The unveiling of the 2026 Golden Globes nominations marks the beginning of a new and competitive Awards season, reaffirming the growing influence of streaming platforms and independent distributors
The 83rd edition of the Golden Globes—scheduled for January 11, 2026—will once again highlight the increasingly blurred boundaries between theatrical releases and streaming premieres.
“One Battle After Another” leads the race with nine nominations, followed closely by “Sentimental Value” with eight and “Sinners” with seven — a trio that sets the tone for a year defined by bold storytelling and genre experimentation.
Netflix, Neon, Warner Bros., Apple, HBO, and Hulu secured significant recognition, demonstrating how audience habits continue to reshape the industry.
Neon emerged as the standout in film categories with an impressive 21 nominations, surpassing major studio competitors. Warner Bros. followed with 16, while Netflix garnered 13. On the television side, Netflix dominated the field with 22 nominations, boosting its combined film and TV total to 35, narrowly edging past Warner Bros.’ overall count of 31.
Among this year’s notable surprises is Netflix’s “K Pop Demon Hunters,” which earned three nominations — including the contentious category of Best Cinematic and Box Office Achievement.
Its placement there has drawn criticism from theatrical distributors, who argue that a film designed for a streaming-first release should not compete in a category intended to recognize impactful cinema experiences.
Another unusual inclusion is “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” nominated despite not yet being released publicly.
Mid-size distributors also experienced a dynamic year. Willa, both a producer and distributor, celebrated multiple nominations for “Sorry, Baby,” securing a foothold beside larger industry players.
Meanwhile, Mubi — which earned six nominations last year for “Die My Love” — received just one this year, highlighting the volatility of prestige distribution in a crowded market.
The ceremony will once again be hosted by Nikki Glaser, returning after a successful 2025 edition. Broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+, the event will take place at The Beverly Hilton in California, continuing a long-standing tradition of glamour, unpredictability, and industry-shaping moments.
The films with the highest number of nominations underscore the diversity of themes that dominated cinema this year. “One Battle After Another,” praised for its emotional depth and sweeping direction by Paul Thomas Anderson, leads with nine nods, including Best Film, Best Director, and multiple acting categories. “Sentimental Value,” a Norwegian standout, earned eight nominations thanks to its poetic storytelling and powerful performances. “
Sinners,” directed by Ryan Coogler, follows with seven nominations, recognized for its robust screenplay and gripping intensity.
As anticipation rises ahead of the January 11 ceremony, it’s clear that the 2026 Golden Globes represent more than a celebration of artistic excellence.
They reflect an industry at a crossroads, where streaming and theatrical models coexist, global voices command increasing attention, and audiences embrace an ever-expanding definition of what prestige cinema and television can be.
Beyond the frontrunners, the categories reflect a fascinating range of global influences. The Best Non-English Language Film category showcases work from France, South Korea, Brazil, Norway, Spain, and Tunisia — a vivid reminder of the increasing globalization of cinema and the growing appetite for international storytelling.
Emerging talents also populate several acting categories, demonstrating an evolving landscape in which newcomers stand shoulder-to-shoulder with veteran performers such as Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Lawrence, Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio del Toro, and Emma Stone.
The television nominations continue the Globes’ long-standing appreciation for both prestige drama and sharp comedic writing.
Series like “Severance,” “Slow Horses,” “The Diplomat,” and “The White Lotus” anchor the drama categories, while comedies such as “The Bear,” “Only Murders in the Building,” and “Hacks” return with strong momentum.
The limited series categories remain particularly competitive, boasting acclaimed titles like “Adolescence,” “The Beast in Me,” “All Her Fault,” and “Black Mirror.”
This year’s music categories include contributions from industry icons such as Miley Cyrus, Stephen Schwartz, Nick Cave, Hans Zimmer, and Mark Ronson, offering a reminder of how deeply intertwined music and cinema remain in shaping emotional resonance and cultural memory.
In podcasting and stand-up — newer additions to the Golden Globes — nominees range from global chart-toppers like “Call Her Daddy” and “Up First” to celebrated comedic voices including Ricky Gervais, Kevin Hart, and Sarah Silverman.
