The 2026 Golden Globes are set to kick off the awards season this upcoming Sunday, with significant buzz surrounding the nominees and potential upsets. The event marks a pivotal moment in the film industry, where performances and films that excelled over the past year will vie for recognition. With an impressive array of productions released in the last twelve months, the competition is fierce.
Several films have emerged as frontrunners. Blockbusters like Sinners and One Battle After Another have garnered widespread support from audiences and critics alike. Emotional dramas such as Hamnet and international features like It Was Just an Accident add further complexity to the landscape. As the awards approach, many are left wondering if this will mark the ascent of stars like Jessie Buckley and Timothée Chalamet toward their first Academy Award nominations.
Best Motion Picture – Drama
The Best Motion Picture – Drama category is particularly competitive, featuring a blend of international films and critically acclaimed productions. While some believe that the moment for Frankenstein has passed, Jacob Elordi surprised many with a win at the Critics’ Choice Awards for his portrayal of the creature. Films like Sentimental Value and The Secret Agent also bring unique perspectives to this category.
Amidst the emotional storytelling of Hamnet, adapted from a best-selling novel about Shakespeare’s grief, there is a strong sentiment for Sinners and One Battle After Another, both of which have maintained a loyal fanbase. With critical acclaim and public enthusiasm, many are rooting for Sinners to claim a significant award this year.
**Prediction:** Sinners
**Dark Horse:** Hamnet
Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
In the Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy category, director Richard Linklater has two nominations this year with Nouvelle Vague and Blue Moon. As the competition heats up, Yorgos Lanthimos’s quirky Bugonia has also emerged as a potential winner. Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice has received much admiration, but the battle seems to be narrowing down to two films.
One Battle After Another recently triumphed at the Critics’ Choice Awards, yet Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme has shown that underdogs can often surprise. With its ambitious storytelling, this film could shake up the competition.
**Prediction:** One Battle After Another
**Dark Horse:** Marty Supreme
The Best Director category features prominent filmmakers, including Chloé Zhao for Hamnet and Ryan Coogler for Sinners. Paul Thomas Anderson has been recognized for his work on One Battle After Another, while Guillermo del Toro is acknowledged for finally bringing Frankenstein to the screen after decades of dreaming. Jafar Panahi, who won the Palme d’Or for It Was Just an Accident, has also garnered attention following his recent sentencing in Iran.
This year could mark a significant moment for Anderson, who has faced a long awards season journey without major wins. Yet, Coogler’s impactful contributions to cinema may give him an edge.
**Prediction:** Paul Thomas Anderson
**Dark Horse:** Ryan Coogler
The competition continues in the acting categories, where the Best Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama features seasoned talent. With twelve actresses in contention, newcomers like Tessa Thompson in Hedda and Eva Victor in Sorry, Baby are making their mark. Jennifer Lawrence also stands out for her raw performance in Die My Love, while Julia Roberts seeks recognition for her work in After the Hunt.
Yet, all eyes are on Jessie Buckley, whose emotional depth as Agnes, the wife of William Shakespeare, could lead her to victory.
**Prediction:** Jessie Buckley
**Dark Horse:** Jennifer Lawrence
In the Best Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama category, performances by Michael B. Jordan in Sinners and Joel Edgerton in Train Dreams are generating buzz. While Jeremy Allen White and Dwayne Johnson have strong performances in their respective films, the category appears to be a showdown between Jordan and Edgerton, with the former having a notable opportunity for recognition this year.
**Prediction:** Michael B. Jordan
**Dark Horse:** Joel Edgerton
As the awards season unfolds, the Golden Globes promise to be an exciting showcase of talent and storytelling. With numerous strong contenders and potential dark horses, the event may deliver unexpected outcomes that keep audiences engaged. As always, the anticipation surrounding these awards fuels discussions about artistry and performance in the film industry.
