Hollywood’s most anticipated night, the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards, officially kicked off the 2026 awards season with a blend of glitz, unexpected moments, and significant wins. Held at the iconic Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, the ceremony saw comedian Nikki Glaser return as host for a second consecutive year, bringing her distinctive brand of humor to the star-studded event. This year’s Golden Globes 2026 offered a deep dive into the best of film and television, coupled with a red carpet that delivered both timeless elegance and bold fashion statements.
While the broadcast aimed to celebrate excellence, it also garnered mixed reviews, with some viewers and even attendees finding elements “cringe” or “boring.” Despite these criticisms, the evening undeniably set the tone for the upcoming awards circuit, highlighting critical achievements and sparking conversations that stretched far beyond the stage. From groundbreaking wins to powerful social commentary, here’s a complete look at everything that made the 2026 Golden Globes unforgettable.
Unveiling the Victors: Film and Television’s Top Honors
The heart of any awards ceremony lies in its winners, and the Golden Globes 2026 did not disappoint, recognizing a diverse array of talent and storytelling. This year’s top film honors were fiercely contested, with two productions ultimately dominating. Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, secured the Golden Globe for Best Picture, Musical or Comedy. This powerful film also earned Anderson the Best Director and Best Screenplay awards, marking a significant night for its creators. Meanwhile, “Hamnet” captivated critics, taking home the coveted Golden Globe for Best Picture, Drama.
Both “One Battle After Another” and the television series “Adolescence” emerged as the evening’s biggest overall winners, each proudly claiming four awards. Several other productions celebrated multiple victories, including Apple TV’s “The Studio,” HBO’s “The Pitt,” “KPop Demon Hunters,” “Sinners,” and “The Secret Agent,” each earning two wins.
Stellar Performances: Individual Acting Triumphs
Individual acting categories celebrated powerhouse performances across both film and television. In the drama film categories, Wagner Moura was honored as Best Male Actor for his compelling role in “The Secret Agent.” Jessie Buckley earned Best Female Actor for her captivating performance in “Hamnet.” For musical or comedy films, Rose Byrne won Best Female Actor for “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” while Timothée Chalamet received Best Male Actor for his work in “Marty Supreme.”
On the television side, “Adolescence” saw Erin Doherty clinch Best Female Supporting Actor. Rhea Seehorn was recognized as Best Female Actor in a Television Drama for “Pluribus.” Teyana Taylor took home Best Supporting Female Actor in a Motion Picture for “One Battle After Another.” The night also introduced a new award for Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television, which was notably awarded to Ricky Gervais for “Mortality,” with Wanda Sykes accepting on his behalf.
Groundbreaking Achievements and New Horizons
Beyond the major categories, the 83rd Golden Globes 2026 acknowledged a broad spectrum of cinematic artistry. Brazil’s “The Secret Agent” earned Best Non-English Language Motion Picture, while “KPop Demon Hunters” was celebrated as Best Animated Motion Picture. A significant new development this year was the introduction of a podcasting category. Amy Poehler made history by winning the inaugural award for her podcast, “Good Hang With Amy Poehler,” expressing genuine excitement for the recognition of the medium. Owen Cooper also made headlines as the youngest male actor to ever win an Emmy for his role in “Adolescence,” further highlighting the series’ impressive run.
Red Carpet Revelations: Fashion, Beauty, and Viral Moments
The Golden Globes 2026 red carpet was, as always, a spectacular display of creativity, glamour, and personal style. Esteemed fashion and beauty expert Danielle Jackson noted a vibrant mix of classic elegance and emerging trends, cementing the event’s status as a premier showcase for celebrity outfits.
Dominant Hair Trends
Hairstyles commanded significant attention. The “sleek, flippy hydro bob” and chin-length bob continued their reign, seen on stars like Jeannie Mai, Natasha Rothwell, and Ayo Edebiri. However, the pixie cut, sported by Sabrina Dhowre Elba and Teyana Taylor, signaled its strong return, often styled with mini curls. Old Hollywood glamour, featuring bombshell curls and deep side parts, remained a timeless favorite for Maura Higgins, Selena Gomez, and Hailee Steinfeld. Bangs, both blunt and piecey, also made a noticeable comeback. Furthermore, protective styles and natural textures were celebrated, with Wunmi Mosaku’s sculptural faux locs and Zoë Kravitz’s micro braids drawing praise.
