2026 Golden Globes Nominations: Surprising Omissions and Noteworthy Nominees Revealed

The nominations for the 2026 Golden Globes, announced early in the morning by Marlon Wayans and Skye P. Marshall, have generated a mix of excitement and disappointment among fans and industry professionals. As the film and television community prepares for the ceremony on January 11, this year’s list reveals a combination of expected contenders and surprising omissions that have sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms.

Leading the nominations is the film One Battle After Another, which has garnered multiple nods. In contrast, Wicked: For Good received recognition for its music and performances by stars like Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, yet failed to secure a nomination for Best Picture. This absence has raised questions about the voters’ criteria.

Key highlights from the nominations

This year’s nominations cover 28 categories, including the newly introduced Best Podcast category, which has sparked debate among traditionalists. As filmmakers and actors gear up for the upcoming ceremony, the nominations have reinvigorated promotional campaigns, particularly for productions like The Studio from AppleTV, HBO’s The White Lotus, and the limited series Adolescence from Warner Bros.

Noteworthy surprises

Despite the buzz surrounding several films, some significant figures were absent from the nominations. Director Jon M. Chu faced disappointment for his work on Wicked: For Good, leaving fans and critics questioning the voters’ choices. Additionally, the omission of Kathryn Bigelow for her direction in House of Dynamite has been viewed as a notable oversight, given her previous accomplishments in the industry.

The nominations also highlighted the exclusion of prominent stars. Despite receiving seven nominations, Wunmi Mosaku‘s powerful performance in Sinners went unrecognized, prompting reflection on the voting process and potential biases that may have influenced these outcomes.

Controversial omissions and unexpected entries

The snubs extended beyond films to television shows. Joe Rogan‘s popular podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, was notably absent from the Best Podcast category, despite its substantial following. This absence has reignited discussions about the selection process and the criteria for acknowledgment in a rapidly changing media landscape.

Emerging talents and unexpected nominations

While several well-known names were overlooked, the nominations also included surprises that pleased fans. Jacob Elordi received double nominations for his performances in both Frankenstein and the Australian series The Narrow Road to the Deep North. Additionally, Eva Victor earned an unexpected nod for her role in Sorry, Baby, illustrating the unpredictability that often accompanies award nominations.

As the January ceremony approaches, anticipation builds not only for the outcomes but also for the discussions that these nominations will provoke. The event, hosted by Nikki Glaser, promises to be a highlight of the year, uniting the brightest stars and most celebrated productions.

The 2026 Golden Globes nominations have resonated with audiences, igniting debates about recognition, merit, and the evolving landscape of film and television. With a blend of expected and surprising nominations, the upcoming event is set to showcase talent and artistry in captivating ways.