8 Golden Globes 2026 snubs and surprises that’ll make you question everything about awards season
The 83rd Golden Globes nominations have just been announced, and they’re already stirring excitement. 'One Battle After Another' leads the pack with an impressive nine nods, instantly becoming the film to watch this awards season. But alongside the celebrations, there’s no shortage of shock and disappointment. Let’s check out the four biggest surprises and the four most notable snubs from this year’s Golden Globe lineup.
Snubs
1. 'Jay Kelly' is overlooked despite George Clooney and Adam Sandler's acting nominations
'Jay Kelly' earned acting nominations for George Clooney and Adam Sandler but received no major recognition. Clooney was nominated for Best Actor, while Sandler secured a Supporting Actor honor for his breakout role. Despite these nods, the Golden Globes overlooked director Noah Baumbach and the film's behind-the-scenes team, leaving 'Jay Kelly' with fewer nominations than expected, as per ScreenRant.
2. 'Stranger Things' is majorly missing from nominations
'Stranger Things’ near-complete absence from the 2026 Golden Globe nominations is a surprising omission, given the show's long history of awards recognition and cultural impact. Despite its latest season delivering major spectacle and emotional payoff, the lack of nominations signals not just stiff competition but a possible end to the series' awards-season momentum.
3. 'Andor' received just one nomination
'Andor' receiving only one nomination is a surprising snub that we were not expecting. 'Andor' is widely praised as one of the most sophisticated and critically acclaimed shows in the 'Star Wars' franchise. Known for its stellar storytelling and strong performances, the show's minimal recognition showcases a clear gap between critical respect and awards acknowledgment.
4. The Pitt's Katherine LaNasa misses out on nomination
Katherine LaNasa missing out on a nomination for 'The Pitt' is a surprising acting snub, especially given how her critically praised performance served as one of the show's emotional aspects. Despite strong reviews, her work appears to have been overlooked amid a crowded supporting category, making her absence particularly noticeable considering how vital she was to the series' success.
Surprises
1. 'The Beast in Me' earns multiple award nominations
'The Beast in Me' delivered one of the Golden Globes' biggest surprises, earning multiple nominations despite entering the awards race with little early buzz. The genre-blending series rarely breaks through without late-season momentum, but the selection committee clearly responded to its bold storytelling and standout performances.
2. Natasha Lyonne's surprising Best Actress nomination for 'Poker Face'
Natasha Lyonne's unexpected 'Poker Face' nomination displays both her enduring popularity and her personality-driven performances. Although the show's genre-blending, episodic format made awards recognition uncertain, Lyonne's charismatic and emotionally tuned performance stood out. Her nomination signals that voters embraced the series' unconventional charm, making the honor feel well deserved.
3. 'Wake Up Dead Man' was surprisingly left out
The third 'Knives Out' film, 'Wake Up Dead Man,' was completely shut out of the Golden Globes despite earning strong, widely praised reviews, even better than its predecessor. Unlike the first two installments, which scored Best Motion Picture and Best Actor nominations for Daniel Craig, this entry failed to appear in any category, as per Rolling Stone.
4. 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' earns a surprising nomination
'K-Pop Demon Hunters' received a surprising nomination in a box-office achievement category, despite having only a very limited theatrical run, a brief awards-qualifying release, a weekend sing-along event, and a short Halloween stint, as per Mint. This makes its recognition especially unexpected.
