Awards season serves as an essential guide to the most talked-about films and television shows of the year, highlighting the productions that have captured the public's imagination. The 2026 Golden Globe nominations, in particular, present a diverse and compelling roster of stories. This year's contenders range from large-scale cinematic events that push the boundaries of filmmaking to intimate character studies that offer profound emotional depth.
Get ready for the Golden Globes. To help you prepare for the upcoming ceremony, here is a list of the films and TV series recognized this year by the Hollywood Foreign Press, organized by category.
Best Motion Picture - Drama
The drama category features films noted for their narrative depth, directorial vision, and powerful performances.
Frankenstein
Directed by Guillermo del Toro, Frankenstein is a gothic reimagining of Mary Shelley’s novel. The film emphasizes the humanity of its central creature, featuring lavish production design and sweeping visuals. While its runtime is considerable, the film’s technical achievements and del Toro’s distinct directorial style have made it a strong awards contender.
Hamnet
Adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s novel, Hamnet is directed by Chloé Zhao. This lyrical period drama examines the family life of William Shakespeare, focusing on the grief that influenced his work. The film is noted for its emotional directness, pastoral cinematography, and the strong lead performances of Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal.
It Was Just an Accident
From an acclaimed international director, this film is a morally complex drama with a twist-driven narrative. Festival coverage highlights its psychological depth and focus on ethics and human fallibility. Its unexpected narrative turns have established it as a significant late-season contender.
Sentimental Value
Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value is a slow-burn domestic drama praised for its careful character development. The film builds toward an emotional payoff that many critics found powerful. Its international acclaim and festival recognition have carried it into Golden Globe consideration.
Sinners
Directed by Ryan Coogler, Sinners is a provocative, genre-bending film that combines horror with social commentary. The film generated both critical praise and audience debate, with strong direction and striking set pieces making it one of the most discussed dramas of the season.
The Secret Agent
This 2025 adaptation is recognized for its ambitious tonal shifts and international cast. Reviewers have described the film as both provocative and, at times, uneven. Standout performances have anchored its position as a drama category nominee.
Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
This year’s musical and comedy nominees range from melancholic character studies to sprawling, darkly comic ensemble pieces.
Blue Moon
Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon is a quiet, thoughtful character piece focused on the later stages of an artist’s life. Critics have praised the lead actor’s affecting performance and Linklater’s understated storytelling.
Bugonia
Bugonia is a darkly comic and surreal film that uses unusual imagery to explore themes of human selfishness. The film’s audacious premise and memorable performances have been singled out by critics, though its polarizing tonal shifts have also been noted.
Marty Supreme
A high-concept comedy and character study, Marty Supreme blends satire with personal drama. Early coverage highlights a sharp lead performance in a film considered to be crowd-pleasing awards material.
No Other Choice
This film is framed as a social-issue comedy that mixes tonal warmth with sharper social critique. Noted at festivals, it is considered an earnest and crowd-friendly contender.
Nouvelle Vague
Richard Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague is a tribute to the French New Wave, specifically the making of Breathless. The film received praise for its affectionate recreation of 1959 Paris, black-and-white cinematography, and strong ensemble work.
One Battle After Another
Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, this film leads the Golden Globe nominations. It is a sprawling, darkly comic ensemble piece with Anderson’s trademark blend of intimacy and scale, positioning it as a frontrunner in the comedy/musical field.
Best Television Series - Drama
The nominated drama series deliver high-stakes plotting, sharp writing, and compelling character work.
The Diplomat
A political drama centered on high-stakes diplomacy and interpersonal power plays, The Diplomat earned its nomination for its mix of geopolitical plotting and strong character drama.
Pluribus
From creator Vince Gilligan, Pluribus is an ambitious science-fiction drama imagining a near-apocalyptic social breakdown. Reviewers have noted its striking visual style and signature moral interrogations.
Severance
Apple TV+'s Severance continues to be recognized for its eerie workplace satire and high-concept premise. Strong direction, design, and a sustained unsettling atmosphere contribute to its repeated Golden Globe attention.
Slow Horses
This gritty British spy series earned recognition for its darkly comic tone, strong performances, and brisk plotting. Its awards-season profile has grown with each subsequent season.
