Hollywood royalty gathered for a historic evening as screen icon Helen Mirren received the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award. Her long-time friend and “1923” co-star, Harrison Ford, presented the honor at the inaugural Golden Eve celebration, delivering a heartfelt tribute that declared Mirren “more of a badass than a dame.” This special event, a prelude to the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, captivated audiences with its blend of star power, genuine emotion, and Mirren’s signature wit. Ford’s powerful words resonated, defining Mirren not just by her regal on-screen portrayals but by her formidable, authentic, and fearless spirit off-screen.
The Golden Eve ceremony marked a significant evolution for the Golden Globes, dedicated to celebrating lifetime achievements with the Cecil B. DeMille Award for film and the Carol Burnett Award for television. Held on January 6th at the Beverly Hilton and broadcast on January 8th, 2026, the event provided a unique platform to truly honor two of entertainment’s most impactful figures: Helen Mirren and Sarah Jessica Parker. This innovative format allowed for deeper personal stories and career retrospectives, setting a grand stage for the main awards show. The atmosphere was electric, filled with appreciative peers and industry legends celebrating the indelible mark Mirren has left on cinema and television worldwide.
Harrison Ford Unveils the “Badass” Behind the Dame
Harrison Ford, known for his own iconic roles, took the stage to present the Cecil B. DeMille Award to Helen Mirren. His words offered a profound insight into their friendship and Mirren’s true character. Ford began by stating that when he thinks of Mirren, the word “dame” doesn’t quite capture her essence. Instead, he championed her as a “badass.” He elaborated on this descriptor, painting a vivid picture of a woman who is raw, authentic, formidable, tough, and fearless.
Their shared experiences on the set of the hit “Yellowstone” prequel, “1923,” and decades prior in “The Mosquito Coast,” clearly forged a deep bond and understanding. Ford highlighted how Mirren’s powerful portrayals in these roles directly reflect her real-life persona. He emphasized that watching her “go full badass” on screen is nothing short of awesome. The audience, comprising Hollywood’s elite, erupted in applause, clearly agreeing with Ford’s heartfelt assessment of the acclaimed actress.
Helen Mirren’s Humorous & Heartfelt Acceptance
Dame Helen Mirren, ever gracious and witty, accepted her Cecil B. DeMille Award with characteristic charm. She immediately put her own humorous spin on the occasion, reflecting on her early Golden Globe wins. Mirren playfully recounted how the Globes had given her a “beautiful golden ball” for her 1997 win for Losing Chase, followed by another. This led to her becoming the “proud owner of two large balls,” a circumstance she cheekily noted “really helped” her career. The joke landed perfectly, highlighting her vibrant personality and ability to command a room with laughter.
Beyond the humor, Mirren delivered a deeply reflective speech. She preferred to view the prestigious award not as a “career recognition” or a “eulogy.” Instead, she saw it as an acknowledgment of “a life lived, a life survived, a life enjoyed, a life sweated, and a life carried on.” She expressed her hope that the award signaled an “ongoing reflection” of her career rather than a definitive end. This perspective underscored her enduring passion for her craft and her continuous journey as an artist.
The Legacy of the Cecil B. DeMille Award
The Cecil B. DeMille Award stands as one of the highest honors in the entertainment industry. Established in 1952 and named after its inaugural honoree, the iconic director, it celebrates individuals for their outstanding contributions to film and television. Helen Mirren is the 70th recipient of this esteemed accolade, joining a pantheon of Hollywood legends. Past honorees include Walt Disney, Audrey Hepburn, Sidney Poitier, Elizabeth Taylor, Robert Redford, Meryl Streep, and Tom Hanks, among many others.
Golden Globes President Helen Hoehne previously praised Mirren as “a force of nature,” noting her extraordinary career. Hoehne lauded Mirren’s “transcendent performances and commitment to her craft” for inspiring generations of artists and audiences worldwide. Viola Davis, last year’s DeMille recipient, offered a heartfelt tribute during the Golden Eve, recalling Mirren’s performance in “The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover” as a “door kicking in moment” that shaped her own acting aspirations. Davis asserted that Mirren’s art “comforted the disturbed and disturbed the comfortable,” a sentiment Mirren reciprocated by calling Davis her “ultimate goddess.”
Mirren’s Unparalleled Career Achievements
Helen Mirren’s career is a testament to her versatility and enduring talent. Her extensive list of accolades includes an Academy Award, four Emmy Awards, four BAFTAs, five Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Tony Award. The Cecil B. DeMille Award adds to her impressive collection of Golden Globes. From 18 career nominations, she previously won three Globes: Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for The Queen (2007), and two for Best Actress in a Limited Series for Losing Chase (1997) and Elizabeth I (2007).