Makeup and Manicure Statements
Makeup looks ranged from bold to subtly chic. Amanda Kloots and Teyana Taylor embraced bold eye makeup with sultry winged eyeliner. Miley Cyrus opted for a classic smokey eye. Audrey Nuna pushed boundaries with bold brows and a striking black lip. The ’90s supermodel lip trend made a strong appearance, along with deep red lipstick choices. Manicures showcased individuality, from Brittany Snow’s unconventional milky white nails to Olandria Carthen’s French manicure with 3D chrome tips.
Memorable Red Carpet Moments
Beyond the fashion, the Golden Globes 2026 red carpet generated several buzz-worthy incidents. Six-year-old Duke McCloud, star of “All Her Fault,” charmed everyone with his tailored blue suit and signature “6 7” hand gesture. Actor Bobby Cannavale notably skipped the awards, with his wife Rose Byrne humorously revealing he was at a reptile expo to acquire a bearded dragon for their sons. Backstage, Noah Wyle and George Clooney shared a “lovely reunion,” reminiscing about their “ER” days, a moment brought on by their show “The Pitt.” Unfortunately, a minor fire also broke out backstage in the press room, quickly contained after a catering accident. Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet’s public displays of affection also captivated fans and social media.
Beyond the Glamour: Social Statements and Industry Shifts
The 83rd Golden Globe Awards served as more than just a celebration of entertainment; it also became a platform for social commentary and offered a glimpse into the evolving entertainment industry. Many celebrities, including Mark Ruffalo and Jean Smart, wore “BE GOOD” anti-ICE pins, honoring victims of ICE violence and reflecting Hollywood’s long-standing tradition of advocating for justice. Wagner Moura also publicly affirmed his commitment to making political art, even at personal cost.
The ceremony brought attention to the plight of Iranian director Jafar Panahi, a political prisoner, whose nominated film “It Was Just an Accident” resonated deeply. Director Kaouther Ben Hania also spoke passionately about her film “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” which told the tragic story of a 5-year-old Palestinian girl killed by Israeli forces.
Behind the scenes, the legal status of the Golden Globes remained uncertain, pending final approval for its transition from a nonprofit to a for-profit entity. The ongoing studio consolidation battle for Warner Bros. Discovery assets was also an “elephant in the ballroom,” yet Warner Bros. Pictures and HBO Max still garnered strong nominations. Logistical challenges due to massive construction near the Beverly Hilton created a unique red carpet entrance, featuring a “golden ascent” staircase. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa curated the Japanese-Peruvian fusion menu, enhancing the luxury experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the biggest winners at the 2026 Golden Globes?
The 83rd Golden Globe Awards saw “One Battle After Another” (Best Picture, Musical or Comedy) and “Hamnet” (Best Picture, Drama) take top film honors. Both “One Battle After Another” and the television series “Adolescence” were the biggest overall winners, each securing four awards. Other significant winners included “The Studio” (Best Musical or Comedy Series), “The Pitt” (Best Drama Series), and “The Secret Agent” (Best Non-English Language Motion Picture). Amy Poehler also made history winning the inaugural Best Podcast award for “Good Hang With Amy Poehler.”
Who hosted the 83rd Golden Globes and where was it held?
The 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards was hosted for the second consecutive year by comedian Nikki Glaser. The prestigious event took place at its traditional venue, the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. The ceremony officially launched the 2026 awards season, with red carpet coverage preceding the main broadcast on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
What were the key fashion and beauty trends on the 2026 Golden Globes red carpet?
The Golden Globes 2026 red carpet showcased several prominent fashion and beauty trends. Hair trends included the continued popularity of sleek bobs and chin-length cuts, a strong comeback for the pixie cut, and a resurgence of Old Hollywood glamour with bombshell curls. Bangs, natural textures, and elaborate protective styles also made a statement. In makeup, bold eyes with winged eyeliner, the ’90s supermodel lip, and deep red lipsticks were notable. Manicures featured creative designs like 3D chrome tips and unconventional milky white hues, highlighting individuality and daring style choices.
The Golden Globes 2026 delivered a night of both dazzling spectacle and profound statements. From Paul Thomas Anderson’s big wins to the bold red carpet fashion, and the critical discussions around social issues and industry shifts, the event successfully ignited the awards season. While some moments sparked controversy, the commitment to celebrating artistic achievement and providing a platform for important conversations remained central. The legacy of these awards, both glamorous and complex, continues to shape the entertainment landscape.
