As the 2026 Golden Globes kick off awards season, horror films, major auteurs, TV favorites, and a new podcast category shape one of the most intriguing ceremonies yet.
The Golden Globe Awards return to Los Angeles on Sunday, officially launching the 2026 awards season and setting the tone for months of red carpets, acceptance speeches, and industry debate. As Hollywood’s biggest names gather to celebrate the past year in film and television, several clear storylines are already emerging—some expected, others signaling real change.
From horror’s long-awaited breakthrough to dominant auteur-driven films and evolving TV categories, this year’s Globes feel like more than just another stop on the awards circuit.
Horror Finally Steps Into the Spotlight
For decades, horror has struggled for consistent recognition from major awards bodies. While classics like Rosemary’s Baby, The Exorcist, and Jaws once broke through, the genre has largely remained on the sidelines despite critical and commercial success. More recent exceptions—Get Out, Black Swan, and The Silence of the Lambs—proved it was possible, but rare.
That may change this year thanks to Sinners.
Directed by Ryan Coogler, the period-set horror drama has become one of the most talked-about contenders of the season. Released in summer—a time usually forgotten by awards voters—the film defied expectations through sustained critical praise and strong word-of-mouth. It earned seven Golden Globe nominations, including best motion picture – drama, acting recognition for Michael B. Jordan, and multiple nods for Coogler himself.
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Its inclusion in the still-controversial cinematic and box office achievement category further underscores horror’s growing legitimacy as both art and business. Whether Sinners can convert nominations into major wins remains one of the night’s biggest questions.
Another standout from the genre is Amy Madigan, whose chilling performance in Weapons has earned widespread acclaim. Her portrayal of Aunt Gladys dominated social media last year, inspiring makeup recreations and Halloween costumes. Already a critics’ favorite, Madigan enters the Globes with serious momentum.
“One Battle After Another” Leads the Pack
While horror is making noise, the film most widely expected to dominate the night is One Battle After Another. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the film boasts near-universal critical praise and a commanding presence across awards nominations.
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as a disillusioned revolutionary, the film also features Sean Penn in a chilling supporting role. Breakout performances from Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti, along with a scene-stealing turn by Benicio del Toro, have expanded the film’s appeal beyond the usual awards crowd.
The key suspense heading into Sunday: will any surprise wins hint at a challenger capable of slowing One Battle After Another’s awards-season momentum?
Predictability—and Possibility—in Television
On the television side, familiarity reigns. Heavy hitters like Severance, The White Lotus, Hacks, The Pitt, and The Studio dominate nominations, echoing patterns seen at the Emmys earlier this year.
Still, there’s room for a breakthrough moment.
Rhea Seehorn earned her first-ever Golden Globe nomination for Pluribus, a mysterious sci-fi drama from Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan. Competing against established awards favorites like Kathy Bates and Helen Mirren, Seehorn enters the race with a Critics Choice win already under her belt—making her one of the most intriguing wild cards of the night.
Unlike some recent ceremonies, the Globes’ relaxed format allows winners to savor their speeches, which could make a first-time win even more memorable.
A New Category Reflects Changing Media
One of the most talked-about changes this year is the introduction of a best podcast category, signaling how entertainment consumption continues to evolve. Nominees include Armchair Expert, Call Her Daddy, Smartless, The Mel Robbins Podcast, Good Hang, and NPR’s Up First.
While the move has raised eyebrows—especially among viewers who associate the Globes strictly with film and television—the organization says the goal is to reflect modern audience habits. With many podcasts now featuring video components and celebrity hosts, the category may be a preview of where awards shows are headed.
More Than Just Another Ceremony
Hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, the 2026 Golden Globes air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Sunday, January 11, at 8 p.m. ET. Beyond the fashion and fanfare, this year’s ceremony feels like a snapshot of an industry in transition—embracing genre films, expanding definitions of prestige, and acknowledging new forms of storytelling.
Whether horror secures a long-awaited victory, a dominant favorite sweeps the night, or an unexpected underdog steals the spotlight, the Golden Globes are once again doing what they do best: starting conversations that will echo throughout awards season.