At a Glance
- Brazil’s Wagner Moura becomes second Brazilian ever to win a Globe for acting
- ‘Adolescence’ sweeps four trophies, calls for removing hate
- ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ bags best song and best animated film
- Why it matters: Ceremony blends streaming, global talent and first-ever podcast honor
The 2026 Golden Globe Awards mixed expected triumphs with historic firsts, crowning Brazil’s Wagner Moura, Netflix’s ‘Adolescence’, and the animated sensation ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ while launching a brand-new podcast category.
Brazil back-to-back acting glory
Wagner Moura won best actor in a motion picture drama for ‘The Secret Agent’, repeating Brazil’s success after Fernanda Torres claimed the prize last year. Moura portrays a professor hiding with his son during the 1970s military dictatorship.
> “‘The Secret Agent’ is a film about memory – or the lack of memory – and generational trauma,” Moura said. “If trauma can be passed along generations, values can too.”
The thriller also earned best non-English film, giving Brazil two wins on the night. Moura beat Joel Edgerton, Oscar Isaac, Dwayne Johnson, Michael B. Jordan and Jeremy Allen White.
‘Adolescence’ cleans up on TV side
Netflix’s limited series ‘Adolescence’ led all television contenders with four wins:
- Best limited/anthology series
- Supporting actor – Owen Cooper
- Supporting actress – Erin Doherty
- Lead actor – Stephen Graham
Writer Jack Thorne dedicated the haul to the young cast: “You are proof the world can be better.” He added, “Removing hate is our generation’s responsibility.”
The four-part U.K. drama, tracing the fallout from a teenager’s fatal stabbing, previously claimed eight Emmys.
Doherty, who played a child therapist, thanked real-life therapists in her speech.
Song of self-acceptance
‘Golden’ from ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ won best original song. Co-writer Ejae told the crowd she trained ten years to become a K-pop idol only to be rejected before turning to songwriting.
> “It’s a dream come true to be part of a song helping others accept themselves,” she said.
The soundtrack debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Soundtracks chart and No. 8 on the Billboard 200. The film also captured best animated feature.
First-time Globe getters
- Seth Rogen collected his first Globe for ‘The Studio’, a Hollywood satire that mocked the very ceremony months earlier. “This is so weird! We just pretended to do this,” Rogen laughed. He saluted Steve Martin and Martin Short, joking he never expected to “beat them.”
- Amy Poehler earned the inaugural best podcast award for ‘Good Hang with Amy Poehler’, taking a swipe at NPR: “Just a bunch of celebs phoning it in. Try harder.” Her show topped ‘Armchair Expert’, ‘Call Her Daddy’, ‘SmartLess’ and NPR’s ‘Up First’. The category steered clear of politically tinged programs.
Moments between trophies
- George Clooney helped Jean Smart to the stage and later embraced former ‘ER’ co-star Noah Wyle on his way to accept best TV drama for ‘The Pitt’.
- Rose Byrne revealed partner Bobby Cannavale missed her win because he was “at a reptile expo in New Jersey” choosing a bearded dragon.
- Rhea Seehorn told Queen Latifah she met her twenty years ago while between jobs, praising her kindness.
Fashion spotlight
Jennifer Lopez, host Nikki Glaser and ‘One Battle After Another’ winner Teyana Taylor brought standout looks to the red carpet, according to Natalie A. Brooks.
Julia Roberts teased ‘Ocean’s 14’, telling Access Hollywood that reuniting the cast remains tricky: schedules.
Key takeaways
- Streaming dominance: Netflix’s limited series and Brazil’s political thriller prove global stories resonate
- Category expansion: The Globes now honor podcasts, widening their pop-culture footprint
- Values on stage: From Moura’s generational hope to Thorne’s anti-hate plea, winners used the mic for social reflection
- Repeat success: Brazil’s consecutive acting wins and ‘Adolescence’ adding to its Emmy haul show momentum matters
The ceremony balanced humor, fashion and heartfelt appeals, setting an inclusive tone for awards season.
