The 2026 golden globes: A Night Of New Faces
A new carpet rolled out and welcomed an array of new faces, from reality TV to blockbuster movies; the night was dominated by the underdogs. In 2025, the entertainment and arts industry feared what felt like the inevitable, not that AI would take over, but that the humanity of art would be lost, stripping the industry of its soul.
However, a year later, six faces have become beacons of hope for young audiences. This not only brings hope to the hearts of working actors and filmmakers but also reminds the audience that their dreams are not out of reach. Everyone’s goal is not to win a Golden Globe, but the award show honors the best in their field, and seeing ordinary people rise to the top instills hope that anyone can achieve their own Golden Globe ceremony.
The night opened with Teyana Taylor winning for her performance in One Battle After Another. Taylor’s speech highlighted the importance of telling the stories that go untold, a reminder to members of the worldwide audience that American black women in Hollywood are still pressured to shrink themselves to fit the mold Hollywood created. Taylor said, “ Our light does not need permission to shine. We belong in every room we walk into. Our voices matter, and our dreams deserve space.” And these words hold a heavier weight as we watch the dehumanization of people of color across America on a daily basis by the Trump administration.
Olandria took the world by storm upon her appearance on reality TV. Her beauty, poise, and captivating presence welcomed a dedicated fan base (That I am proud to be a member of) across social media. But as her social media presence grew, so did the hatred and racism, a heartbreaking reminder of the racism our country was founded on. But on the night of January 11, 2026, Olandria stunned viewers in a custom Christian Siriano gown, championing the message of Taylor’s speech and encouraging young black women around the nation to stay true to themselves and their dreams.
Owen Cooper and Stephen Graham’s stories speak to the importance of making the arts accessible to everyone and removing the stigma for young men interested in performing arts. Cooper described the discomfort of being the only young man in his acting classes, and facing the reality that it is not embarrassing to do what you love, no matter the opinions of others. Their speeches showcased themselves in a beautifully authentic way. Stephen Graham was speechless at the sight of Queen Latiffia, and Owen Cooper's humble beginnings and genuine gratitude for those who believed in him.
Breakout stars of Heated Rivalry, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, continue to charm audiences with their authenticity and echo the desires of audiences in their understanding of the impact of the stories that are told. On and off screen, the co-stars champion the queer community and the importance of creating spaces for these stories to be told. Heated Rivalry’s message has empowered audiences because, from the genesis production from cast to crew, the main goal has always been to encourage people to invite uncertainty because the freedom you find in giving yourself wholeheartedly to the things you love is the greatest gift you give yourself.
Stellan Skargard’s award for his role in Sentimental Value, his speech emphasized the importance of making films that matter, making films that mean something, and encouraged young filmmakers to pave their way in the industry.
Images sourced from Frazer Harrison/WireImage, Frederic J Brown/Getty Images, Amy Sussman/Getty Images, Gilbert Flores/2026GG/Getty Images