The 2026 Golden Globes celebrated cinematic achievements from around the world, but one award — Best Original Score — stirred controversy for not being aired during the TV broadcast. Ludwig Göransson, the composer behind the acclaimed film Sinners, took home the prestigious honor, yet viewers tuning into CBS on January 11, 2026, would have missed the moment.

Ludwig Göransson Wins Best Original Score for Sinners

Ludwig Göransson, known for his innovative musical compositions, won the Golden Globe for Best Original Score for his work on Sinners. The award was presented during the ceremony at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles by musical artist Charli XCX and actor Joe Keery. However, unlike other categories, the presentation occurred off-air during a commercial break, leaving TV audiences unaware of the win.

This decision sparked immediate discussion within the entertainment industry and among fans, highlighting the ongoing debate over how awards shows prioritize categories for television broadcasts.

Hans Zimmer Speaks Out About Excluding Composers from the Televised Broadcast

Renowned composer Hans Zimmer, who was nominated for Best Original Song for his work on F1, publicly criticized the Golden Globes’ choice ahead of the ceremony. In an interview with Variety during the 2026 Golden Globes pre-show, Zimmer emphasized the importance of honoring composers:

“I think it’s a shame not to honor those people — my friends — who work so hard to become a voice. As a person who has been making films forever, everybody who works on a film works their utmost, doesn’t get any sleep, there are no weekends. Sometimes my children wonder who I am — I come into the house and they call the police.”

Zimmer, a three-time Golden Globe winner, continued:

“The work should always be acknowledged. This year is a fantastic year for composers — don’t ignore them. You don’t have a movie without them.”

His comments underscore a broader industry concern that key contributors, such as composers and behind-the-scenes creatives, are often overlooked during televised awards segments.

Golden Globes Producer Glenn Weiss Defends the Decision

Following the broadcast, Golden Globes producer Glenn Weiss addressed the controversy in an interview with Variety. Weiss explained that the production team does not control how many awards are televised, noting that the decision is made through a larger group discussion to determine which categories fit the broadcast format.

“Here’s what we brought to it, in my opinion: I’ve seen on other shows that they literally surprise winners by handing awards on red carpets, or different ways of doing it,” Weiss said. “We were really clear that if this had to happen, it should happen in the room. It should happen in front of their peers and everybody else.”

Weiss emphasized that Göransson’s acceptance speech was treated with the same respect as any televised award, noting that it is available online and includes a cutaway to Sinners writer and director Ryan Coogler when mentioned by the composer.

“It was important to us that what lives online is as respectful as every other award. It’s not just a name mentioned or a throwaway. So it was really important to us to do it the right way once the decision was made to go there.”

Timing of Communication With Nominees

According to Weiss, composers were reportedly informed just two days before the Golden Globes that their category would not be part of the televised broadcast. He added:

“The organization is facilitating communication with the nominees and such, though I’m not exactly sure the thinking behind when and how they were informed.”

This brief notice has drawn attention from industry insiders, highlighting concerns about transparency and fairness in awards show scheduling.

The Controversy in Context

The 2026 Golden Globes faced scrutiny not only for category omissions but also for broader questions about how awards shows balance entertainment value with honoring all contributors. With composers like Ludwig Göransson and Hans Zimmer speaking out, the conversation has intensified about the visibility of creative professionals whose work is integral to filmmaking.

Conclusion

While Ludwig Göransson’s win for Best Original Score on Sinners is now part of Golden Globes history, the way the award was handled during the broadcast illustrates ongoing challenges for awards shows in balancing TV programming with honoring the full spectrum of talent in the film industry. For those who missed the live announcement, Göransson’s acceptance speech is available online, ensuring that his achievement receives the recognition it deserves.