Best Movies to Watch for the 2026 Golden Globes

The Golden Globes are set to take place on Sunday, and with a year filled with remarkable cinematic achievements, many are curious about who will walk away with the most prestigious awards. As the anticipation builds, there are several key questions that fans and critics alike are asking. Will “One Battle After Another” dominate the […]

The Golden Globes are set to take place on Sunday, and with a year filled with remarkable cinematic achievements, many are curious about who will walk away with the most prestigious awards. As the anticipation builds, there are several key questions that fans and critics alike are asking. Will “One Battle After Another” dominate the award show after receiving an impressive number of nominations? Will Timothée Chalamet finally achieve the recognition he has long deserved at the Golden Globes?

While there are many uncertainties surrounding the event, here are some predictions made by Megan Camponovo, who covers entertainment for Hearst Television’s National Desk.

Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy

  • “Blue Moon”
  • “Bugonia”
  • “Marty Supreme”
  • “No Other Choice”
  • “Nouvelle Vague”
  • “One Battle After Another”

Our prediction:“One Battle After Another”

“One Battle After Another” is a film that stands out in every way. Set during a pivotal moment in American history, it gives a voice to those often unheard while still managing to deliver moments of humor. The performances are exceptional, with Leonardo DiCaprio playing a father searching for his daughter and Benicio Del Toro providing support along the way. Paul Thomas Anderson’s direction is nothing short of masterful, creating a film that is both emotionally powerful and artistically significant.

Best Motion Picture, Drama

  • “Frankenstein”
  • “Hamnet”
  • “It Was Just an Accident”
  • “The Secret Agent”
  • “Sentimental Value”
  • “Sinners”

Our prediction:“Sinners”

“Sinners” made a huge impact when it was released, becoming a cultural phenomenon. The story is compelling, and the cast delivers performances that are nothing short of perfect. Michael B. Jordan and Miles Caton play twin brothers whose dynamic is balanced and captivating. The use of different aspect ratios throughout the film enhances the audience’s immersion, making it a standout entry in the category.

Best Male Actor — Motion Picture, Musical/Comedy

  • Timothée Chalamet, “Marty Supreme”
  • George Clooney, “Jay Kelly”
  • Leonardo DiCaprio, “One Battle After Another”
  • Ethan Hawke, “Blue Moon”
  • Lee Byung-hun, “No Other Choice”
  • Jesse Plemons, “Bugonia”

Our prediction: Timothée Chalamet, “Marty Supreme”

Timothée Chalamet has had a breakout year, and his performance in “Marty Supreme” is likely to earn him the Golden Globe. His ability to balance drama and comedy makes this role one of his best yet. As Marty Mauser achieves greatness, so does Chalamet, solidifying his status as a leading actor.

Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy

  • Amanda Seyfried, “The Testament of Ann Lee”
  • Chase Infiniti, “One Battle After Another”
  • Cynthia Erivo, “Wicked: For Good”
  • Emma Stone, “Bugonia”
  • Kate Hudson, “Song Sung Blue”
  • Rose Byrne, “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”

Our prediction: Chase Infiniti, “One Battle After Another”

Chase Infiniti’s first role is already making waves. Her ability to keep up with seasoned actors like Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn is impressive. Throughout the film, she portrays a wide range of emotions, bringing depth to her character as a child longing for her father.

Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture — Drama

  • Dwayne Johnson, “The Smashing Machine”
  • Jeremy Allen White, “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere”
  • Joel Edgerton, “Train Dreams”
  • Michael B. Jordan, “Sinners”
  • Oscar Isaac, “Frankenstein”
  • Wagner Moura, “The Secret Agent”

Our prediction: Wagner Moura, “The Secret Agent”

Wagner Moura delivers a powerful performance in “The Secret Agent,” portraying a man desperate to escape his past. His acting elevates the entire film, and his chemistry with other actors is undeniable.

Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama

  • Eva Victor, “Sorry Baby”
  • Jennifer Lawrence, “Die My Love”
  • Jessie Buckley, “Hamnet”
  • Julia Roberts, “After The Hunt”
  • Renate Reinsve, “Sentimental Value”
  • Tessa Thompson, “Hedda”

Our prediction: Jessie Buckley, “Hamnet”

Jessie Buckley is a strong contender for this award. Her performance in “Hamnet” has been widely praised, and she consistently steals the spotlight with her emotional and powerful portrayal.

Best Supporting Male Actor in a Motion Picture

  • Benicio del Toro, “One Battle After Another”
  • Jacob Elordi, “Frankenstein”
  • Paul Mescal, “Hamnet”
  • Sean Penn, “One Battle After Another”
  • Adam Sandler, “Jay Kelly”
  • Stellan Skarsgard, “Sentimental Value”

Our prediction: Benicio del Toro, “One Battle After Another”

Benicio del Toro delivers a memorable performance in “One Battle After Another.” His chemistry with Leonardo DiCaprio adds a layer of humor that balances the film’s more intense moments.

