The 2026 Golden Globes ceremony was notably subdued, with less alcohol-fueled revelry and political commentary, marking a departure from its boozy reputation. Held on January 11 at the Beverly Hilton, the show was characterized by muted tones and a scripted atmosphere. According to CNN’s report, winners were largely quiet on political issues, and there were no sloppy moments or off-the-cuff interactions typically associated with the Globes. Host Nikki Glaser delivered a monologue that leaned more into teasing the industry than tackling politics, with only light jokes about current events.
The ceremony’s tone was reflected in the winners and their speeches. Films like ‘Hamnet,’ which won Best Motion Picture—Drama, and ‘One Battle After Another,’ which took Best Motion Picture—Musical or Comedy, showcased a tension between escapism and real-world engagement. As noted by The Atlantic, these choices allowed the Globes to split the difference between acknowledging Hollywood’s turbulence and avoiding direct political statements.
Past Golden Globes were infamous for boozy moments, such as Cate Blanchett’s admission of being ‘a couple of sheets to the wind’ in 2014 or Jack Nicholson’s valium comment in 2003. This year, however, the event felt more family-friendly, with viral moments focusing on fashion rather than drunken antics. CNN’s Stephanie Elam observed only a few ‘wobbly footsteps’ towards the end, but overall, the vibe was restrained.
Political expression was limited to subtle gestures. Some attendees, including Mark Ruffalo and Tessa Thompson, wore ‘Be Good’ or ‘ICE Out’ pins in response to recent events, but these statements were mostly confined to the red carpet. On stage, winners like Jean Smart urged for unity and doing ‘the right thing,’ but avoided specific political rants.
The muted ceremony occurred against a backdrop of national and global turmoil, including protests and political unrest. Despite this, the Globes chose to maintain a light tone, perhaps in an effort to provide a respite from the chaos. This approach contrasts with previous years where awards shows have been platforms for political commentary.
Looking ahead, this year’s Globes may signal a broader trend in Hollywood towards more controlled and less controversial public events. As the industry faces ongoing challenges, from union negotiations to corporate mergers, the desire for stability and positive publicity could shape future ceremonies. The 2026 Golden Globes, therefore, represent not just a change in tone but a potential recalibration of how awards shows navigate their role in turbulent times.
