Film enthusiasts worldwide are anticipating the 2026 Golden Globes, the annual awards ceremony recognizing outstanding achievements in both American and international film and television. The ceremony, a key indicator of awards season momentum, will be held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 11, 2026. Viewers are keen to know where to watch the Golden Globes, with options varying significantly by region.
Where to Watch the Golden Globes
In the United States, the Golden Globes will be broadcast live on CBS and simultaneously streamed on Paramount+. This provides broad accessibility for American audiences. However, international viewing options are more fragmented.
For those in the UAE, the ceremony is scheduled to begin at 5:00 AM (UAE Time) on Monday, January 12th, and typically lasts three to four hours. While a direct CBS or Paramount+ broadcast isn’t currently confirmed for the region, past years suggest alternative routes for viewing.
UAE Viewing Options
The Shahid platform, operated by MBC Group, has historically provided live streams of the Golden Globes, including red carpet coverage, to audiences in the UAE and the wider Gulf region. Official confirmation for the 2026 ceremony is still pending, but it remains a likely option. Additionally, some regional pay-TV providers may carry a live CBS feed; checking local listings for CBS International or entertainment channels is recommended.
Viewers in the United Kingdom and other select territories will not have access to a live broadcast. Instead, BBC News and other major entertainment news sources will offer comprehensive rolling coverage, highlights, and winner announcements throughout the night. Social media platforms, including YouTube, are also expected to host unofficial live streams and real-time updates.
Main Film Nominations to Watch
This year’s nominations are led by the political drama One Battle After Another, a critically acclaimed film centered around a former revolutionary and a family kidnapping. The movie has quickly become a frontrunner in the upcoming awards season. Other strong contenders include Sentimental Value, a Norwegian drama exploring familial bonds, and Sinners, a 1930s-set vampire horror film.
Further enriching the nominee pool are Hamnet, a historical adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel surrounding the Shakespeare family, a reimagining of Frankenstein, the blockbuster musical Wicked: For Good, Cannes’ Palme d’Or winning It Was Just An Accident, and the sports drama Marty Supreme. This diverse range of films speaks to a competitive year for cinematic storytelling.
Why the Golden Globes Matter
The Golden Globes are unique in splitting awards between drama and musical/comedy categories, often leading to a wider distribution of winners and more unpredictable outcomes compared to other ceremonies. This structure allows for greater recognition of diverse film styles and performances. The awards also hold significant weight as an early indicator of potential Oscar success.
The ceremony’s famously relaxed atmosphere, characterized by seated tables rather than traditional theatre rows, fosters a more conversational and candid environment. This often results in more genuine reactions from winners and nominees, contributing to the awards’ appeal. The awards show‘s influence extends to publicity and box office performance for nominated films.
The Road to the Oscars
With Oscar nominations typically announced in mid to late January, the Golden Globes serve as a crucial bellwether. Films that perform well at the Globes frequently garner increased attention from Academy voters, potentially shifting the Oscar race trajectory. This year, the timing is especially noteworthy, as many voters are still finalizing their preferences and some films are still expanding their theatrical releases.
Looking ahead, the Golden Globes results will undoubtedly shape the conversation surrounding the best films of the year. Analysts will be closely watching to see which winners maintain momentum as the Oscar campaigns intensify. The final Oscar nominations, expected later in January, will reveal the extent to which the Golden Globes influenced the Academy’s choices and will ultimately determine which films will be honored as the year’s most exceptional cinematic achievements, confirming the impact of these early film awards.
