The Hollywood Foreign Press Association unveiled the nominees for the 2026 Golden Globe Awards on Monday, with the dark comedy “One Battle After Another” leading the field with nine nominations. The strong showing for the Leonardo DiCaprio film positions it as an early favorite as the entertainment industry begins its journey toward the Oscars in March, with notable recognition also given to international cinema and streaming giants.
Which Films and Shows Topped the List?
The nominations highlighted a diverse mix of genres and origins. Following the leader, two other films made a strong impression in the drama categories.
The top nominees include:
- “One Battle After Another” (9 nominations): Leonardo DiCaprio plays a disgraced revolutionary in this Warner Bros. film, which is the front-runner for Best Movie Musical or Comedy.
- “Sentimental Value” (8 nominations): This Norwegian family drama is a frontrunner for Best Movie Drama.
- “Sinners” (7 nominations): A supernatural horror film also contending for Best Movie Drama.
- Other major contenders in the drama category are Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” and “Hamnet,” a story about Shakespeare’s family.
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Who Are the Major Acting Nominees?
The nominations featured a blend of Hollywood veterans and newer talents across both film and television.
Key acting nominations include:
- Film: George Clooney (“Jay Kelly”), Adam Sandler (“Jay Kelly”), Dwayne Johnson (“The Smashing Machine”), Leonardo DiCaprio (“One Battle After Another”), Benicio Del Toro, Sean Penn, and Jessie Buckley (“Hamnet”).
- Musicals: For “Wicked: For Good,” Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo received nominations, although the movie itself was not nominated for Best Musical/Comedy.
- Television: HBO’s “The White Lotus” led TV categories with six nominations, followed by Netflix’s limited series “Adolescence.”
What Were the Notable Trends This Year?
The strong success of foreign films was a noteworthy trend, reflecting the worldwide makeup of the entertainment writers that vote for the Globes.
Debra Birnbaum, an awards analyst, noted, “The biggest surprise… is the standout showing for international films,” and expects them to be ones to watch all season. Notable international nominees include Iranian director Jafar Panahi’s “It Was Just an Accident” and the Brazilian drama “The Secret Agent.”
Furthermore, streaming and media consolidation were subtly reflected. Netflix led all networks with 22 TV nominations, showcasing its content strength even as it seeks to acquire Warner Bros assets. Due to its lineup of highly regarded international films, independent distributor Neon dominated the field in film nominations with 21.
Your Questions Answered: Golden Globe Nominations FAQs
Q: When and where will the Golden Globes ceremony be held?
A: The 2026 Golden Globe Awards ceremony will take place on January 11, 2026. It will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+. Comedian Nikki Glaser will serve as the host.
Q: Who votes for the Golden Globe winners?
A: The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), a consortium of over 300 international entertainment journalists, selects the winners. Compared to the Academy, which has over 9,000 members, this organization is significantly smaller and more globally oriented.
Q: What is the significance of these nominations for the Oscars?
A: The Golden Globes often serve as an early signal of Oscar potential. Doing well can strengthen a film’s campaign and sway Academy voters, but it doesn’t directly predict wins.
Q: Which studio got the most film nominations?
A: With 21 nominations, independent distributor Neon had the most, thanks to its popular foreign films including “Sentimental Value” and “It Was Just an Accident.”
Q: Are there any new categories?
A: Yes, this year saw the addition of a new Best Podcast category. Among the nominees are well-known programs like “Call Her Daddy,” “Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard,” and NPR’s “Up First.”
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