The lights of the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles shone with a particular brilliance on the evening of January 11, as the 83rd annual Golden Globe Awards unfolded in a spectacular display of creative mastery. This year’s ceremony, a cornerstone of the Hollywood awards season, was defined by a series of high-stakes "battles" between the industry’s most formidable talents, ultimately culminating in a night that celebrated both the enduring legacies of veterans and the meteoric rise of new icons. Hosted for the second consecutive year by the sharp-witted Nikki Glaser, the event served as a definitive barometer for the year’s most critically acclaimed achievements in film, television, and digital media.
The narrative of the night was largely dictated by two powerhouse productions that dominated their respective fields. In the realm of cinema, Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another emerged as the undisputed heavyweight, securing a staggering four awards. Anderson, long revered for his meticulous craftsmanship, took home the trophies for both Best Director and Best Screenplay, further cementing his status as one of the most influential auteurs of his generation. The film’s success was mirrored on the television side by the limited series Adolescence, which also swept four categories, proving that the appetite for complex, long-form storytelling remains at an all-time high.
Among the evening’s most anticipated moments was the crowning of Timothée Chalamet as Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for his performance in Marty Supreme. Chalamet’s victory was no small feat, considering the legendary roster of performers he was up against. The category was a true "clash of the titans," featuring George Clooney for Jay Kelly, Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle After Another, Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon, Lee Byung-Hun for No Other Choice, and Jesse Plemons for Bugonia. Chalamet’s win signals a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his versatility and ability to command the screen amidst a field of seasoned veterans.
The emotional heart of the ceremony, however, belonged to Teyana Taylor. Taking home the first major award of the night, Taylor won Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in One Battle After Another. Her win was a hard-fought victory against a formidable group of nominees, including Emily Blunt (The Smashing Machine), Elle Fanning (Sentimental Value), Ariana Grande (Wicked: For Good), Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas (Sentimental Value), and Amy Madigan (Weapons).
Taylor’s acceptance speech was a masterclass in raw vulnerability. Visibly moved to tears, she admitted to the audience that she had been too nervous to even prepare a speech, fearing she wouldn’t be called to the stage. In a moment that resonated deeply with parents everywhere, she took a moment to address her daughters, Junie Tayla, 10, and Rue Rose, 5, whom she shares with ex-husband Iman Shumpert. "Oh my babies, my babies are upstairs watching," she exclaimed. "Y’all better be off them damn phones and watching me right now." Her candidness provided a refreshing contrast to the often-staged nature of awards ceremonies, reminding the audience of the personal sacrifices and dedication behind every professional triumph.
The night also saw the continued ascent of Stellan Skarsgård, who added another Golden Globe to his collection. Winning Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for his work in Sentimental Value, Skarsgård bested a list of nominees that included Benicio del Toro, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal, Sean Penn, and Adam Sandler. This victory follows his 2021 win for Chernobyl, further validating his reputation as one of the most reliable and transformative actors in the industry today.
In the television categories, the 2026 Golden Globes highlighted the evolving landscape of small-screen entertainment. Noah Wyle was honored as Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama for his role in The Pitt, while Rhea Seehorn took home the trophy for Best Female Actor in a Television Series – Drama for Pluribus. The comedy side of the television slate was equally competitive. Jean Smart, a perennial favorite, made history by securing her third Golden Globe for Best Female Actor in a Television Musical or Comedy for her lead role in Hacks.
Smart’s acceptance speech was a highlight of the telecast, blending her trademark wit with genuine gratitude. "What can I say? I’m a greedy b—h," she joked, drawing thunderous laughter from the room. On a more serious note, she acknowledged the collaborative effort that makes Hacks a success, praising her showrunners, cast, and specifically her co-star Hannah Einbinder. "I’m one of the luckiest people in—not this room—this entire business, and it does not go unappreciated," Smart added, emphasizing the rare synergy found on her set.
A unique and modern addition to the ceremony was the Best Podcast category, which provided a surprising bit of domestic drama. Amy Poehler’s Good Hang With Amy Poehler took home the prize, beating out Smartless, the popular podcast hosted by her ex-husband Will Arnett alongside Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes. Despite the potential for awkwardness, Arnett handled the loss with grace and humor. He later shared that he had actually bet his friend John Krasinski that Poehler would win, proving that there is no lingering bitterness between the former couple, only a shared appreciation for creative success.
The 2026 ceremony also paused to honor the lifetime achievements of two women who have shaped the industry for decades. Helen Mirren was presented with the Cecil B. DeMille Award, a prestigious honor recognizing her extraordinary contributions to the world of film. Mirren’s career, spanning from the stage to blockbuster cinema, has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a refusal to be pigeonholed. Simultaneously, Sarah Jessica Parker received the Carol Burnett Award for her lifetime achievement in television. Parker’s influence, particularly through her iconic role in Sex and the City and its subsequent iterations, has redefined the portrayal of female friendship and ambition on screen.
As the night progressed, other significant wins were announced across various genres. In the "Best Cinematic and Box Office Achievement" category, the thriller Sinners emerged victorious, beating out heavy hitters like Zootopia 2, Wicked: For Good, and Avatar: Fire and Ash. This award, which recognizes films that successfully bridge the gap between critical acclaim and commercial success, underscored the cultural impact of Sinners over the past year.
The animated and international film categories also saw exciting developments. KPop Demon Hunters took home the award for Best Animated Motion Picture, while also winning Best Original Song for the track "Golden." In the category of Best Non-English Language Motion Picture, The Secret Agent claimed the top prize, highlighting the increasingly global nature of the film industry and the Golden Globes’ commitment to honoring stories from around the world.
In the acting categories for Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Television Motion Pictures, the competition was fierce. Stephen Graham won Best Male Actor for Adolescence, while Michelle Williams took home the award for Best Female Actor for her performance in Dying for Sex. The supporting categories in television were dominated by the cast of Adolescence, with Erin Doherty and Owen Cooper both securing wins, further validating the show’s dominance throughout the night.
Other notable film wins included Jessie Buckley for Best Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for Hamnet, and Wagner Moura for Best Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for The Secret Agent. Rose Byrne was honored as Best Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You, adding a touch of whimsy to the evening’s list of winners.
The 83rd Golden Globe Awards concluded as a night of both tradition and transition. By honoring established legends like Mirren and Parker alongside rising stars like Chalamet and Taylor, the ceremony reflected a Hollywood that is constantly evolving while remaining deeply rooted in its history of storytelling excellence. As the stars filed out of the Beverly Hilton and into the cool Los Angeles night, the 2026 Golden Globes left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape, setting the stage for the remainder of a historic awards season.
