The Golden Globes 2026 nominations have sparked more debate than celebration this year. While several expected contenders secured their spots, a number of high-profile names were noticeably absent, leaving fans and industry watchers questioning the final list. For longtime awards watchers, this year’s nominations feel unusually unpredictable.
With comedian Nikki Glaser set to host the ceremony on January 11, 2026, the conversation has already shifted from excitement to scrutiny. Performances that were widely discussed throughout the year somehow failed to translate into nominations, making this one of the more divisive Golden Globes lineups in recent memory.
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1. Jennifer Lopez (Kiss of the Spider Woman): A Missed Opportunity
Jennifer Lopez delivered a demanding and emotionally rich performance in Kiss of the Spider Woman, a role that required her to balance acting, music, and choreography. Many critics viewed it as one of the strongest performances of her career.
Despite the buzz, her name was absent from the Best Actress category. Industry observers suggest that the film’s limited theatrical exposure may have worked against it. While the performance earned praise, it struggled to maintain awards momentum.
2. Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Christy’: Commitment Without Recognition
Sydney Sweeney’s portrayal of boxing legend Christy Martin involved months of intense physical transformation. However, with Christy facing stiff competition and a modest box office run, Sweeney ultimately missed out on a nomination—an outcome many fans did not expect.
3. Why ‘Wicked: For Good’ Missed Best Picture
While Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo earned individual acting nominations, Wicked: For Good itself failed to secure a spot in the Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy category.
This decision raised eyebrows, as films with multiple acting nods usually get broader recognition. Instead, titles like Blue Moon and One Battle After Another took priority.
4. Stranger Things Season 5: Left Out of Major Categories
As the final chapter of a global phenomenon, Stranger Things Season 5 was expected to dominate. Surprisingly, it was absent from major TV categories.
The shift reflects voters’ focus on newer hits like The White Lotus (which led with 6 nominations) and The Bear. Additionally, industry reports suggest that the show’s release date fell just outside the primary eligibility window for certain categories.
5. New Faces Stepping Into the Spotlight
Not all surprises were negative:
- Chase Infiniti: Earned a major nod for One Battle After Another, highlighting the Globes’ focus on emerging talent.
- Jacob Elordi: Stood out with dual recognition in both film (Frankenstein) and television (The Narrow Road to the Deep North).
Quick Facts: Golden Globes 2026 Nominees at a Glance
| Category | Top Nominee / Surprise | Status |
| Best Movie (Musical/Comedy) | One Battle After Another | Leader (9 Noms) |
| Best Actress (Drama) | Julia Roberts (After the Hunt) | Surprise Entry |
| Best TV Series (Drama) | The White Lotus | TV Leader (6 Noms) |
| Biggest Movie Snub | Jennifer Lopez | Shut Out |
| Biggest TV Snub | Stranger Things S5 | Missing |
How to Watch the Golden Globes 2026
- Date: Sunday, January 11, 2026
- Time: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
- TV Broadcast: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+ (Premium subscribers)
- Host: Nikki Glaser
MsMojo Hot Takes Most Shocking Snubs, Surprises
Final Thoughts
The Golden Globes 2026 nominations remind us that awards are shaped by timing and visibility as much as talent. While the absence of stars like JLo and Sydney Sweeney disappointed many, the ceremony has made room for fresh voices. The real verdict will come on awards night—but for now, the debate is far from over.
FAQ
When and where will the Golden Globes 2026 take place?
The Golden Globes 2026 ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, January 11, 2026. It will be broadcast live on CBS and available for streaming on Paramount+ at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT.
Who is hosting the Golden Globes 2026?
The 2026 ceremony will be hosted by the popular comedian and actress Nikki Glaser, who is expected to bring her signature sharp wit to the stage.
Why was Jennifer Lopez snubbed at the 2026 Golden Globes?
performance in Kiss of the Spider Woman, industry experts believe the film’s limited theatrical release and low box office visibility hindered its awards momentum, leading to her exclusion from the Best Actress category.
Why was Stranger Things Season 5 not nominated?
While Stranger Things remains a global hit, it was absent from major categories this year. This is likely due to stiff competition from newer series like The White Lotus and The Bear, as well as specific eligibility window constraints.
