Golden Globes 2026: Your ultimate guide to celebrations
Awards season is here, bringing glamorous celebrations and excitement as Hollywood gears up for the Golden Globes on January 11.
Happy New Year! And for Hollywood, perhaps even more importantly, happy awards season. As 2026 begins, the film and television worlds are already moving at full speed, with the Palm Springs International Film Awards and the Critics Choice Awards taking place over the past weekend. Now, all eyes are on the Golden Globes, which will take place on Sunday, January 11. As anticipation builds, the excitement extends far beyond the main ceremony, with a series of parties, tributes, and events leading up to the star-studded night. For those looking to experience the full sweep of the season, here’s a comprehensive guide to the celebrations surrounding this year’s Golden Globes, marking the start of ten weeks of high-energy awards activity.
Among the highlights this year are the Golden Globes’ special honors, which recognize lifetime achievement and outstanding contributions to film and television. Legendary actress Helen Mirren will be presented with the Cecil B. DeMille Award, celebrating her extraordinary career and enduring influence on the industry. Alongside her, beloved actress and fashion icon Sarah Jessica Parker will receive the Carol Burnett Award, which honors individuals who have made a lasting impact on television. These honors will be presented in a ceremony ahead of the main Golden Globes telecast, allowing the recipients and their admirers to celebrate their remarkable achievements in an intimate and personal setting.
The Golden Eve show, a festive prelude to the main event, airs two days before the Globes on Thursday, January 9, and will be broadcast on CBS and Paramount+. This special evening brings together nominees, industry insiders, and media personalities to enjoy performances, conversations, and moments that often become memorable glimpses into Hollywood life. It’s a chance for stars to step out in style, mingle with peers, and enjoy the first taste of awards season magic.
This year, THR (The Hollywood Reporter) and Spotify have teamed up for the official Golden Week event, an occasion designed to honor both the year’s nominees and the Globes’ new first-time category: Best Podcast. The partnership emphasizes how entertainment has evolved in recent years, recognizing the growing influence of audio storytelling alongside traditional film and television. The West Hollywood celebration promises a lively atmosphere, bringing together creators, actors, producers, and fans for a night of music, performances, and cultural appreciation.
Music is a central feature of the Golden Week festivities, reflecting Hollywood’s love for star-studded performances. Attendees will enjoy a headlining DJ set from Mark Ronson, whose eclectic style bridges pop, funk, and electronic music, setting the perfect party atmosphere for a night of awards anticipation. Adding to the excitement, legendary performers Chaka Khan and John Legend will take the stage, delivering live performances that are sure to become unforgettable moments of the season. Rising artist Miles Caton is also slated to perform, providing a fresh, contemporary sound to the evening and highlighting the Globes’ commitment to celebrating both established and emerging talent.
Beyond the music, these events offer a glimpse into the social side of awards season. Parties and gatherings provide a space for nominees to connect, network, and celebrate their hard work over the past year. The Golden Globes are renowned for their glamorous atmosphere, and the surrounding events extend that feeling across multiple nights, allowing fans and industry professionals alike to engage with the energy of Hollywood in a more immersive way. For attendees, it’s a chance to see how stars prepare for the main event, to spot trend-setting red-carpet looks early, and to enjoy the camaraderie of colleagues and friends in a more relaxed, festive environment.
In addition to celebrating achievements in film and television, these pre-Globes festivities are shaping how the industry approaches awards season as a whole. The focus is on creating experiences that combine entertainment, networking, and public engagement. With the addition of categories like Best Podcast, the awards are recognizing how storytelling continues to evolve, and how new platforms and voices are increasingly part of Hollywood’s cultural fabric.
As the countdown to the main Golden Globes telecast continues, excitement is mounting across Los Angeles and beyond. From the Palm Springs International Film Awards and Critics Choice Awards to the pre-telecast Golden Week events, Hollywood is alive with activity. Stars are preparing their speeches, stylists are putting final touches on red-carpet looks, and fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the results. With ten weeks of high-energy awards action just beginning, the Golden Globes are setting the tone for an exciting and unforgettable season.
Ultimately, these celebrations are about more than trophies—they are a reflection of Hollywood’s enduring passion for storytelling, artistry, and collaboration. They remind us that awards season is not only about recognition, but about community, creativity, and the shared joy of bringing stories to life. For the stars, the creators, and the fans alike, 2026’s Golden Globes season promises to be a dazzling, unforgettable journey filled with glamour, music, and the magic of cinema.