The 83rd Golden Globes Awards nominations have officially set the stage for one of Hollywood’s most competitive awards seasons in years. While several major films performed as expected, others — including fan-favorite Wicked: For Good — experienced surprising setbacks. Meanwhile, indie powerhouse Neon achieved one of its strongest showings ever, reshaping the awards landscape in a year already marked by industry-wide uncertainty.
A Stunning Setback for ‘Wicked: For Good’
The Wicked sequel began nomination morning with considerable momentum. It scored:
- Two original song nominations
- Best Actress nods for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande
However, the film’s awards campaign took a major hit when it failed to score a nomination for Best Comedy or Musical — a category its predecessor secured easily the year before.
Critics were somewhat more divided on the sequel, but few predicted such a high-profile omission. In a year where musicals overall struggled, The Testament of Ann Lee also missed out in key categories, receiving only a nomination for Amanda Seyfried.
This marks one of the biggest narrative twists of this year’s awards race and raises questions about whether Wicked: For Good can regain momentum before the Oscars.
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Have the Golden Globes Become More Predictable?
After scandals surrounding the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the Golden Globes underwent reforms, adding a larger and more diverse voting body. This year’s nominations suggest the shift is taking effect.
Traditionally, the Globes were known for playful, sometimes bizarre nominations. But the 2026 slate leaned toward critical consensus:
- Sydney Sweeney, widely considered a frontrunner for Christy, was snubbed
- Rising indie creator Eva Victor earned a Best Actress nod for Sorry, Baby
Still, traces of classic Globe eccentricity remain. Cynthia Erivo’s acting nomination came even as Wicked: For Good was left out of her category’s film race entirely — an inconsistency the Globes are infamous for.
A Controversial Box-Office Category Strikes Again
The “cinematic and box office achievement” category continues to spark debate. Designed to highlight financially successful films, it again produced confusing selections:
- “Superman”, a major hit, was snubbed
- “Avatar: Fire and Ash” landed a nomination despite not being released
- Netflix’s animated breakout “KPop Demon Hunters” entered the race after only limited theatrical stunts
With Netflix attempting to acquire Warner Bros., some analysts believe this category may be quietly encouraging the streamer to embrace larger theatrical windows.
Richard Linklater Scores a Rare Double Nomination
In a move few predicted, acclaimed filmmaker Richard Linklater secured two nominations in the Best Comedy or Musical category:
- “Blue Moon”
- “Nouvelle Vague”
This Cannes-favorite and Linklater double-feature pushed Netflix’s “Jay Kelly” out of the category, even though its stars George Clooney and Adam Sandler earned individual nominations.
Double nominations for a director in the same category are rare — often referred to as “pulling a Soderbergh” — and give Linklater one of the season’s most compelling storylines.
Neon Becomes the Unexpected Titan of 2026
While major studios battled for dominance, Neon emerged as the biggest surprise, earning 21 nominations, including an astonishing five out of six international film slots.
The studio’s nominated titles include:
- “The Secret Agent”
- “Sentimental Value”
- “It Was Just an Accident”
Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet”, not a Neon release but an awards-season favorite, secured six nominations and stands among the leading drama contenders.
Meanwhile, Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just an Accident earned four nominations, even as Panahi faces imprisonment and travel restrictions — a stark reminder of the political challenges behind global cinema.
More details about Neon’s festival dominance can be found on Cannes Film Festival’s official site
Podcasters Enter the Globe Spotlight
For the first time, the Golden Globes introduced a Best Podcast category, reflecting the medium’s growing influence. Nominees range from celebrity-led shows (Armchair Expert, Call Her Daddy, Good Hang With Amy Poehler) to journalistic staples like NPR’s Up First.
These podcasters will join a star-studded nominee roster, including Timothée Chalamet, Jennifer Lawrence, Julia Roberts, Jeremy Allen White, Emma Stone, and Ethan Hawke.
Netflix–Warner Bros. Merger Dominates Industry Conversation
Netflix led all studios with 35 nominations, while Warner Bros. followed with 31, bolstered by HBO Max’s The White Lotus.
But behind the glamour lies tension:
- Netflix’s $72 billion acquisition bid for Warner Bros. has raised alarms
- Theaters call the deal “an unprecedented threat”
- President Donald Trump warned the merger “could be a problem”
- Paramount launched a hostile bid to counter the takeover
This corporate conflict could reshape Hollywood’s future and influence awards voting in unpredictable ways.
Ceremony Preview: What to Expect on January 11, 2026
The 2026 Golden Globes will be hosted once again by Nikki Glaser, whose debut last year received positive reviews. Ratings are expected to remain stable as the show returns on CBS and Paramount+.
Special honors include:
- Helen Mirren — Cecil B. DeMille Award
- Sarah Jessica Parker — Carol Burnett Award
With industry upheaval, studio rivalries, and unexpected snubs dominating the conversation, the 2026 ceremony promises to be one of the most-watched in years.
