Golden Globes 2026: One Battle After Another Leads the Pack

One Battle After Another has emerged as the frontrunner at this year’s Golden Globes, collecting an impressive nine nominations and setting the pace for the awards season. Meanwhile, Ryan Coogler’s Sinners is not far behind, earning significant attention in a number of key categories.

Anderson’s Black Comedy Dominates

Paul Thomas Anderson’s adaptation of Thomas Pynchon’s Vineland has made a considerable impact, with nods in categories such as Best Motion Picture (Comedy), Best Director, and Best Screenplay. The film’s cast has also been widely recognised: Leonardo DiCaprio is up for Best Actor (Comedy), Chase Infiniti for Best Actress (Comedy), Benicio del Toro and Sean Penn for Best Supporting Actor (Comedy), and Teyana Taylor for Best Supporting Actress (Comedy). The original score has also been shortlisted, rounding out a remarkable showing for the production.

The story follows a former revolutionary, portrayed by DiCaprio, who is forced out of seclusion when he and his daughter, Willa (Chase Infiniti), become targets of a corrupt military figure, played by Sean Penn. The film has received critical acclaim and currently holds the highest rating of the year on Metacritic.

Sinners: Horror Finds Its Place

Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, set in 1932 and blending elements of vampire horror, has also made a strong impression. The film is nominated for Best Motion Picture (Drama), with Michael B. Jordan in the running for Best Actor (Drama). Coogler himself is recognised in the Best Director category, and the film is also up for Best Original Score, Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, and Best Original Song.

This year has proven to be a notable one for the horror genre, with Sinners joining a growing list of films in the category to receive major awards recognition. Last year, The Substance was similarly acknowledged at both the Globes and the Oscars, signalling a shift in how genre films are perceived by awards bodies.

Genre Diversity at the Forefront

While One Battle After Another and Sinners differ greatly in tone and subject matter, both have captured the attention of critics and audiences alike. The former’s sharp wit and satirical edge contrast with the latter’s atmospheric horror, yet each stands as a testament to the creative range on display in contemporary cinema.

With the awards season in full swing, anticipation is building for the ceremony itself. For those seeking more recommendations, there are still plenty of much-talked-about releases to look forward to in 2025.