Hollywood’s glitziest party returns Sunday night with stars, champagne, and enough drama to fuel Oscar campaigns through March.
The 83rd Golden Globe Awards kick off at 8 p.m. Eastern from the Beverly Hilton, streaming live on CBS and Paramount+.
Comedian Nikki Glaser returns to host after her standout 2025 debut, ready to roast Hollywood’s elite once again.
Here’s everything worth knowing before tuning in.
Nikki Glaser Takes The Mic Again
Glaser made history last year as the first woman to solo host the Golden Globes, delivering sharp jokes that left celebrities squirming in their seats.
Her opening monologue called the ceremony “Ozempic’s biggest night,” setting a tone that was biting but not brutal. She held back compared to her infamous Tom Brady roast performance that launched her into mainstream recognition.
I can’t wait to do it again, and this time in front of the team from ‘The White Lotus’ who will finally recognize my talent and cast me in Season Four as a Scandinavian Pilates instructor with a shadowy past.
When she was rehired, Glaser described her first hosting gig as “the most fun I have ever had in my career.”
Last year’s ceremony drew approximately 10 million viewers, maintaining steady numbers despite being down from a decade ago. Still, the Globes remain the third most-watched awards show behind only the Oscars and Grammys.
“One Battle After Another” Dominates Nominations
Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest film leads with nine nominations, positioning itself as an early Oscar frontrunner.
Leonardo DiCaprio and Chase Infiniti both earned acting nominations for their roles in what the Globes categorized as a comedy—despite the weighty title.
The Golden Globes uniquely divide films between drama and musical/comedy categories, creating more opportunities for recognition but sometimes puzzling classifications.
Comedy Category Heavyweights
DiCaprio faces competition from Timothée Chalamet for “Marty Supreme” and George Clooney for “Jay Kelly.”
On the female side, Infiniti competes against Cynthia Erivo for “Wicked: For Good,” Emma Stone for “Bugonia,” and Rose Byrne for “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.”
Drama Contenders Bring Star Power
Michael B. Jordan earned recognition for “Sinners” while Dwayne Johnson surprised critics with his dramatic turn in “The Smashing Machine.”
Female drama nominees include powerhouse performances from Jessie Buckley in “Hamnet,” Julia Roberts for “After the Hunt,” and Jennifer Lawrence for “Die My Love.”
Danish film “Sentimental Value” follows closely with eight nominations, including a nod for star Renate Reinsve.
Supporting Roles Stack Deep With Talent
Ariana Grande’s acting transition continues earning accolades alongside nominations for Teyana Taylor, Paul Mescal, Adam Sandler, and Jacob Elordi.
On television, “The White Lotus” dominated with six nominations, continuing its reign as prestige TV royalty.
Why Golden Globes Still Matter
Held annually in early January, the Globes serve as Hollywood’s official awards season kickoff.
While not a perfect Oscar predictor—the voting body consists of journalists and critics rather than Academy members—Golden Globe wins generate crucial momentum.
The ceremony functions differently than stuffy auditorium affairs. Stars sit at tables nightclub-style, champagne flows freely, and the atmosphere skews more party than prestige.
Acceptance speeches delivered Sunday night often get refined and repeated through awards season, culminating at the Academy Awards on March 15.
For nominees, it’s the first major platform to craft their narrative and appeal to Oscar voters watching from home.
Helen Mirren And Sarah Jessica Parker Receive Lifetime Honors
Dame Helen Mirren will receive the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award, recognizing her extraordinary screen career spanning decades.
The 80-year-old Oscar winner earned her Academy Award for portraying Elizabeth II in 2006’s “The Queen.” She’s won three Golden Globes previously and competes for a fourth this year for her role in “MobLand.”
Queen Elizabeth II honored Mirren’s artistic achievements by naming her a Dame of the British Empire in 2003.
DeMille Award Legacy
The award dates back to 1952 when legendary filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille received it himself.
Past recipients read like Hollywood royalty:
- Walt Disney
- Bing Crosby
- Judy Garland
- Barbra Streisand
- Sidney Poitier
- Meryl Streep
- Oprah Winfrey
- Tom Hanks
- Viola Davis
Parker Gets Television’s Highest Honor
Sarah Jessica Parker receives the Carol Burnett Award, recognizing outstanding television contributions both on-screen and behind the scenes.
The 60-year-old star won six Golden Globes and two Emmys for “Sex and the City,” where she not only starred but also served as producer.
Launched in 2019 with Carol Burnett herself as the inaugural recipient, previous winners include Norman Lear, Ryan Murphy, and Ellen DeGeneres.
Both Mirren and Parker will receive their honors at a separate Beverly Hilton gala this week. A recording airs Thursday at 8 p.m. Eastern on CBS and Paramount+ during “Golden Eve.”
What To Expect Sunday Night
Expect Glaser to push boundaries while stopping short of full scorched-earth comedy. Her ability to balance irreverence with respect made last year’s show memorable without creating uncomfortable viral moments.
With “One Battle After Another” leading the pack, Paul Thomas Anderson could cement his film as the one to beat heading toward Oscar season.
The ceremony represents more than awards—it’s where campaigns truly begin, alliances form, and acceptance speech soundbites get tested before the big March finale.