Outline:
The Golden Globes Set the Stage for 2026 Award Season
The Golden Globes are set to take place in Los Angeles on Sunday, marking the beginning of the 2026 award season. As some of the most acclaimed TV shows and films from the past year receive their well-deserved recognition, there are several major storylines shaping this year’s event.
A Huge Step for Horror
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, horror films enjoyed a moment in the spotlight when it came to award recognition. Ruth Gordon won a Golden Globe and an Oscar for her role in "Rosemary’s Baby," while "The Exorcist" and "Jaws" received major acclaim. Although there have been occasional nods to horror films over the years—such as "The Silence of the Lambs," "The Sixth Sense," "Black Swan," and "Get Out"—the genre has struggled to break through at major award shows.
This year, however, could be different with the release of "Sinners," a solid awards contender that has managed to generate consistent buzz despite its summer release. Directed by Ryan Coogler, the film follows Black twin brothers, played by Michael B. Jordan, who open a juke joint in rural Mississippi during the Great Depression. It has received seven Golden Globe nominations, including best motion picture – drama, best actor for Jordan, and two for Coogler. The film also earned a nomination in the new box office achievement category, which is no surprise given its impressive box office performance.
Another performer with strong momentum from the horror genre this year is Amy Madigan, who plays the terrifying Aunt Gladys in "Weapons." Her performance has earned critical praise and a nomination in the best supporting actress category. The movie, directed by Zach Cregger, has dominated social media with its makeup tutorials and Halloween costume tributes.
Winning ‘One Battle After Another’
Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest film, "One Battle After Another," has received critical acclaim, with a 95% score on both Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic. The film, which features Leonardo DiCaprio as a washed-up revolutionary, has already garnered numerous nominations across various award categories.
Anderson, known for directing acclaimed films such as "There Will Be Blood," "Boogie Nights," and "Magnolia," is expected to dominate the Golden Globes. The film also features standout performances from Teyana Taylor, Chase Infiniti, and Benicio del Toro, adding to its appeal.
An interesting question remains: Will there be any surprising results that could challenge the film’s dominance?
Breaking Through Predictable TV Categories
With heavy-hitters like "The Pitt," "Severance," "The White Lotus," "Hacks," and "The Studio" up for awards, the TV categories may appear predictable. However, there may be one breakthrough moment. Rhea Seehorn earned a Golden Globe nomination for her role in "Pluribus," a mysterious Apple TV sci-fi show created by Vince Gilligan. This marks Seehorn’s first major starring role and her first-ever Golden Globe nod.
In a category filled with award show darlings, Seehorn faces tough competition but may have an edge after winning a Critics Choice award.
Listen Up: There’s a New Best Podcast Category
This year’s Golden Globes will feature a new category: best podcast. Nominated shows include "Armchair Expert," "Call Her Daddy," "Good Hang," "The Mel Robbins Podcast," "Smartless," and NPR’s "Up First." While these podcasts often have video components and are led by Hollywood talent, the addition of this category may seem out of place for an awards show focused on film and television.
The Golden Globes announced the category with the aim of recognizing the full spectrum of entertainment and reflecting modern audience consumption habits. It remains to be seen whether viewers will embrace this new addition.
Conclusion
As the Golden Globes kick off the 2026 award season, there are plenty of exciting developments to watch. From the resurgence of horror films to the emergence of new talent in television and the introduction of a new podcast category, the event promises to be a highlight of the year.