The Pitt
HBO’s medical drama, The Pitt, centers on a trauma center and its staff. Led by Noah Wyle, the series gained attention for its grounded emergency-room storytelling and has become a surprise awards contender.
The White Lotus
Mike White’s anthology series remains a Golden Globe favorite for its sharp satire of class, travel, and entitlement. Each season delivers a new ensemble cast and sustains the show’s significant cultural footprint.
Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy
This category features both returning favorites and new series praised for their humor, heart, and originality.
Abbott Elementary
This workplace comedy is celebrated for its warm humor, pointed satire of the school system, and breakout performances. Its consistent presence at awards shows speaks to its blend of heart and sharp writing.
The Bear
A frenetic comedy-drama set in a kitchen, The Bear has been praised for its kinetic direction, intense performances, and specific portrayal of restaurant life. Its technical daring and close character work have earned it critical acclaim.
Hacks
Combining sharp comedy with character depth, Hacks is a regular awards contender. The show is anchored by its lead performances and a seasoned writing room, resulting in consistently high reviews.
Nobody Wants This
Netflix’s rom-com series starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody has earned solid reviews for its chemistry and earnest comic voice. Critics note its warmth and accessibility as key reasons for its Globe attention.
Only Murders in the Building
This mystery-comedy is lauded for its meta-humor, star performances, and affectionate New York setting. Its blend of broad appeal and clever plotting has made it a recurring nominee.
The Studio
Apple TV’s behind-the-scenes series about a film studio landed major comedy recognition after a strong awards season run. Its satirical bite and ensemble work cemented it as a frontrunner.
Best Television Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Motion Picture Made for Television
These one-season stories are noted for their focused narratives, emotional honesty, and strong performances.
Adolescence
A Netflix original, Adolescence became a critical favorite for its raw, unflinching look at teenage life and identity. The series’ emotional honesty made it an awards magnet in the limited-series category.
All Her Fault
This high-profile drama explores culpability and media narratives surrounding a single catastrophic event. Critics highlighted its lead performance and provocative questions about truth and justice.
Black Mirror
The anthology series returned with a standout season that revisits technology’s social risks. Its nomination follows a long record of critical debate and inventive storytelling.
Dying for Sex
This limited series received attention for its frank approach to mortality, relationships, and humor in the face of crisis. Its distinct point of view and strong performances have been emphasized in coverage.
The Beast in Me
The Beast in Me was singled out for its psychologically intense core and festival-friendly aesthetics. Critics pointed to its compact storytelling and strong central cast.
The Girlfriend
Adapted from a literary or journalistic source, The Girlfriend is a character-driven drama noted for its atmospheric staging and focused narrative.
Notable Snubs
Every award season brings its share of surprises, and 2026 was no exception. While the nominees list is packed with outstanding work, several acclaimed films and series were widely expected to appear but ultimately missed out. Here are some of the most talked-about snubs from this year's Golden Globe nominations:
- A House of Dynamite: Frequently mentioned as a likely Best Drama contender, this film drew attention for its energetic storytelling and ensemble cast, yet did not earn a nomination.
- Left-Handed Girl: Once considered an early favorite for Best Drama Picture, critics and industry observers noted its absence from the final nominations as a significant omission.
- Train Dreams: Anticipated to compete in several film categories, this adaptation received strong reviews but was overlooked during the nominations process, with numerous outlets listing it among the season’s major snubs.
- Task: Hailed for its cast and dramatic narrative, this television drama was widely predicted for recognition in drama categories but failed to secure a slot.
- Andor: The mature, politically charged Star Wars series was praised for its ambitious storytelling, character work, and production values. Many critics called its lack of a Drama Series nomination a surprising omission given the show's critical acclaim.
- Superman (2025): As one of the year’s most discussed and anticipated blockbusters, Superman combined impressive visual effects with renewed storytelling ambition. Despite strong box office performance and a passionate fan following, its absence from both drama and technical categories generated significant commentary among pundits and fans alike.
As the Golden Globes ceremony approaches, you have plenty of time to engage with the best of this year's entertainment. Each title offers a unique experience, representative of the quality and diversity of modern storytelling.
