The “Misery” star was nominated for her role in “Matlock,” a TV series that blends aspects of legal drama with personal intrigue.
Fans were quick to share their thoughts on Kathy Bates’ dramatic reaction to losing the Golden Globe Awards, with most expressing disapproval of the moment.
A fan reacts to how Kathy Bates responded to her Golden Globe Awards loss, from a post dated January 6, 2025 | Source: X/GreggNnielss
Bates has featured in a number of TV series, including, “American Horror Story,” “Two and a Half Men,” and “Harry’s Law.” Her portrayal of Madeline “Matty” Matlock in the TV series “Matlock,” earned her a 2025 Golden Globe Awards nomination.
Bates was nominated for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series – Drama. In her role as Matty, the actress stars as a retired lawyer who goes back to practicing law at a prestigious New York law firm. Unfortunately, Bates didn’t bag the Golden Globe Award as it went to Anna Sawai for her incredible performance in the 2024 season of “Shogun.”
Before presenters Colman Domingo and Salma Hayek announced Sawai as the winner, the camera focused on all nominees including Bates, to capture their win or loss reactions. After the winner was announced Bates was captured on camera ripping up her acceptance speech, now rendered unnecessary, her eyes wide with playful mischief as she rolled them dramatically.
Kathy Bates attends the 2025 Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, on January 5, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Despite Bates also clapping for Sawai, her tearing up her acceptance speech sparked a wide range of opinions online. One viewer seemed baffled, asking, “Why’d she do that?” Another admitted they couldn’t believe what they saw, confessing, “I had to watch it twice 🤣🤣.”
Kathy Bates attends the 2025 Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
Some took a more critical stance, with comments like, “This is bitter,” and another user writing “Weirdo.” Another viewer dismissed the significance of the act altogether, “Not a good look but also who cares?”
Kathy Bates in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
On the other hand, many fans found humor and charm in Bates’ unexpected move. One enthusiastically declared, “Kathy Bates is a legend her reaction to losing the Golden Globe was hilarious and totally iconic 😂.” Another fan celebrated her boldness, “Kathy Bates ripping up her speech was peak legend energy.”
Kathy Bates | Source: Getty Images
Amid the debate, a few fans voiced their love and admiration for the actress, with one writing, “Love her!! She desserved [sic] better 🥺🧡.”
Kathy Bates | Source: Getty Images
As much as Kathy Bates didn’t win, this recognition marked her eighth nomination at the Golden Globe Awards, a testament to an impressive milestone in her celebrated career. Over the years, she has claimed two Golden Globe victories.
Kathy Bates in the press room of the 63rd Academy Awards, held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, on March 25, 1991 | Source: Getty Images
Her first win was in 1991 for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for “Misery.” In 1997 she also took home the Golden Globe Awards for Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries, or Motion Picture Made for Television for “The Late Shift.”
Kathy Bates at the 54th Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton, on January 19, 1997 | Source: Getty Images
Outside the Golden Globe, Bates has earned other numerous accolades throughout her career. She secured an Academy Award for her chilling role in “Misery” and claimed Emmy wins for her memorable work in “American Horror Story” and “Two and a Half Men.”
Kathy Bates poses in the photo room with her award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for “American Horror Story” at Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on August 25, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
Before she was cast in “Matlock,” Bates was ready for retirement after things went sour when she was shooting a movie she refused to name. As much as she told her agents she was ready to let go, they reached out in January 2024 with a script, which was about the reboot of “Matlock.”
Initially, the idea of taking on a procedural drama didn’t seem appealing to the actress. The 76-year-old was not captivated by the series the first time it aired as she remembered it more as a cultural reference for shows aimed at older audiences than for its storytelling.
Kathy Bates as Matty on “Matlock” on December 5, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Yet, as Bates delved into the script, the narrative began to resonate. The protagonist, a brilliant, justice-driven woman confronting the invisibility that often comes with age, struck a chord with Bates. With her deeply ingrained sense of fairness and a career shaped by overcoming challenges, the role aligned perfectly with her drive to portray characters seeking to right wrongs.
So, the movie star chose to pause her retirement and has since poured her talent and strength into her character, Matty. However, she noted that the role has also demanded her pain. “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,” she divulged.
For Bates, acting is more than a career, it is an all-encompassing passion that shapes her existence. Every role she takes becomes a part of her, consuming her time, energy, and emotions.
Hence, the actress has said that the series is going to be her “last dance.” Even so, Bates is showing no signs of slowing down. With CBS renewing “Matlock” for a second season following its successful debut, the veteran actress will continue to captivate audiences in the entertainment industry.
