The Golden Globes are taking place in Los Angeles on Sunday, setting the table for the 2026 award season as some of the best TV shows and films from roughly the past year earn their kudos.But what are the major storylines at play as Hollywood’s top creatives start their annual fancy outfit parade over the next few months? Let’s dig into it:A huge step for horrorBack in the late 1960s and ’70s, horror had a moment in the sun when it came to award recognition – like Ruth Gordon winning a best supporting actress Golden Globe and Oscar for 1968’s “Rosemary’s Baby,” or films like “The Exorcist” and “Jaws” receiving major acclaim. While there have been some recognition of films in the genre in the time since – “The Silence of the Lambs,” “The Sixth Sense,” “Black Swan,” “Get Out” and, most recently, last year’s “The Substance” – horror has had a tough time breaking through at major award shows.That is looking to change with this year’s solid awards contender “Sinners.”Despite coming out in the summer months, a time often long forgotten come award season, Ryan Coogler’s period hybrid horror hit has enjoyed overwhelmingly positive and consistent word of mouth buzz. The movie, which follows Black twin brothers (both played by Michael B. Jordan) who open a juke joint in rural Mississippi during the Great Depression, has scored seven Globe nods, including one for best motion picture – drama, one for star Jordan and two for Coogler.It also earned a nomination in the relatively new (and still polarizing) box office achievement category, no surprise given its gross and that much has already been said about the horror genre’s continued and demonstrated bankability. The question is whether a win for “Sinners” in that category will play out like it did for previous honorees “Barbie” and “Wicked,” both of which lost out in the arguably more significant best motion picture – musical or comedy category.Another performer with strong momentum from the horror genre this year is Amy Madigan, who plays the terrifying yet fascinating Aunt Gladys in “Weapons” and is nominated in the best supporting actress category. The movie, directed by “Barbarian” filmmaker Zach Cregger, has earned pointed praise for Madigan’s featured performance as the central villain, dominating social media algorithms last year with makeup tutorials and ubiquitous Halloween costume tributes.Madigan, a veteran actress previously known for late ’80s movies “Field of Dreams” and “Uncle Buck,” has already won several film critics circle awards for the role, and is also nominated for an Actor Award (previously known as a SAG Award).A few horror honorees at the Globes, at the very least, could end up being scary fun to see.Winning ‘One Battle After Another’Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest opus “One Battle After Another” has earned an impressive critic score of 95% on both Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, which has been reflected in its (so far) juggernaut momentum in terms of nominations for Globes, Actor Awards and other gong races.The film comes from 11-time Academy Award-nominee (and 3-time Golden Globe nominee) Paul Thomas Anderson, director of awards darlings such as “There Will Be Blood,” as well as acclaimed ’90s titles “Boogie Nights” and “Magnolia.”A longtime fixture on the award circuit, Anderson is largely expected to dominate on Sunday night and beyond with “One Battle,” which features Leonardo DiCaprio as a washed up revolutionary who finds himself facing off against nefarious entities led by a frightening colonel (Sean Penn).In addition to acclaimed turns from previous Globe winners DiCaprio and Penn, “One Battle” features head-turning performances from actors relatively new on the awards scene, including Globe nominees Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti, along with an uproarious Benicio del Toro in the role of a well-connected karate teacher.One interesting question that the Globes results might answer: Will there be any surprising results that hint at which – if any film – could possibly upset “One Battle’s” momentum?Breaking through predictable TV categoriesWith heavy-hitters including “The Pitt,” “Severance,” “The White Lotus,” “Hacks” and “The Studio” all up for awards this year, the TV categories may err on the more predictable side. If the TV portion of the Globes is anything like the Emmys this past September, the aforementioned shows, along with this year’s searing and oft-discussed limited series “Adolescence,” will dominate in their respective categories.There may, however, be at least one breakthrough moment.Rhea Seehorn earned a Globe nomination in the best female actor in a television drama category for “Pluribus,” the mysterious Apple TV sci-fi show from “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul” creator Vince Gilligan. The series marks Seehorn’s first major starring role and her first-ever Golden Globe nod.In a category filled with award show darlings including Kathy Bates (“Matlock”), Britt Lower (“Severance”), Helen Mirren (“ModLand”), Bella Ramsey (“The Last of Us”) and Keri Russell (“The Diplomat”), Seehorn has tough competition. But she also may have the edge, having just won a Critics Choice award.At least this award show isn’t likely have an acceptance speech countdown clock, so new and returning winners alike can savor their moment.Listen up: There’s a new best podcast categoryThis year’s Globes telecast will feature a new best podcast category, recognizing top producers in the podcast space. Shows including “Armchair Expert,” “Call Her Daddy,” “Good Hang,” “The Mel Robbins Podcast,” “Smartless,” and NPR’s “Up First” all earned inaugural nominations.While these podcasts boast video components and many led by Hollywood talent – like Dax Shepard (“Armchair Expert”), Amy Poehler (“Good Hang”) and actors Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes (“Smartless”) – the addition of this category may seem a bit out of left field for an awards show that recognizes achievements in film and television, especially for average viewers.In a news release announcing the award, the Globes said the aim was to give a platform to “the full spectrum of entertainment, while reflecting today’s audiences and consumption behavior around the world.”Let’s see if viewers hear that reasoning.
