The Golden Girls Of Wrestling: A Deep Dive Into GLOW's Golden Globe Nominations
The Netflix series *GLOW* (Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling) remains a beloved, brightly-colored snapshot of 1980s culture, female friendship, and the gritty world of professional wrestling, cementing its place as a critical darling during its run. As of late December 2025, fans continue to revisit the show's three seasons, often reflecting on its significant critical acclaim, which included multiple Emmy wins and, crucially, two coveted Golden Globe nominations that highlighted the incredible talent at its core.
The show, created by Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch, was lauded for its sharp writing and phenomenal performances, particularly the dynamic between its two leads. While the series itself never secured a nomination for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy at the Globes, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) recognized the power of its central star, Alison Brie, on two separate occasions.
The Complete Golden Globe Nomination Profile of Alison Brie
Alison Brie, who portrayed the struggling actress-turned-wrestler Ruth Wilder (aka Zoya the Destroya), was the sole Golden Globe nominee for the *GLOW* series. Her nominations were a testament to her nuanced performance, capturing the ambition, frustration, and eventual triumph of her character.
- Full Name: Alison Brie Schermerhorn
- Role in *GLOW*: Ruth Wilder / Zoya the Destroya
- Golden Globe Nominations: Two (2)
- Year 1 (75th Golden Globe Awards): 2018 (for Season 1 of *GLOW*)
- Year 2 (76th Golden Globe Awards): 2019 (for Season 2 of *GLOW*)
- Category: Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy
- Outcome: Nominee (Did Not Win either year)
- Winning Rival (Both Years): Rachel Brosnahan for *The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel*
- Other Major Recognition: Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award nominations for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series (Nominee, 2018 & 2019)
The Two-Year Run of Alison Brie's Golden Globe Recognition
Alison Brie's double nomination for her role as Ruth Wilder is a rare feat, underscoring the consistent high quality of her work across the first two seasons of the Netflix hit. Her character's arc—from a desperate actress who betrays her best friend, Debbie Eagan, to a creative force finding her voice in the ring—was perfectly suited for awards recognition.
2018 Nomination: The Debut of Zoya the Destroya
The first nomination came in 2018 for the 75th Golden Globe Awards, recognizing the critically acclaimed inaugural season of *GLOW*. This season introduced audiences to the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, a quirky, diverse ensemble of women finding empowerment through the unexpected medium of professional wrestling. Brie’s performance was hailed for its comedic timing and emotional depth, particularly in the dramatic conflict with her former best friend, played by Betty Gilpin.
The field that year was fiercely competitive, featuring some of the best comedy performances on television. Brie was nominated alongside Pamela Adlon (*Better Things*), Issa Rae (*Insecure*), Frankie Shaw (*SMILF*), and the eventual winner, Rachel Brosnahan, who took home the award for her breakout performance in *The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel*. This nomination was a huge win for the show, immediately establishing it as a major player in the prestige TV landscape.
2019 Nomination: Elevating the Stakes in Season 2
Brie received her second consecutive nomination in 2019 for the 76th Golden Globe Awards, a nod to the show’s sophomore season. Season 2 delved deeper into the complexities of the women’s lives, focusing on the production of the wrestling show and the personal toll it took. Ruth Wilder’s commitment to her craft and her tumultuous relationship with Debbie Eagan (Liberty Belle) continued to be the emotional anchor of the series.
Despite the stellar work, the result mirrored the previous year: Rachel Brosnahan secured her second consecutive win for *The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel*. The two-year streak of nominations for Brie, however, solidified her status as one of the era's great television comedy actresses and demonstrated the consistent power of the *GLOW* series itself.
Why Did GLOW Only Receive Nominations for Alison Brie?
A common question among fans and critics is why the ensemble-driven show, which featured a spectacular cast, only saw a Golden Globe nomination for its lead actress. The answer lies in the differences between the Golden Globes and other major awards, like the Primetime Emmy Awards and the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
The Betty Gilpin Distinction
One of the show's most glaring omissions from the Golden Globes list is Betty Gilpin, who played the co-lead, Debbie Eagan. Gilpin's layered performance as a former soap opera actress navigating motherhood and a career change was arguably just as vital to the show's success as Brie's. While the HFPA overlooked Gilpin, the Television Academy recognized her brilliance, nominating her for three consecutive Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2018, 2019, and 2020. This stark contrast highlights the different voting bodies' preferences and categories.
Ensemble vs. Lead Recognition
The Golden Globes have separate categories for lead and supporting actors/actresses, but the competition is often fierce. The HFPA chose to spotlight Brie's central performance as Ruth Wilder, the show's primary protagonist. However, the entire cast's chemistry was undeniably the show's strength. Both the 2018 and 2019 casts were nominated for the coveted SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series, a nod that celebrated the collective brilliance of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, including performers like Sydelle Noel, Britney Young, and Marc Maron (Sam Sylvia).
The Lasting Legacy and Topical Authority of GLOW
Even years after its conclusion, the conversation around *GLOW*'s awards recognition remains active, especially given its premature cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The two Golden Globe nominations for Alison Brie serve as a powerful marker of the show's cultural impact and critical success.
The series’ topical authority extended far beyond acting awards. It was a show about female empowerment, body image, and the complexities of women's relationships, all set against the backdrop of the 1980s. The show's creators, Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch, alongside executive producer Jenji Kohan, delivered a unique vision that resonated deeply with critics.
While the show never won a Golden Globe, its total awards haul was significant, including multiple Emmy Awards for technical categories like Outstanding Stunt Coordination and Outstanding Production Design, which celebrated the meticulous detail that went into recreating the world of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. The nominations for Alison Brie, though not wins, were a vital part of the show's legacy, ensuring that the names Ruth Wilder and Zoya the Destroya are forever linked with the prestige of the Golden Globe Awards.
Key Entities and LSI Keywords Related to GLOW's Awards Run:
- Creators: Liz Flahive, Carly Mensch, Jenji Kohan
- Co-Stars: Betty Gilpin (Debbie Eagan/Liberty Belle), Marc Maron (Sam Sylvia), Sydelle Noel (Cherry Bang), Britney Young (Carmen Wade/Machu Picchu)
- Awards Context: Primetime Emmy Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, Rachel Brosnahan, *The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel*
- Thematic Keywords: Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, Netflix Comedy, Female Empowerment, 1980s Wrestling, Ruth Wilder, Zoya the Destroya.
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