, 51, was nominated for her role as Agatha Harkness in Agatha All Along, a role she first portrayed in WandaVision. Hahn admitted she was surprised to land the role, revealing that Marvel wasn’t initially part of her interests, but her kids’ love for the franchise gave her insight into its appeal.
The 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards were broadcast live from the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, airing on CBS and Paramount+.
