During the 2026 Golden Globes ceremony, a small fire ignited backstage in the press room, prompting a frantic response from staff who quickly extinguished the flames, allowing the awards show to continue seamlessly.
The 83rd Golden Globe Awards were held on January 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Comedian Nikki Glaser hosted the event for the second consecutive year, entertaining a live audience and viewers on CBS and Paramount+ with a star-studded crowd including Leonardo DiCaprio, Emma Stone, Ariana Grande, and Timothée Chalamet in attendance.
According to The Hollywood Reporter’s Chris Gardner, who reported the incident on X, the fire broke out when catering staff accidentally knocked over a coffee holder, causing the lit sterno underneath to ignite. Flames briefly erupted on the carpet, and smoke wafted around the curtains in the backstage press room. Gardner described the scene as chaotic, with officials and staff members rushing to address the emergency.
Staff reacted swiftly to contain the fire. They pulled black curtains away from the flames and worked to tamp down the smoke and fire. The response was effective, and the fire was distinguished quickly, with no reports of injuries or significant damage. Gardner noted, ‘They put it out quickly fortunately. Yikes!’ emphasizing the brevity and resolution of the incident.
While the backstage commotion unfolded, the awards ceremony in the main ballroom proceeded without interruption. Nikki Glaser continued her hosting duties, delivering a monologue that included jokes about contemporary issues and celebrities. Awards were presented to winners such as Seth Rogen for Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy and Timothée Chalamet for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
The incident highlighted the preparedness of the event organizers and hotel staff. Despite the unexpected fire, safety protocols were followed, and the situation was managed efficiently. This quick action ensured that the focus remained on celebrating the year’s achievements in film and television, rather than on the minor disruption.
Such occurrences are not unusual at large-scale events, where numerous activities and setups can lead to accidental mishaps. However, the prompt response at the Golden Globes 2026 prevented any escalation, showcasing the importance of emergency readiness in event management. The fire was a fleeting moment that did not detract from the overall success of the evening.
In the aftermath, news outlets like Us Weekly and E! Online reported on the incident, confirming its minor nature and the effective response. The Golden Globes 2026 will be remembered for its awards, fashion, and entertainment, with the backstage fire serving as a brief anecdote in an otherwise flawless production. The event concluded as scheduled, with all winners celebrated and the industry looking forward to the rest of awards season.
