A selection of iconic scenes that have taken place at the Golden Globes over the years

It might not feel like it given we’re only about halfway through our Christmas chocolate and still finding stray bits of fake snow from the recently-put-away tree, but awards season is actually already underway for 2026.

Unusually, this year’s awards season kicked off with the Critics’ Choice Awards, with the Golden Globes – which traditionally is the first ceremony to take place – now scheduled for this coming weekend.

While most of the ceremonies in awards show only recognise achievement in cinema, the Golden Globes also gives out prizes to the TV industry – meaning there are twice as many A-listers in attendance, and therefore twice as many opportunities to make headlines for one reason or another.

From show-stopping red carpet fashion and unscheduled blunders to celebrity feuds and even political statements, here are 28 Golden Globes that really got people talking…

1. Madonna and Sir Elton John’s feud went up about 10 notches when they were nominated for the same award at the Golden Globes – and Sir Elton’s face was a picture when Madonna beat him

2. Sandra Oh’s monologue in 2019 sparked an impromptu ‘I’m sorry!’ from Emma Stone for the white-washed movie Aloha…

3 …and an altogether different outburst from Lady Gaga after poking fun at her ‘there could be 100 people in a room…’ quote

100 PEOPLE IN A ROOM!!! pic.twitter.com/5kXbyzM5Ib

4. Speaking of Lady Gaga, who could forget the moment she gave Leonardo DiCaprio a scare while getting up to accept her award for American Horror Story back in 2016?

5. Similarly, Jason Momoa caught Sir Brian Cox off guard with his very casual attire during 2020’s ceremony (he’d given his jacket to his then-wife Lisa Bonet to wear, in his defence)

Because of course Jason Momoa is wearing a tank top at the Golden Globe awards. He’s Aquaman. pic.twitter.com/0OJhBP8SH7