BY COMFORT OGBONNA
Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet and a long list of A-list stars are set to compete for top honors on Sunday as the Golden Globe Awards return to Beverly Hills, marking one of the most high-profile stops on Hollywood’s road to the Academy Awards. The annual ceremony, known for its star power and champagne-soaked atmosphere, once again places both film and television achievements under the spotlight.
Leading this year’s movie nominations is One Battle After Another, a dark comedy starring DiCaprio as a former revolutionary pulled back into action when his daughter’s life is threatened. The film has emerged as the most-nominated movie of the night, with DiCaprio joined by fellow nominees Benicio del Toro, Sean Penn, Chase Infiniti and Teyana Taylor. The ensemble performance has drawn significant attention, positioning the film as an early awards-season favorite.
Comedian Nikki Glaser returns for her second consecutive year as host, promising a lighter touch compared to the sharper monologues delivered by some past presenters. The ceremony begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time (1 a.m. GMT Monday) and will air live on CBS, with streaming available on Paramount+. In addition to honoring achievements in film and television, the Golden Globes will introduce a new category this year recognizing excellence in podcasting.
Glaser has reassured nominees and attendees that her opening monologue is designed to entertain rather than offend. She said her goal is to keep the evening fun and relaxed, without turning the spotlight into a source of anxiety for Hollywood’s elite. According to Glaser, the stars should feel comfortable enjoying both the ceremony and the after-parties that follow.
In the best movie musical or comedy category, One Battle After Another will compete against Marty Supreme, a table tennis-themed film starring Chalamet, as well as the black comedy Bugonia and other contenders. The drama category features a strong lineup, including Jay Kelly, which stars George Clooney as an aging actor wrestling with questions about his legacy, alongside Adam Sandler as his loyal manager. Other nominees in the drama field include Guillermo del Toro’s reimagining of Frankenstein, the supernatural thriller Sinners, and Hamnet, a film centered on the family life of William Shakespeare.
The acting categories are equally crowded with major names. Chalamet is nominated once again, while Dwayne Johnson received recognition for The Smashing Machine. Michael B. Jordan earned a nod for Sinners, Jessie Buckley was nominated for Hamnet, and Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were both recognized for their performances in the musical sequel Wicked: For Good.
The Golden Globes are among the first major Hollywood awards handed out in 2026, arriving months ahead of the Academy Awards in March. While Golden Globe voters do not overlap with Oscar voters, a win or even a nomination can significantly boost a film’s visibility and momentum during awards season, often shaping narratives heading into the Oscars.
Winners are selected by a voting body of more than 300 entertainment journalists, a group that has expanded in recent years following criticism over ethics and diversity. Organizers introduced reforms aimed at improving transparency and representation, steps that have helped restore some credibility to the awards.
This year’s nominations also highlight a strong international presence. Films drawing attention include the Norwegian family drama Sentimental Value, It Was Just an Accident by Iranian director Jafar Panahi, and the Brazilian thriller The Secret Agent, reflecting the Globes’ continued emphasis on global storytelling.
Television categories are led by HBO’s luxury resort mystery series The White Lotus, which earned the most nominations among TV shows. Close behind is Netflix’s limited series Adolescence, a gripping drama centered on a 13-year-old accused of murder. The newly introduced podcast category features popular titles such as Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, Call Her Daddy, Good Hang with Amy Poehler, and The Mel Robbins Podcast, signaling the Globes’ effort to recognize evolving forms of entertainment.
As Hollywood gathers for the ceremony, the Golden Globes once again serve as both a celebration of the past year’s standout performances and a bellwether for what may dominate the awards conversation in the months ahead.
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