Difference Between Golden Globes and Oscars- Breaking Down the Film and TV Honors

Early predictions for the final Academy Awards (Oscars) nominations are already underway ahead of the 98th ceremony, scheduled for March 2026. Meanwhile, the final nominations for the 83rd Golden Globe Awards have just been announced, with the ceremony set to take place on January 11, 2026.

As the anticipation builds, we are here to unpack the difference between Golden Globes and Oscars, and what sets them both apart. Also, catch a glimpse of the final Golden Globes film nominations with Movie Insiderz.

Oscars started earlier than the Golden Globes?​

The first Oscar ceremony was held in 1929, while the Golden Globes began 15 years later, in 1944. The Golden Globes strategically placed their ceremony at the beginning of the calendar year to gain prominence.

The timing of both ceremonies plays a vital role in shaping the film industry’s awards campaign. The Golden Globes begin the awards season with a new year, setting a specific tone and momentum. However, their timing should not be confused as a direct indicator or predictor of the Oscars; instead, it ensures an orderly progression rather than an overcrowded schedule.

Several other shows are scheduled before the Globes and Oscars, such as the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the Governors Awards. Hence, the Globes act as the official start of the awards season marathon, transforming the entire energy leading up to the Oscars, even if they aren’t a perfect prognosticator of the final outcome.

What is the difference between Golden Globes and Oscars?​

Let’s dive into the greatest differences that define the Golden Globes and Oscars distinctly.

• The first and foremost difference between Golden Globes (GG) and Oscars is that GG honors both film and TV, while Oscars only focus on films.
• GG has a smaller, journalist-based voting body, while the Oscars have a massive voting pool of industry peers. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences comprises nearly 10,000 members, with approximately 9,500 confirmed voters for the process of choosing the Oscar final nominations.
• Oscars are considered more serious and prestigious awards that celebrate technical aspects like editing and sound, etc, whereas GG makes it a fun, party-like atmosphere for the event.
• The Academy strictly prohibits campaigning; however, people have networks behind the scenes, and For Your Consideration (FYC) campaigns are run to make sure voting members see the movies in question. On the other hand, awards watchers have observed over the years that GG has an open campaigning policy where brunches, controversial gift bags, and promotional tactics are alleged, as per the BBC.  
• The Golden Globes are known for giving more limelight to the biggest celebrities and biggest names in the audience, while the Academy is open for anyone who they think is the best, given that their work is great, of course. For instance, one of the most unexpected Oscar wins for a small name was Marcia Gay Harden’s Best Supporting Actress for 2000’s Pollock. She beat out major favorites like Catherine Zeta-Jones (Traffic), Judi Dench (Chocolat), and Kate Hudson (Almost Famous). Harden had not won any major awards before, like BAFTA, SAG, Critics’ Choice, etc.    
• Although winning a Golden Globe is a huge achievement but it should not be deemed as a precursor for an Oscar win. The Globes are just the opinion of a few hundred journalists, whereas bagging a win like the Oscars means you can set up your whole life’s direction when thousands of industry professionals have voted for the deserving candidate.

The final film nominations for the Golden Globes categories

​The final nominations for the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards were announced on December 8, 2025, via their official website. Have a look:

​​You can check out the remaining nominees for best actors in motion picture (both in drama and musical/comedy), and supporting actors, direction, screenplay, original score, original song, and cinematic box office achievement on their website.  ​

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Golden Globes (@goldenglobes)

Do Golden Globe winners go on to win Oscars? ​

It does not necessarily guarantee that a film or actor who has won a Golden Globe award will receive recognition or success at the Oscars. The impact of the Golden Globes as an Oscar foreteller is largely psychological and a part of the overall awards season narrative.

The Golden Globes don’t directly determine Oscar winners- it helps shape the conversation and set the narrative for what’s coming next in the Oscars. The films, directors, and actors gain attention as the first film honors of the season build buzz.​

For example, there are two categories for movies in the Golden Globes- Drama and Musical/Comedy, while there is only one in the Oscars- Best Picture. In 2016, The Revenant won Best Drama at the Golden Globes, while the Best Picture Oscar was granted to Spotlight.​

On the whole, it establishes the momentum and influences the narrative around the frontrunners for the rest of the season. The narrative can also give the viewers an idea whether they should watch the film before the critical ceremony that’s going to be held in March. This gives them a reason to watch a film and, crucially, boost its visibility.  

The more exciting aspect of Golden Globe’s placement before the Oscars is that a surprise win can push the lesser-known contender into the spotlight until the Oscars happen. Public interest, award season discussions, and even voters’ perceptions are molded, giving them a chance to compete on a more level playing field.

Who are you rooting for this awards season- Golden Globes favorites or dark horse Oscar contenders?

Madiha Ali

Passionate Entertainment Writer | Trusted Pop Culture Voice
Madiha Ali is an experienced entertainment writer with over five years of expertise in covering movies, TV shows, celebrity news, and pop culture. Her bylines appear on trusted platforms like High on Films, Ary News, The Express Tribune, Tea and Banter, Show Snob, CelebFeedz, Snapfeedz, Daily Planet Media, The Irish Insider, and Movie Insiderz.

She brings a personal, insightful approach to every story—whether she’s analyzing the emotional layers of a film or giving her take on trending celebrity headlines. Madiha’s writing style is known for being authentic, well-researched, and reader-focused.

When she’s not writing, she’s fully immersed in the world of entertainment—watching new releases, revisiting classics, exploring behind-the-scenes content, or reading books that fuel her creativity. Her passion for storytelling drives her work and helps her stay connected to what matters most in the industry.

Madiha believes great stories start conversations, challenge perspectives, and stay with us long after the credits roll. Through her writing, she continues to share those stories with clarity, depth, and heart.

Expertise in Entertainment Journalism
Published on Trusted Media Platforms
Audience-Focused & Original Voice
Dedicated to Quality Content

movieinsiderz.com