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Arts & Culture
12 January 2026

One Battle After Another Dominates 2026 Golden Globes

Paul Thomas Anderson’s film and Maya Rudolph’s show of support highlight a night of historic wins, emotional speeches, and new honors at the Beverly Hilton.

The 83rd Golden Globe Awards, held on January 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, delivered a night of celebration, surprises, and stirring speeches as Hollywood’s brightest gathered to honor the year’s best in film, television, and, for the first time, podcasting. Airing live on CBS and streaming on Paramount+, the ceremony offered plenty of memorable moments both on stage and behind the scenes, marking a new chapter for the Globes with the introduction of a Best Podcast category and a slate of standout winners.

Leading the charge in the film categories was Paul Thomas Anderson’s "One Battle After Another," which swept four trophies, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actress for Teyana Taylor. According to CNN, the film follows a washed-up revolutionary, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio, on a desperate mission to save his daughter from nefarious government forces. Producer Sara Murphy, accepting the Best Comedy award alongside Anderson and the cast, called the experience “one of the most incredible filmmaking experiences,” adding, “Once in a lifetime.” Anderson himself, a perennial favorite at award shows, was effusive in his gratitude, stating, “I love doing what I do, so this is just fun.”

Anderson’s personal life also drew attention during the show. As reported by ABC News, Anderson was seen kissing his longtime partner, Maya Rudolph, after each win. Rudolph later told Town & Country that the couple, who share four children, first met at a "Saturday Night Live" after-party in 2001. “He said he saw me in a sketch and said, ‘That’s the girl I’m going to marry,’” Rudolph recalled. “But I don’t know. I wasn’t there. Maybe he just told me that to be sweet.”

"Hamnet," a historical drama about Shakespeare’s family directed by Chloé Zhao and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, took home the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama. During her acceptance speech, Zhao paid tribute to the film’s ensemble and those who had suffered loss during the production. “The village of ‘Hamnet’ made this film together,” she said. “Many — some of them lost their loved ones while making this film and some of them are still struggling, so we just want to say we’re thinking of you, we’re here because of you and we love you and miss you.” Zhao also shared a poignant reflection from Paul Mescal, who played Shakespeare: “He said that making ‘Hamnet’ made him realize that the most important thing of being an artist is learning to be vulnerable enough to allow ourself to be seen for who we are, not who we ought to be.”

Jessie Buckley won Best Actress in a Drama for her portrayal of Shakespeare’s grief-stricken wife in "Hamnet." In her speech, Buckley thanked the cast and crew, and paid homage to her fellow nominees, declaring, “The incredible women I am honored to stand beside in this category... you blow my mind. This is a real, real honor. I love what I do and I love being a part of this industry. Thank you.”

Another historic moment came when Wagner Moura, star of the Brazilian film "The Secret Agent," won Best Actor in a Drama, becoming the first Brazilian ever to win in this category. Moura, whose film also won Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language, used his acceptance to reflect on the movie’s themes: “'The Secret Agent' is a film about memory, or the lack of memory and generational trauma. I think that if trauma can be passed along generations, values can too. So this is to the ones that are sticking with their values in difficult moments.”

On the television side, Netflix’s British miniseries "Adolescence" swept four awards, including Best Limited Series and acting honors for Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham, and Erin Doherty. CNN described the show as a crime drama filmed in a single continuous shot, exploring themes of incel culture, smartphone use, and the complexities behind a shocking crime. Doherty, in her expletive-laced but heartfelt speech, thanked her castmates and dedicated the award to professional therapists, saying it was an honor to portray one.

"The Pitt," a medical drama set in a Pittsburgh trauma center, won Best TV Series – Drama and an acting award for Noah Wyle. Creator R. Scott Gemmill, in a lighthearted moment, quipped, “It takes a village to put on a show as you know. Or in my case, a village idiot,” before expressing gratitude to his creative team and cast.

Comedy got its due as well, with Seth Rogen’s "The Studio" winning Best TV Series – Musical or Comedy. Rogen, ever self-deprecating, took time to thank the crew, noting, “Truly without all of you this show would not be makeable, so thank you very much.” Jean Smart took home Best Actress in a TV Comedy for "Hacks," while Ricky Gervais won Best Stand-Up Comedy Performance on TV for "Ricky Gervais: Mortality."

Other notable wins included Timothée Chalamet for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy for his turn as a ping pong prodigy in "Marty Supreme," and Rose Byrne for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy for "If I Had Legs I’d Kick You." Chalamet said, “My dad instilled in me a spirit of gratitude growing up. Always be grateful for what you have. It’s allowed me to leave this ceremony in the past empty handed with my head held high, grateful just to be here. I’d be lying if I didn’t say those moments didn’t make this moment that much sweeter.”

Animation and music also found the spotlight. "KPop Demon Hunters" secured the Best Animated Motion Picture and Best Original Song for "Golden." Songwriter Kim Eun-jae (EJAE) dedicated her win to “people who’ve had their doors closed at them,” adding, “I can confidently say rejection is redirection. And so never give up and it’s never too late to shine like you were born to be.”

In a nod to the changing media landscape, the Globes introduced the Best Podcast category, with Amy Poehler’s "Good Hang with Amy Poehler" taking the inaugural prize. Poehler, in her acceptance, said, “This is an attempt to try to make a very rough and unkind world filled with a little bit more love and laughter. We’ve just had such a good time making it.”

The evening was not without its lighter moments, especially courtesy of host Nikki Glaser, who opened with jokes touching on everything from Hollywood’s age-old tropes to the realities of the entertainment business. As CNN noted, Glaser’s monologue and musical bits kept the crowd on its toes, even if occasionally out of tune.

With a blend of heartfelt gratitude, historic firsts, and a dash of irreverence, the 2026 Golden Globes reflected both the evolving nature of entertainment and the enduring spirit of artistic community. For one night, at least, Hollywood’s village came together to celebrate its own—and reminded viewers everywhere why these stories matter.