The 2026 awards season officially commenced in spectacular fashion on Sunday, 11 January, as the Golden Globe Awards returned to the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills. The night was a blend of high fashion, cinematic celebration, and pivotal wins that set the stage for the upcoming Oscars in March.
Red Carpet Arrivals and Host Returns
As champagne awaited the victors, the red carpet was a parade of Hollywood's elite. Host Nikki Glaser presided over the evening, welcoming A-list attendees including Timothée Chalamet (accompanied by Kylie Jenner), Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B. Jordan, and Jennifer Lawrence. The event's glitz and glamour provided the perfect opening chapter for this year's awards narrative.
Major Winners and Oscar Frontrunners Emerge
The ceremony delivered several historic and significant victories. Paul Thomas Anderson secured his first-ever Golden Globe awards, winning both Best Director and Best Screenplay. His critically acclaimed film, hailed as a "ferocious masterpiece" by The Independent, is now considered a clear frontrunner for the Academy Awards.
In the acting categories, Timothée Chalamet, aged 30, claimed the prize for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy for his role in 'Marty Supreme'. This win boosts his prospects for the Oscars, where he could become the second youngest Best Actor winner in history if successful.
The penultimate award for Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy) went to 'One Battle After Another'. Meanwhile, the final prize of the night, Best Motion Picture (Drama), was awarded to 'Hamnet', directed by Chloé Zhao. The film's star, Jessie Buckley, also triumphed, taking home the award for Best Actress (Drama).
Setting the Stage for the Oscars
The 2026 Golden Globes have decisively shaped the early landscape of awards season. With Paul Thomas Anderson's film gaining immense momentum and key performances being recognised, all eyes now turn towards the Academy Awards in March. The victories for Chalamet and Buckley further solidify their positions as strong contenders in what promises to be a highly competitive season.
