Golden Globes 2026: The Most Surprising Snubs Revealed

Every awards season brings its share of upsets, but this year’s Golden Globes managed to leave even the most seasoned observers scratching their heads. With a wealth of outstanding work on offer from 2025 and early 2026, the omissions felt particularly pointed—especially when some of the most talked-about performances and productions were left standing in the wings.

Television’s Overlooked Talent

Britt Lower’s turn in Severance was nothing short of a masterclass in subtlety and emotional depth. Having already secured an Emmy for her efforts, many assumed she’d be a shoo-in for further accolades. Instead, the statuette went to Rhea Seehorn for Pluribus, a series that’s been the talk of the town. It seems the Globes’ voters were swayed by the season’s most visible name, rather than the nuanced brilliance Lower brought to the screen.

Meanwhile, Benicio del Toro’s supporting role in One Battle After Another was widely tipped for recognition. His chemistry with Leonardo DiCaprio’s character was a highlight, yet the award found its way to Stellan Skarsgård for Sentimental Value. Del Toro’s omission, despite the buzz, left many wondering if the Globes had missed a trick.

Animated and International Gems Passed Over

In the animated category, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle dazzled with its artistry and emotional punch. Still, it was KPop Demon Hunters that took the prize, perhaps owing to its broader appeal and accessibility. The intricacies and pay-off for long-time fans of Demon Slayer may have been its undoing in a field that often favours the crowd-pleaser.

On the international front, No Other Choice, a South Korean drama with Park Chan-wook at the helm, was widely expected to triumph. Instead, Brazil’s The Secret Agent rode a wave of international acclaim to victory. No Other Choice’s exploration of capitalism’s darker corners and its haunting conclusion lingered with viewers, but evidently not enough to sway the voters.

Leading Men and the Best Picture Debate

Joel Edgerton’s performance in Train Dreams was, for many, the emotional centrepiece of the year. His portrayal was tipped for major honours, yet Wagner Moura’s work in The Secret Agent edged him out. Edgerton’s fans were left to wonder what more he could have done to clinch the win.

Leonardo DiCaprio, too, found himself on the outside looking in. His role in One Battle After Another was a study in comedic timing and understated chaos, a far cry from the cocky bravado of Timothée Chalamet’s character in Marty Supreme. Chalamet’s film, arriving just in time for awards season, may have had the edge in voters’ minds.

Best Picture Drama: A Close-Run Thing

Sentimental Value entered the race with eight nominations and a reputation for intimate, psychological storytelling. Yet, it was Hamnet—a sweeping historical drama—that ultimately took the top prize. The former’s exploration of fractured family ties and its emotionally charged narrative seemed destined for recognition, but the Globes had other ideas.

These results serve as a reminder that timing, visibility, and a bit of luck can be just as crucial as talent when it comes to awards. For those who missed out, the cultural conversation may prove a more lasting legacy than any trophy.