The State of the Oscar Race, According to the 2026 Golden Globes

When the 2026 Golden Globes opened its doors, the Hollywood landscape felt a palpable buzz. From the opening ceremony to the final award acceptance, the event showcased a blend of classic glamour and modern storytelling, setting the stage for the Oscars on March 15. In this post, we break down the highlights, the big winners, the supporting actors, and how everything ties into the larger Oscar race.

Jessie Buckley’s Triumph: A Warm Welcome to the Golden Globes

Jessie Buckley captured the audience’s attention early on, delivering a heartfelt acceptance speech that echoed her enthusiasm for the role of Agnes in Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet. The British star’s charisma, combined with her genuine gratitude, made the ceremony feel personal and intimate.

• Best Female Actor (Drama) – Jessie Buckley (Hamnet)
• Gratitude for the crew: “It was delicious,” she thanked Tomasz Sternicki, the grip on set.
• She closed her speech with, “I love what I do, and I love being part of this industry.”

Key Takeaways from Buckley’s Speech

• Her remarks highlighted the collaborative nature of filmmaking.

• She emphasized the importance of storytelling in connecting with audiences.

• Her success indicates a strong presence for the upcoming Oscars.

The Golden Globes: A Launchpad for Oscar Season

The 2026 ceremony was structured into two distinct categories: musical/comedy and drama. This split, while traditional, offers a clear roadmap for the awards season, allowing actors and directors to focus on their respective genres.

Streamlined Categories

• Musical/Comedy: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Female Actor.
• Drama: Best Picture, Best Female Actor, Best Male Actor, Best Supporting Male Actor.

Why the Globes Matter for the Oscars

The Golden Globes often serve as a barometer for the Oscars, providing insight into which films and performers are gaining momentum. A strong showing at the Globes can translate into increased visibility and a higher chance of Oscar nominations.

The Big Winners: Hamnet and One Battle After Another

Hamnet – A Deep Dive into Grief and Art

Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet captured the hearts of both audiences and critics. The film’s emotional depth and compelling narrative earned it the Best Picture (Drama) prize, an unexpected but well-deserved win.

• Director: Chloé Zhao
• Lead Actress: Jessie Buckley (Agnes)
• Supporting Cast: Tomasz Sternicki (Grip), others

What Made Hamnet Stand Out

• A powerful, deeply felt study of grief.

• A unique perspective on Shakespeare’s world.

• A cohesive blend of storytelling and visual artistry.

One Battle After Another – A Semi-Comedic Epic

Paul Thomas Anderson’s adaptation of a Thomas Pynchon novel, One Battle After Another, emerged as a major contender for the Oscars. Anderson’s film captured the imagination of audiences with its blend of humor and drama, earning multiple awards.

• Best Picture (Musical/Comedy)
• Best Director – Paul Thomas Anderson
• Best Screenplay – Anderson
• Best Supporting Female Actor – Teyana Taylor (DiCaprio’s revolutionary lover)

Key Highlights

• A semi-comic epic that balances humor with drama.

• An ensemble cast that delivers powerful performances.

• A visual style that sets a new standard for the Oscars.

Supporting Actors: The Oscars’ Hidden Gems

The 2026 Golden Globes also honored several supporting actors whose performances were crucial to the success of their films. These actors are now poised for Oscar consideration.

• Best Male Actor (Musical/Comedy) – Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme)
• Best Supporting Female Actor (Musical/Comedy) – Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another)
• Best Supporting Male Actor (Drama) – Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent)
• Best Supporting Male Actor (Drama) – Stellan Skarsgård (Sentimental Value)

Why These Performances Matter

• They bring depth to the narrative.

• Their success at the Globes often translates into Oscar nominations.

• They help shape the overall tone of the awards season.

The Red Carpet & the Visuals: A Look at the 2026 Golden Globes

Visuals are hortically important at the Globes. The red carpet showcased the best in fashion and style, and the ceremony was shot in high definition, allowing fans to enjoy the event from afar.

See the full gallery Read More.

Conclusion: The Golden Globes as a Predictor for the Oscars

The 2026 Golden Globes served as a clear indicator of which films and performers are gaining traction in Hollywood. From Jessie Buckley’s emotional win to Paul Thomas Anderson’s multi‑category triumph, the ceremony provided a roadmap for the Oscars on March 15.

As the awards season unfolds, we’ll see how these wins influence the Oscar race. The Globes, while not the only factor, remain a powerful tool for predicting which films will dominate the Oscars. Stay tuned for updates, and keep an eye on the 2026 Globes as a key milestone in the journey to the Oscars.

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