The 2026 Golden Globe Awards celebrated cinematic excellence on Sunday, January 11, and Paul Thomas Anderson’s political satire “One Battle After Another” dominated the night, taking home the coveted Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy award. The film’s stunning success was a highlight of an awards season already full of critically acclaimed performances and productions.
“One Battle After Another” Steals the Spotlight
Streaming now on HBO Max, One Battle After Another emerged as the most celebrated film of the evening. The movie, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Regina Hall, Sean Penn, and Chase Infiniti, led the nominations with nine nods in total, ultimately winning four Golden Globes.
The film’s story combines sharp political satire with heartfelt father-daughter dynamics, cementing its place as one of the most ambitious projects of Paul Thomas Anderson’s career. Beyond Best Motion Picture, Anderson won Best Director and Best Screenplay, while Teyana Taylor earned the award for Best Supporting Actress.
Comedian Nikki Glaser hosted the ceremony, which aired live on CBS and was available for streaming on Paramount+.
A Star-Studded Cast and Crew
The film features Benicio Del Toro as Sensei St. Carlos, a pivotal figure in the movie’s revolutionary narrative, alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in a role that showcases his versatility. Critics praised Anderson’s return after his 2021 hit, Licorice Pizza, noting that One Battle After Another combines political commentary, comedy, and character-driven storytelling in a way only Anderson can.
Other Nominees in the Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical Category
Several strong contenders vied for the award alongside One Battle After Another:
Blue Moon
Ethan Hawke stars as lyricist Lorenz Hart in this historical musical drama directed by Richard Linklater. The film traces Hart’s partnership with Richard Rodgers during the creation of Oklahoma! and features performances by Margaret Qualley, Andrew Scott, and Bobby Cannavale. Hawke was also nominated for Best Performance by a Male Actor – Musical or Comedy.
Bugonia
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, Bugonia stars Emma Stone as CEO Michelle, who is abducted by Jesse Plemons and Aidan Delbis, convinced she is an alien. The film earned nominations for both Stone and Plemons, showcasing Lanthimos’ signature blend of dark humor and surreal storytelling.
Marty Supreme
In this 1952-set sports drama, Timothée Chalamet portrays pro table tennis player Marty Mauser, striving to compete in the World Championships in Japan. The ensemble cast includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Tyler Okonma, and Fran Drescher. Marty Supreme received three Golden Globe nominations, including Best Screenplay, and Chalamet won Best Actor at the Critics Choice Awards earlier this month.
No Other Choice
From South Korean director Park Chan-wook, this film stars Lee Byung-hun as Yoo Man-su, a man navigating unemployment after a corporate takeover. His character’s extreme measures to secure jobs earned him a Best Performance by a Male Actor – Musical or Comedy nomination, while the film itself competed for Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language.
Nouvelle Vague
A tribute to the 1960 French New Wave classic Breathless, Zoey Deutch stars as actress Jean Seberg, working alongside a predominantly French cast including Guillaume Marbeck as director Jean-Luc Godard. The film marks director Richard Linklater’s second nomination in the Musical or Comedy category this year.
Awards Season Momentum
One Battle After Another has already made waves during the awards season, having secured three Critics Choice Awards earlier in January, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Its sweeping wins at the Golden Globes further position the film as a major contender for upcoming ceremonies like the Academy Awards and BAFTA Awards.
Where to Watch
For audiences eager to see the critically acclaimed film, One Battle After Another is streaming now on HBO Max, offering viewers a blend of political satire, humor, and emotionally resonant storytelling.
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