Kathy Bates turned heads at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards, showcasing not only her incredible 100-pound weight loss but also her signature style and timeless elegance. Nominated for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series Drama for her role in Matlock, Bates dazzled on the red carpet, leaving everyone in awe of her transformation.
At the star-studded ceremony, the Misery actress opted for a striking ensemble that combined sophistication with a touch of playful modernity. She paired a beaded dinner jacket with sleek black tuxedo pants, completing the look with a sparkling evening bag. However, it was her choice of footwear that really caught everyone’s attention—Kathy wore a pair of Sneex, a unique hybrid of sneakers and heels designed by Spanx founder Sara Blakely. The unexpected yet chic combination perfectly complemented her ensemble, adding a fresh twist to her red carpet look.
But it wasn’t just Kathy’s outfit that made her stand out—it was her dramatically slimmer figure. The Oscar-winning actress, known for her larger-than-life presence, looked almost unrecognizable as she confidently strutted down the red carpet. Earlier this year, Bates opened up about her inspiring weight loss journey, which began in 2017 after her type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
In a candid interview, she shared how the diagnosis prompted her to take her health seriously, especially as diabetes runs in her family. “It terrified me,” she admitted, recalling the health struggles her father and sister faced with the disease. “I thought, ‘I’ve got to do something.’” Kathy’s commitment to making lifestyle changes has helped her lose 100 pounds (around 45 kilograms), and she has worked hard to maintain a healthier lifestyle since.
The actress emphasized that, while diabetes didn’t mean she had to completely eliminate her favorite foods, it encouraged her to be more mindful of her eating habits and overall lifestyle. Her focus on health has paid off, both personally and professionally. Kathy’s transformation helped her feel better physically, which was key to her role as Madeline ‘Matty’ in the legal drama Matlock. Matty is an active, dynamic character, and Kathy’s improved fitness allowed her to take on this demanding role with confidence.
“It’s been a couple of years now where I’ve really focused on my health,” she explained. “I’m almost back to the weight I was in college. The timing of my getting healthy and the show coming along was just serendipity. I’m in good shape now, and I can walk, I can breathe—whereas before, I had to sit down every couple of minutes on other sets.”
Bates also credited Matlock for giving her a powerful and complex role at a time when many women of her age are overlooked by the entertainment industry. “A woman my age would never get such a role. Never,” she said, reflecting on how Matlock helped her escape semi-retirement and continue doing the work she loves. “The writing and the complexity of the role have been a gift. I’m so grateful that I stuck around for this.”
Though Kathy didn’t win the Golden Globe, her reaction to the loss was one of the evening’s most memorable moments. As Shōgun’s Anna Sawai took the stage to accept the award, cameras captured Kathy ripping up a piece of paper—presumably containing her acceptance speech. The playful moment quickly went viral, with fans and media alike showering the actress with praise for her humor and grace.
Kathy Bates’ appearance at the 2025 Golden Globes was not just a celebration of her impressive weight loss, but also a testament to her resilience, talent, and ability to defy expectations. While she may not have walked away with the trophy, her inspiring journey and infectious spirit won over the hearts of fans everywhere.