The Golden Globes are taking place in Los Angeles on Sunday, setting the table for the 2026 award season as some of the best TV shows and films from roughly the past year earn their kudos.
But what are the major storylines at play as Hollywood’s top creatives start their annual fancy outfit parade over the next few months? Let’s dig into it:
A huge step for horror
Back in the late 1960s and ’70s, horror had a moment in the sun when it came to award recognition – like Ruth Gordon winning a best supporting actress Golden Globe and Oscar for 1968’s “Rosemary’s Baby,” or films like “The Exorcist” and “Jaws” receiving major acclaim. While there have been some recognition of films in the genre in the time since – “The Silence of the Lambs,” “The Sixth Sense,” “Black Swan,” “Get Out” and, most recently, last year’s “The Substance” – horror has had a tough time breaking through at major award shows.
That is looking to change with this year’s solid awards contender “Sinners.”
Despite coming out in the summer months, a time often long forgotten come award season, Ryan Coogler’s period hybrid horror hit has enjoyed overwhelmingly positive and consistent word of mouth buzz. The movie, which follows Black twin brothers (both played by Michael B. Jordan) who open a juke joint in rural Mississippi during the Great Depression, has scored seven Globe nods, including one for best motion picture – drama, one for star Jordan and two for Coogler.
It also earned a nomination in the relatively new (and still polarizing) box office achievement category, no surprise given its gross and that much has already been said about the horror genre’s continued and demonstrated bankability. The question is whether a win for “Sinners” in that category will play out like it did for previous honorees “Barbie” and “Wicked,” both of which lost out in the arguably more significant best motion picture – musical or comedy category.
Another performer with strong momentum from the horror genre this year is Amy Madigan, who plays the terrifying yet fascinating Aunt Gladys in “Weapons” and is nominated in the best supporting actress category. The movie, directed by “Barbarian” filmmaker Zach Cregger, has earned pointed praise for Madigan’s featured performance as the central villain, dominating social media algorithms last year with makeup tutorials and ubiquitous Halloween costume tributes.
Madigan, a veteran actress previously known for late ’80s movies “Field of Dreams” and “Uncle Buck,” has already won several film critics circle awards for the role, and is also nominated for an Actor Award (previously known as a SAG Award).
A few horror honorees at the Globes, at the very least, could end up being scary fun to see.
Winning ‘One Battle After Another’
Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest opus “One Battle After Another” has earned an impressive critic score of 95% on both Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, which has been reflected in its (so far) juggernaut momentum in terms of nominations for Globes, Actor Awards and other gong races.
The film comes from 11-time Academy Award-nominee (and 3-time Golden Globe nominee) Paul Thomas Anderson, director of awards darlings such as “There Will Be Blood,” as well as acclaimed ’90s titles “Boogie Nights” and “Magnolia.”
A longtime fixture on the award circuit, Anderson is largely expected to dominate on Sunday night and beyond with “One Battle,” which features Leonardo DiCaprio as a washed up revolutionary who finds himself facing off against nefarious entities led by a frightening colonel (Sean Penn).
In addition to acclaimed turns from previous Globe winners DiCaprio and Penn, “One Battle” features head-turning performances from actors relatively new on the awards scene, including Globe nominees Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti, along with an uproarious Benicio del Toro in the role of a well-connected karate teacher.
One interesting question that the Globes results might answer: Will there be any surprising results that hint at which – if any film – could possibly upset “One Battle’s” momentum?
Breaking through predictable TV categories
With heavy-hitters including “The Pitt,” “Severance,” “The White Lotus,” “Hacks” and “The Studio” all up for awards this year, the TV categories may err on the more predictable side. If the TV portion of the Globes is anything like the Emmys this past September, the aforementioned shows, along with this year’s searing and oft-discussed limited series “Adolescence,” will dominate in their respective categories.
There may, however, be at least one breakthrough moment.
Rhea Seehorn earned a Globe nomination in the best female actor in a television drama category for “Pluribus,” the mysterious Apple TV sci-fi show from “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul” creator Vince Gilligan. The series marks Seehorn’s first major starring role and her first-ever Golden Globe nod.
In a category filled with award show darlings including Kathy Bates (“Matlock”), Britt Lower (“Severance”), Helen Mirren (“ModLand”), Bella Ramsey (“The Last of Us”) and Keri Russell (“The Diplomat”), Seehorn has tough competition. But she also may have the edge, having just won a Critics Choice award.
At least this award show isn’t likely have an acceptance speech countdown clock, so new and returning winners alike can savor their moment.
Listen up: There’s a new best podcast category
This year’s Globes telecast will feature a new best podcast category, recognizing top producers in the podcast space. Shows including “Armchair Expert,” “Call Her Daddy,” “Good Hang,” “The Mel Robbins Podcast,” “Smartless,” and NPR’s “Up First” all earned inaugural nominations.
While these podcasts boast video components and many led by Hollywood talent – like Dax Shepard (“Armchair Expert”), Amy Poehler (“Good Hang”) and actors Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes (“Smartless”) – the addition of this category may seem a bit out of left field for an awards show that recognizes achievements in film and television, especially for average viewers.
In a news release announcing the award, the Globes said the aim was to give a platform to “the full spectrum of entertainment, while reflecting today’s audiences and consumption behavior around the world.”
Let’s see if viewers hear that reasoning.
