Golden Globes 2026 Film Nomination Preview: What’s Rising in Awards Season Buzz

As the days grow shorter and the big holiday film releases appear on the horizon, you can feel a distinct shift in the cinematic air. It’s the time of year when conversations turn from summer blockbusters to the films that will likely be vying for nominations. You start to build your own list of favorites, hoping they get the recognition they deserve. It’s a season of debate, discovery, and passionate defense of the year’s best cinema.

The upcoming Golden Globes, a key indicator of the awards landscape, is already generating considerable discussion. With major film festivals like Venice, Toronto, and Telluride having showcased their premier selections, a clearer picture is forming of the movies and performances you’ll be hearing about for months to come.

The Heavy-Hitting Dramas

You’ll find that the drama categories are shaping up to be intensely competitive this year. Several films have emerged from the festival circuit with the kind of critical acclaim that voters notice. Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet is a name you will see frequently. Following its rapturous reception at both the Telluride and Toronto film festivals, where it won the prestigious People’s Choice Award, the film is a formidable presence. Jessie Buckley’s performance in the lead role is being hailed as a potential lock for a nomination, with many critics calling her the standout.

Another powerhouse you should keep an eye on is Ryan Coogler’s vampire thriller, Sinners. Not only has it demonstrated significant box office strength, but its compelling story and direction are positioning it as a major contender across multiple categories. The film is expected to be in the conversation for Best Picture, and Coogler is a strong candidate for a Best Director nod. For acting, Michael B. Jordan is a name being floated for his role in the film.

You also have Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest, One Battle After Another, which is entering the race with high expectations. With a cast led by Leonardo DiCaprio, the film’s blend of action, humor, and family dynamics could have broad appeal. Similarly, Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value earned the Grand Prize at Cannes, signaling its artistic merit and potential to capture the attention of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Other dramatic films making waves include the sci-fi epic Avatar: Fire and Ash from James Cameron and Guillermo del Toro’s take on Frankenstein.

Musicals and Comedies in the Mix

The Golden Globes’ unique split between Drama and Musical/Comedy categories means a whole different slate of films gets its chance to shine. This year, the much-anticipated second part of the Wicked adaptation, Wicked: For Good, is poised to make a significant impact. You can expect to see Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in the running for acting nominations for their roles. Director Jon M. Chu may also be recognized for his work across both films.

Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone are teaming up again for Bugonia, and if their past collaborations are any indication, you should anticipate a unique and talked-about film. Stone is a likely contender in the Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy category. Another film generating early positive whispers is Marty Supreme, which could find a comfortable spot in the comedy nominations.

Performances to Watch

Beyond the films themselves, individual performances are what often create the most excitement. For Best Actress, the field is already looking crowded. Alongside Jessie Buckley for Hamnet and Emma Stone for Bugonia, you have Renate Reinsve for Sentimental Value and Jennifer Lawrence for Die, My Love. Amy Adams in At the Sea and Julia Roberts in After the Hunt are also in the mix, though the reception for the latter has been more muted.

For Best Actor, the competition is just as fierce. You’ll likely see Jeremy Allen White for his role in the Bruce Springsteen-focused film Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere. Dwayne Johnson is also garnering attention for his transformative role in The Smashing Machine, a project that could showcase a different side of the global superstar. Wagner Moura is another name to watch for his work in The Secret Agent.

While it is still early, the road to the Golden Globes is already paved with strong contenders. The coming months will see studios launch their campaigns and more critics weigh in, potentially shifting the landscape. As you head to the theaters this holiday season, you’ll be watching the very films and performances that will soon be celebrated as the best of the year. The nominations are just around the corner, and the race is officially on.