Golden Globes set to shape the Oscar race, says film expert

Awards season is officially in full swing, and all eyes are on the Golden Globes as Hollywood prepares for one of its most glittering and telling nights.

Returning for a second year, fan-favourite host Nikki Glaser will once again wrangle the A-lists biggest names, as Hollywood starts separating the hopefuls from the heavyweights.

Film and media expert Dr Adam Daniel, from Western Sydney University’s School of Arts, breaks down the key contenders and what their Golden Globe fortunes could mean as the road to the Oscars heats up.

“The Golden Globes often act as an early momentum-setter in the Oscar race, shaping industry narratives and signalling which films and performances are gaining critical and peer support as awards season intensifies.”

“This year, One Battle After Another and The Pitt have emerged as clear favourites in film and television respectively, reinforcing their status as awards-season frontrunners. A series of Globe wins for One Battle would cement that film, and writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson, as an Oscar favourite.

“Meanwhile, the Best Actor conversation is especially heated with Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio both in hot contention for recognition for their lead performances. In the Limited Series television category, Netflix’s Adolescence stands out as a major contender, adding awards buzz to its recognition as one of the most important social dramas of recent years.

“For younger movie fans, the continued dominance of K-Pop Demon Hunters looks set to continue, with the film being a favourite to take Best Animated Film and Best Song for the chart-topping 'Golden'.”

With plenty of trophies still to be handed out, one thing is certain - the conversation is only just getting started.

For interviews with Dr Adam Daniel please contact him on 0430 430 133 or reach out to media@westernsydney.edu.au.

ENDS

12 January 2026

Photo credit: Fatma Jarghon via Unsplash
Lauren Coskerie, Senior Media and PR Advisor