Best Supporting Female Actor in a Motion Picture

  • Emily Blunt, “The Smashing Machine”
  • Elle Fanning, “Sentimental Value”
  • Ariana Grande, “Wicked: For Good”
  • Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, “Sentimental Value”
  • Amy Madigan, “Weapons”
  • Teyana Taylor, “One Battle After Another”

Our prediction: Ariana Grande, “Wicked: For Good”

Ariana Grande is set for a win in this category. Her role as Glinda in “Wicked: For Good” showcases her versatility, blending humor with heartfelt emotion. Her performance is a standout that deserves recognition.

Best Director — Motion Picture

  • Ryan Coogler, “Sinners”
  • Paul Thomas Anderson, “One Battle After Another”
  • Guillermo del Toro, “Frankenstein”
  • Jafar Panahi, “It Was Just An Accident”
  • Joachim Trier, “Sentimental Value”
  • Chloe Zhao, “Hamnet”

Our prediction: Paul Thomas Anderson, “One Battle After Another”

Paul Thomas Anderson is at his best when given creative freedom, and “One Battle After Another” is a testament to that. His meticulous attention to detail and ability to balance tension with humor make this film a masterpiece.

Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language

  • “It Was Just An Accident”
  • “No Other Choice”
  • “Sentimental Value”
  • “Sirat”
  • “The Secret Agent”
  • “The Voice of Hind Rajab”

Our prediction:“Sentimental Value”

“Sentimental Value” tells a deeply emotional story about two daughters trying to mend their relationship with their father after their mother’s death. It explores the complexities of family and personal growth, making it a powerful choice for this category.

Best Motion Picture — Animated

  • “Arco”
  • “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle”
  • “Elio”
  • “KPop Demon Hunters”
  • “Little Amelie or the Character of the Rain”
  • “Zootopia 2”

Our prediction:“KPop Demon Hunters”

“KPop Demon Hunters” took the world by storm in 2025 with its unique blend of animation and music. Its engaging plot and catchy soundtrack made it a hit among both children and adults.

Best Screenplay — Motion Picture

  • Chloe Zhao, Maggie O’Farrell — “Hamnet”
  • Jafar Panahi — “It was Just An Accident”
  • Joachim Trier, Eskil Vogt — “Sentimental Value”
  • Paul Thomas Anderson — “One Battle After Another”
  • Ronald Bronstein, Josh Safdie — “Marty Supreme”
  • Ryan Coogler — “Sinners”

Our prediction: Ryan Coogler — “Sinners”

Ryan Coogler creates a richly developed world in “Sinners,” with characters that are deeply rooted in their relationships. His writing brings the film to life, making it a powerful and emotionally resonant experience.

Best Original Score — Motion Picture

  • Alexandre Desplat, “Frankenstein”
  • Hans Zimmer, “F1”
  • Jonny Greenwood, “One Battle After Another”
  • Kangding Ray, “Sirat”
  • Ludwig Göransson, “Sinners”
  • Max Richter, “Hamnet”

Our prediction: Ludwig Göransson, “Sinners”

Ludwig Göransson is known for creating unforgettable soundtracks, and “Sinners” is no exception. His work on the film incorporates elements of African-American culture, creating a score that is both timeless and impactful.

Best Original Song — Motion Picture

  • “Dream as One,” Miley Cyrus, Andrew Wyatt, Mark Ronson, Simon Franglen, “Avatar: Fire and Ash”
  • “Golden,” Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo, Park Hong Jun, Kim Eun-jae (EJAE), Mark Sonnenblick, “KPop Demon Hunters”
  • “I Lied to You,” Raphael Saadiq, Ludwig Göransson, “Sinners”
  • “No Place Like Home,” Stephen Schwartz, “Wicked: For Good”
  • “The Girl in the Bubble,” Stephen Schwartz, “Wicked: For Good”
  • “Train Dreams,” Nick Cave, Bryce Dessner, “Train Dreams”

Our prediction:“Golden,” Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo, Park Hong Jun, Kim Eun-jae (EJAE), Mark Sonnenblick, “KPop Demon Hunters”

“Golden” from the “KPop Demon Hunters” soundtrack became a global hit, with its catchy lyrics and upbeat melody making it a favorite among listeners of all ages.

Cinematic and Box Office Achievement

  • “Avatar: Fire and Ash”
  • “F1”
  • “KPop Demon Hunters”
  • “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning”
  • “Sinners”
  • “Weapons”
  • “Wicked: For Good”
  • “Zootopia 2”

Our prediction:“Sinners”

“Sinners” was a box office success, earning over $368 million. Its popularity led to multiple re-releases, proving its lasting appeal and impact on audiences.