Adding to her contemporary relevance, Mirren is also nominated for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series – Drama at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards for her work on MobLand. Her continued presence among top nominees showcases her unwavering impact and ability to consistently deliver powerful performances. The Golden Eve tribute, therefore, celebrated not just a past legacy, but a vibrant and ongoing career.
A Night of Dual Honors: Sarah Jessica Parker’s Carol Burnett Award
While Helen Mirren captivated with her Cecil B. DeMille acceptance, the Golden Eve also honored another trailblazing figure: Sarah Jessica Parker. Parker, celebrated for her iconic role as Carrie Bradshaw in “Sex and the City,” received the Carol Burnett Award for her outstanding contributions to television. Her husband, Matthew Broderick, presented the award, describing her as a “force to reckon with.” Burnett herself was in attendance, adding a special touch to the ceremony.
Parker’s speech revealed a deeply personal connection to Burnett, calling her a “north star” and “inspiration.” She humorously shared that Burnett’s role in the 1959 Broadway production of “Once Upon a Mattress” indirectly led to her parents meeting, and consequently, her own existence. Parker reflected on her 25 years with the “glorious ensemble of women and actors” from “Sex and the City” and “And Just Like That…,” cherishing every moment. Her co-stars, including Kristin Davis, were present to celebrate her, and Colman Domingo led a toast with Carrie Bradshaw’s signature pink Cosmo. The dual honors for Mirren and Parker underscored the Golden Eve’s commitment to recognizing profound career legacies across both film and television.
Looking Ahead to the Main Golden Globe Awards
The Golden Eve special served as an exciting precursor to the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards, often dubbed “Hollywood’s Party of the Year.” The main ceremony is scheduled to air live on Sunday, January 11th, 2026, from The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. Acclaimed comedian Nikki Glaser will host for her second consecutive year, following rave reviews for her performance in the 2025 event.
The 2026 Golden Globe Awards will continue its tradition of honoring excellence in film and television, with a new expansion into recognizing achievements in podcasting. Produced by the Emmy Award-winning team of Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner, the ceremony promises another night of glamour, unexpected moments, and celebrations of the year’s best in entertainment. Viewers can tune in on CBS and stream the event on Paramount+. Helen Mirren’s nomination for MobLand ensures her continued presence and adds an extra layer of anticipation for her fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Golden Eve” ceremony and why was it introduced?
The “Golden Eve” ceremony is a new annual prime-time special introduced by the Golden Globes to honor lifetime achievement awards separately from the main Golden Globe Awards ceremony. The inaugural event, held on January 6th and aired January 8th, 2026, celebrated Helen Mirren with the Cecil B. DeMille Award and Sarah Jessica Parker with the Carol Burnett Award. This new format allows for more in-depth tributes and personal stories, dedicating a special night to recognizing profound career legacies in film and television.
What is the significance of Helen Mirren receiving the Cecil B. DeMille Award?
Helen Mirren receiving the Cecil B. DeMille Award signifies a monumental recognition of her extraordinary, decades-long contributions to the entertainment industry. She is the 70th recipient of this prestigious honor, joining a list of legendary figures like Walt Disney and Meryl Streep. Her co-star Harrison Ford lauded her as a “badass,” reflecting her formidable screen presence and authentic real-life persona. The award acknowledges a “life lived, survived, enjoyed,” and an “ongoing reflection” of her career, rather than just a eulogy.
When and where can I watch the main 2026 Golden Globe Awards ceremony?
The main 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony is scheduled to air live on Sunday, January 11th, 2026. It will broadcast from The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. Viewers can watch the ceremony live on the CBS Television Network and also stream it in the U.S. via Paramount+. The event, hosted by Nikki Glaser, celebrates achievements across film, television, and now podcasting, kicking off Hollywood’s awards season.
In conclusion, the Golden Eve celebration beautifully set the stage for the 2026 Golden Globe Awards, shining a much-deserved spotlight on Helen Mirren’s incredible career. Harrison Ford’s candid “badass” tribute, coupled with Mirren’s humorous yet profound acceptance, encapsulated the spirit of a true Hollywood legend. Her enduring impact, both on and off-screen, continues to inspire, proving that a career built on authenticity and fearlessness leaves an indelible mark. As the awards season unfolds, Mirren’s legacy, still vibrant and active, reminds us of the power of genuine talent and an unwavering commitment to craft.
