Hollywood rolled out in all its glory on January 11 for the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards, a night where the red carpet sparkled as much as the trophies themselves. From daring fashion choices to unforgettable speeches, the Globe delivered drama, laughter, and a few surprises.
Nikki Glaser Commands the Stage
If the Golden Globes are the ultimate showcase of Hollywood excess and talent, Nikki Glaser was the perfect guide. Hosting for the fifth time, Glaser’s monologue walked a razor-thin line: edgy but not cruel, funny but not flippant. She skewered celebrities, poked fun at the industry, and managed to do it all with style and control.
Her opening lines set the tone: “Welcome to the Golden Globes, undoubtedly the most important event happening in the world right now.” From playful jabs at George Clooney’s Nespresso commercials to Leonardo DiCaprio’s dating history (“All of this before your girlfriend turned 30!”), Glaser’s ten-minute monologue was a master class in timing and precision.
By the end, it was clear: Glaser didn’t just host the Globes; she owned them, keeping the night lively while celebrating the absurdity of awards-season grandeur.
Be Good
This year’s audiences probably expected more soapbox speeches, rallies, or demonstrations acknowledging the world’s ongoing crises. The lone visible symbol was the “Be Good” pin worn by many attendees in memory of anti‑ICE activist Renee Nicole Good. Beyond that, the vibe stayed light, and the players onstage mostly stayed focused on celebration rather than commentary
Big Wins and Surprises
One Battle After Another dominated the film awards, taking home Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy. Producer Sara Murphy praised the cast and crew, from Leonardo DiCaprio to Sean Penn and Benicio del Toro, calling it “an embarrassment of riches and talent.” The film also earned Teyana Taylor a Best Supporting Actress win, her moment punctuated by a radiant speech honouring young women of colour, “Our light doesn’t need permission to shine. We belong in every room we walk into. Our voices matter. Our dreams deserve space.”
Awards
On the drama side, Hamnet triumphed as Best Motion Picture, Drama, with Chloé Zhao visibly stunned by the win. Her speech, heartfelt and sincere, emphasized the power of vulnerability and the importance of giving ourselves fully to the world.
Other noteworthy wins included Stellan Skarsgård for Best Supporting Actor in Sentimental Value, an upset over One Battle’s Sean Penn and Benicio del Toro, and Rhea Seehorn. Canadian Seth Rogen’s The Studio took Best TV Series, Musical or Comedy, while Adolescence captured Best Limited Series, with Jack Thorne honoring the young cast, “You are proof the world can be better.”
Even shows and films that came up short made waves. Frankenstein, Wicked: For Good, and It Was Just an Accident went home empty-handed, proving that nominations don’t always translate to wins, but that anticipation and buzz are part of the Golden Globes’ charm.
Canadian Flair: Heated Rivalry
Heated Rivalry, produced entirely in Canada by Accent Aigu Entertainment and Bell Media, also stole some spotlight. Stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams mingled with Hollywood royalty, presenting an award and charming the crowd. Though ineligible for Globes or Emmys due to production rules, the show’s Canadian roots and international appeal shone brightly. Williams described on-screen chemistry with Storrie as “instant,” while teasing the complexities of their characters: “Connor is expressive; Ilya is like a Slavic rock, and Shane is a dense brick. So, you have the Slavic rock and the dense brick.”
Red Carpet Magic: Best and Worst Dressed
Fashion is half the fun at the Globes, and 2026 did not disappoint. Jennifer Lopez stunned in a shimmering emerald gown with a thigh-high slit, while Teyana Taylor radiated in gold sequins, a look that perfectly mirrored her stage presence. Timothée Chalamet turned heads in a modernized tuxedo with asymmetrical lapels, balancing classic elegance with risk-taking flair. Ariana Brockington floated down the carpet in a blush gown that was equal parts romantic and cinematic, and Rose Byrne proved tailored pantsuits can be just as glamorous as gowns, donning a striking black-and-gold ensemble.
Monologues, Speeches, and Emotional Highs
Beyond the laughs and glitter, some speeches left a lasting impact. Teyana Taylor’s empowering words to young women of colour were a highlight, while Jack Thorne of Adolescence reminded the audience of storytelling’s potential to inspire change, “Removing hate is our generation’s responsibility…hope is a beautiful thing,” said Thorne.
A Night That Reminded Us Why We Watch
The 2026 Golden Globes proved that an awards show can be glamorous, funny, and meaningful all at once. Stars delivered unforgettable fashion moments; wins reflected both expectation and surprise, and speeches reminded viewers of the human stories behind the art.
Final Takeaways
From Nikki Glaser’s sharp, hilarious monologue to Teyana Taylor’s inspiring acceptance, from DiCaprio’s and Penn’s star power to the quietly commanding presence of Canadian sensations like Heated Rivalry, the night struck a perfect balance. Also, for the first time ever, they handed out hardware for the best podcast, which went to Amy Pohler. In addition, the best stand-up went to Ricky Gervais, who was sensational. Essentially, it was a celebration of achievement, a showcase of style, and a reminder that sometimes, Hollywood can truly sparkle.
by Myles Shane
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