The countdown to the 2026 Golden Globes is officially on, with the ceremony scheduled for January 7, 2026. This year’s awards season promises to be filled with fierce competition and potential upsets, as a wide array of films and performances vie for recognition. The past 12 months have seen a remarkable selection of movies, from the blockbuster hits like Sinners and One Battle After Another to poignant dramas such as Hamnet and Train Dreams.
With nominations expected to highlight both established favorites and surprise contenders, industry experts are weighing in on what to anticipate and which films may disrupt the conventional wisdom surrounding this year’s awards.
Best Motion Picture – Drama
The drama category is particularly competitive, with two standout films, Sinners and One Battle After Another, generating buzz since their respective releases. Both have garnered substantial support from audiences and critics alike. The emotional pull of Hamnet, an adaptation of a best-selling novel about Shakespeare’s grief, adds another layer of complexity to this category.
While it may be challenging for Frankenstein to make a lasting impression, the surprise win by Jacob Elordi at the Critics’ Choice Awards could indicate a shift in momentum. The international entries, including Sentimental Value and It Was Just an Accident, also bring unique perspectives to this category.
Prediction: Sinners
Dark Horse: Hamnet
Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
Similarly, the musical or comedy category showcases a remarkable array of films. Director Richard Linklater has a double shot at recognition with Nouvelle Vague and Blue Moon. Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice has also been warmly received, yet the primary contenders appear to be One Battle After Another, which snagged a win at the Critics’ Choice Awards, and Marty Supreme, directed by Josh Safdie.
These films exemplify the spirit of the awards season, where underdogs often emerge as formidable challengers.
Prediction: One Battle After Another
Dark Horse: Marty Supreme
Best Director and Acting Categories
In the Best Director category, the focus shifts to filmmakers behind the frontrunners. Chloé Zhao for Hamnet, Ryan Coogler for Sinners, and Paul Thomas Anderson for One Battle After Another are generating substantial buzz. Guillermo del Toro is also recognized for his long-cherished project, Frankenstein.
Yet, the spotlight may ultimately fall on Anderson, who has long awaited a significant win. Meanwhile, Coogler’s growing influence in cinema places him in a strong position as well.
Prediction: Paul Thomas Anderson
Dark Horse: Ryan Coogler
In the Best Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama category, Jessie Buckley stands out as a favorite for her powerful performance in Hamnet. The competition is fierce, with notable performances from Julia Roberts in After the Hunt and Jennifer Lawrence in Die My Love. Given the acclaim surrounding Buckley’s role, she appears poised for a win.
Prediction: Jessie Buckley
Dark Horse: Jennifer Lawrence
The Best Male Actor category presents a similar dynamic. Michael B. Jordan is a strong contender for his dual role in Sinners, while Joel Edgerton could disrupt expectations with his nuanced portrayal in Train Dreams.
Prediction: Michael B. Jordan
Dark Horse: Joel Edgerton
In the musical or comedy acting categories, Rose Byrne is generating significant buzz for her role in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. Meanwhile, Kate Hudson is seen as a sentimental favorite for her performance in Song Sung Blue.
Prediction: Rose Byrne
Dark Horse: Kate Hudson
As the Golden Globes approach, the anticipation surrounding the nominated films and performances is palpable. With a mix of established talent and emerging voices, this year’s awards promise to celebrate a diverse range of cinematic achievements. The final outcomes will reflect not only artistic merit but also the evolving landscape of the film industry.
