Golden Globes 2026: ‘One Battle After Another’ Sweeps the Night in a Triumphant Return for Paul Thomas Anderson

The 83rd Golden Globe Awards have officially inaugurated the 2026 awards season, and one film has emerged as the undisputed heavyweight champion of the night. Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another dominated the ceremony held at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, securing four major trophies including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. The evening, hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, was a celebration of cinematic returns and breakthrough performances, but it was undoubtedly Anderson’s night.

Paul Thomas Anderson, often hailed as one of the most significant American filmmakers of his generation, solidified his standing with a decisive sweep. One Battle After Another, a sprawling, politically charged comedy-thriller, not only took the top prize in its category but also earned Anderson the awards for Best Director and Best Screenplay. This marks a significant moment for the director, whose previous works like There Will Be Blood and The Master have been critical darlings but often elusive when it comes to sweeping major televised awards ceremonies.

In an emotional acceptance speech, Anderson steered away from the political satire that defines his latest film to focus on the personal. He dedicated his Best Director win to Adam Somner, his longtime assistant director and friend who passed away in late 2024. “I love doing what I do, so this is just fun,” Anderson told the audience, before somberly honoring Somner’s memory, noting that One Battle After Another was the last project they worked on together. The tribute added a layer of poignancy to a night otherwise filled with the raucous humor of the film’s cast and the host.

While the film’s creative architect took home the gold, the cast also saw significant recognition—and some surprising upsets. Teyana Taylor, the musician-turned-actress who has been steadily building a formidable filmography, won Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film. Her performance, described by critics as the heart of the chaotic narrative, beat out industry veterans like Amy Madigan. Taylor delivered one of the night’s most memorable speeches, tearfully dedicating her award to “brown sisters and little brown girls” watching at home, asserting that their voices and dreams deserve space in Hollywood’s highest echelons.

However, the night didn’t result in a clean sweep for the entire cast. Leonardo DiCaprio, who stars as the film’s lead—a paranoid father figure navigating a changing political landscape—was bested in the Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy category. The award instead went to Timothée Chalamet for his role in Marty Supreme, a ping-pong sports comedy produced by A24. This was Chalamet’s first Golden Globe win, a milestone the 30-year-old actor accepted with humility, joking that his previous losses made the moment “that much sweeter.”

While One Battle After Another ruled the comedy side, the drama categories saw a different victor. Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet, a Shakespearean drama exploring grief and art, claimed Best Motion Picture – Drama. Its lead, Jessie Buckley, won Best Actress in a Drama, further cementing the film as the primary Oscar rival to Anderson’s powerhouse. The contrast between the two films—one a manic, modern political satire, the other a period piece about historical grief—sets the stage for a fascinating duel as the season progresses toward the Academy Awards.

On the television front, Netflix’s Adolescence was the undeniable titan. The limited series, which has sparked global conversations about online safety and misogyny, won four awards, including Best Limited Series. Its stars Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper, and Erin Doherty all took home acting trophies, making it a near-total lockout for the show in its eligible categories. Meanwhile, the Apple TV+ satire The Studio picked up Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy, and the medical drama The Pitt won on the drama side.

For those catching up on the buzz, One Battle After Another represents Paul Thomas Anderson’s first feature film since 2021’s Licorice Pizza. Rumored for years to be a loose adaptation of Thomas Pynchon’s novel Vineland—though Anderson has played coy with the direct connection—the film is set in a contemporary reality that mirrors the paranoia of the 1980s. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio in his first collaboration with Anderson, a pairing that film buffs have anticipated for over a decade.

DiCaprio, who has been relatively selective with his projects following Killers of the Flower Moon, plays a former radical trying to protect his daughter (played by newcomer Chase Infiniti) from government forces. The film’s tone is a high-wire act between slapstick comedy and intense thriller elements, a signature of Anderson’s evolving style. The cast is rounded out by heavy hitters like Sean Penn, Regina Hall, and Benicio Del Toro, making it one of the most star-studded ensembles of the year.

The film’s success at the Globes suggests a strong commercial and critical appeal, reportedly grossing well at the box office since its release by Warner Bros. It is currently available in theaters and is expected to hit HBO Max later this spring, capitalizing on its fresh awards momentum.

Timothée Chalamet’s win for Marty Supreme signals his successful pivot into more character-driven, comedic roles, moving away from the blockbuster scale of the Dune franchise. Fans can expect to see him next in the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, which is currently in post-production. Meanwhile, Leonardo DiCaprio is rumored to be circling a new project with Martin Scorsese, keeping their legendary partnership alive.

As for Teyana Taylor, this win is likely to catapult her into leading lady status. After stealing scenes in One Battle After Another, industry insiders suggest she is being eyed for several major biopics and dramatic roles that were previously out of reach.

The 2026 Golden Globes have set a clear narrative for the rest of the season: it is a battle between the frenetic energy of Anderson’s modern satire and the classical emotional weight of Zhao’s Hamnet. With the Oscars on the horizon, all eyes will be on whether One Battle After Another can maintain this momentum or if the Academy will favor the traditional drama.

What do you think about the winners this year—did DiCaprio deserve the win over Chalamet, or was it time for new blood? Share your thoughts in the comments.