Hollywood award shows usually feel like a high-stakes business meeting wrapped in silk and sequins. But for Dakota Fanning at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, it felt a lot more like a family reunion. Honestly, while everyone was busy scouting for the biggest movie stars, the real story wasn't just about who took home a trophy. It was about who Dakota decided to bring as her plus-one.
You've probably seen the photos. Dakota arrived at the Beverly Hilton on January 5, 2025, looking absolutely radiant in a custom red Dolce & Gabbana gown. It was bold. It was sheer. It had this incredible see-through sash that draped over her shoulder like a modern-day royal. But the headline wasn't the dress—it was her date, her grandmother, affectionately known as "Gaba."
Dakota Fanning Golden Globes 2025: A Night for Ripley
Dakota wasn’t just there to look good for the cameras. She was a nominee. Her performance as Marge Sherwood in the Netflix limited series Ripley earned her a nod for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role on Television. If you haven’t seen the show, it’s a gorgeous, moody, black-and-white reimagining of the Talented Mr. Ripley story. Dakota’s Marge is suspicious, sharp, and perfectly poised—a far cry from the warmth she showed on the red carpet that night.
The competition in her category was fierce. She was up against some heavy hitters:
- Jessica Gunning (Baby Reindeer)
- Hannah Einbinder (Hacks)
- Allison Janney (Palm Royale)
- Kali Reis (True Detective: Night Country)
- Liza Colón-Zayas (The Bear)
Ultimately, the win went to Jessica Gunning for her haunting role in Baby Reindeer. While Dakota didn't walk away with the statuette, her presence at the ceremony solidified her transition from the child prodigy we all remember into one of the most reliable and sophisticated actors in the prestige TV era.
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The Fashion Playbook: Red vs. Leopard
Let’s talk about the Fanning sisters’ style for a second. It’s rare to see Dakota and Elle Fanning together at these things. Usually, they’re on opposite sides of the world filming different projects. This year was different. Elle was there to support her big sister, and their outfits were a masterclass in "same but different."
Dakota’s look, styled by Samantha McMillen, was all about that monochromatic red power. The gown featured a draped bodice and a thigh-high slit that kept things from feeling too stiff. She paired it with Neil Lane jewelry and a bold red lip that perfectly matched the fabric.
Elle, on the other hand, went a bit wilder. She wore a champagne-colored Balmain gown with a leopard-print bodice. It was high-octane. It was "Old Hollywood meets 2025." During an interview with E! News, Elle mentioned they actually got ready in the same room earlier that day. Can you imagine the chaos of two A-list sisters, their styling teams, and their grandmother all trying to get out the door for the Globes?
The Gaba Moment
The most "human" part of the Dakota Fanning Golden Globes 2025 experience happened inside the ballroom. While most stars are busy networking or checking their phones, Dakota was focused on Gaba. She later posted a photo to Instagram with the caption, "Only pic I need. My Gaba and me."
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Her grandmother looked just as chic, wearing a dark blazer with sequined flowers. It wasn't a stunt. The Fanning sisters have always been vocal about their tight-knit family. They even have a production company together called Lewellen Pictures, and they’ve joked in the past about wanting to call it Gaba Productions. Seeing that bond on display at a ceremony that can often feel cold and transactional was a breath of fresh air.
Why Ripley Mattered for Her Career
For a long time, Dakota Fanning was "the girl from I Am Sam" or the kid in War of the Worlds. Ripley changed that narrative for a lot of people. Working alongside Andrew Scott, she held her own in a series that relied heavily on nuance and silence.
The Golden Globe nomination wasn't just a "nice to have." It was a signal from the industry that she’s successfully navigated the "child star" trap. Most people don't make it to the other side with their sanity or their career intact. Dakota has done both. Even without the win, being in that room as a nominee for a project as artistically dense as Ripley says more about her longevity than a trophy ever could.
What’s Next for Dakota?
If you missed her at the Globes, don't worry—she isn't going anywhere. By the time the 2026 award season rolls around, we’ll likely be talking about her again. She and Elle are finally starring together in The Nightingale, a historical drama based on Kristin Hannah’s massive bestseller. Elle joked recently that Dakota "promised not to boss me around" on set, which is peak older-sister energy.
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Beyond that, Dakota is staying busy with projects like the upcoming show All Her Fault. She even picked up a major TV award at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival late in 2025, showing that her momentum from the Globes is still going strong.
Actionable Insights for Award Season Fans:
- Watch the Performance: If you haven't seen Ripley on Netflix, go back and watch Dakota’s performance. It explains exactly why she was in that room.
- Follow the Stylists: If you loved her look, follow Samantha McMillen. She’s the architect behind the "Fanning Aesthetic" and is great at documenting the behind-the-scenes process of these custom gowns.
- Keep an Eye on 2026: With The Nightingale on the horizon, expect the Fanning sisters to be a major fixture of next year’s red carpets.
The 2025 Golden Globes might be over, but Dakota Fanning’s career is arguably in its most interesting phase yet. She’s choosing roles that challenge her, keeping her family close, and—most importantly—still making us look when she walks into a room.