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- How nominees reacted: quick takes and personal moments
- Wicked stars reflect: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo on song, sisterhood and the stage
- Sinners and its creative team: Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler respond
- Films and TV with multiple nods: leaders and breakout projects
- Spotlight interviews: what other nominees shared
- Jessie Buckley on Hamnet and full-circle moments
- Teyana Taylor on faith, family and a film set’s trust
- Elle Fanning on career milestones and meta roles
- Chase Infiniti on a debut nomination
- Amy Madigan on Aunt Gladys and unexpected fandom
- Dwayne Johnson on transformation and gratitude
- Rose Byrne on a risky, rewarding role
- Amanda Seyfried on dual nominations and character truth
- Joachim Trier on team recognition and the cinema experience
- Charlie Brooker on Black Mirror and first-time Globes attention
- Park Chan-wook on a Korean breakthrough
- Rhea Seehorn on Pluribus and quiet celebration
- Industry buzz: awards, campaigns and the bigger picture
- What nominees plan next: speeches, screenings and small celebrations
- Nominees to watch in key categories
Golden Globe nominations dropped early Monday, sending ripples through Hollywood and lighting up phones from London to Los Angeles. Stars answered calls and texts, shared laughs, wiped away tears and reflected on how these nods change careers and stories. Variety reached out to many nominees to hear the raw reactions behind the headlines.
How nominees reacted: quick takes and personal moments
- Ariana Grande said she screamed and cried when her manager called. She’s nominated for a supporting role in Wicked: For Good.
- Michael B. Jordan woke to a flood of messages across time zones. He joked about initially being left out of the Sinners group chat.
- Cynthia Erivo learned she set a record as the first Black woman with two lead actress nods in the comedy or musical Globe category.
- Ryan Coogler was packing in Santa Barbara when he clicked the announcement link and felt gratitude for the film’s continued life.
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Wicked stars reflect: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo on song, sisterhood and the stage
Grande on earning the role and the music
Ariana Grande called the second nomination for her Glinda role “extraordinary.” She described the moment she heard the news as chaotic and joyful.
She praised new songs by Stephen Schwartz, naming them emotional highlights. Grande said the music added depth to Glinda’s arc.
When asked about performing at the Globes, she was coy. She left open the idea that fans might hear her sing again soon.
Erivo on history and hope
Cynthia Erivo reacted with disbelief and pride to her record-setting Globe milestone. She called it “very special” and hoped more doors open for Black women.
Erivo also texted congratulations to Grande and said the global response to Elphaba has been humbling. She was in rehearsal for a London production when the news arrived.
Sinners and its creative team: Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler respond
Michael B. Jordan: two roles, one recognition
Jordan received a best actor drama nod for playing twins in Sinners. He described a New Year’s-like rush of texts that woke him early.
He celebrated the communal nature of the film’s success and credited his mother and teammates for the long road.
Jordan teased the group chat dynamic and said the campaign felt like a shared victory.
Ryan Coogler: gratitude for collaborators
Coogler earned multiple nominations, including director and screenplay. He called the recognition heartwarming.
He remembered the shoot as a kind of grown-up summer camp. He highlighted composer Ludwig Göransson and the cast’s wide-ranging performances.
Films and TV with multiple nods: leaders and breakout projects
- One Battle After Another led the field with nine nominations. Cast members expressed gratitude and disbelief.
- Sentimental Value earned eight noms, with all four leads recognized.
- Sinners continued to build momentum after its release, with several major nominations.
Spotlight interviews: what other nominees shared
Jessie Buckley on Hamnet and full-circle moments
Buckley landed a drama nomination for Hamnet. She was in Berlin with her daughter when she learned about it.
She described the nomination as a full-circle moment, given her theatrical roots at the Globe Theatre.
Teyana Taylor on faith, family and a film set’s trust
Taylor said she felt like she was dreaming. She woke up to group FaceTime celebrations and prayers with family.
She praised director Paul Thomas Anderson for trusting the performers with delicate material.
Elle Fanning on career milestones and meta roles
Fanning was at home with tea when the nominations came through. She called the new film role “cathartic” and remarked on how playing a movie star felt meta.
She also mentioned being adopted by her Norwegian co-stars for awards tables and celebrations.
Chase Infiniti on a debut nomination
Infiniti was stunned to be a first-time nominee. She described an anxious wait while her phone charged in a hotel room.
She plans a small celebration and a slice of cake after processing the surprise.
Amy Madigan on Aunt Gladys and unexpected fandom
Madigan said she never imagined awards attention for Aunt Gladys. She was moved by how the character connected with queer and drag communities.
Seeing drag performers adopt the character felt like validation for her work.
Dwayne Johnson on transformation and gratitude
Johnson called his Globe nod for The Smashing Machine an “out of body experience.” He was texting with Ryan Coogler and then parenting duties took over his morning.
He praised prosthetics artist Kazuhiro Tsuji and the film team for the demanding transformation process.
Rose Byrne on a risky, rewarding role
Byrne spoke about the film’s tonal ambiguity. She said different audiences saw it as a drama, a comedy or a horror film.
Byrne emphasized the importance of films that examine motherhood through new lenses.
Amanda Seyfried on dual nominations and character truth
Seyfried was surprised to land two Golden Globe nods in separate categories. She was celebrating a birthday weekend in the snow when she got the news.
She reflected on the characters she plays and the possibility of revisiting them in other formats.
Joachim Trier on team recognition and the cinema experience
Trier said his film’s multiple nominations felt like shared validation. He praised Stellan Skarsgård and the ensemble’s commitment.
He urged studios to preserve the theatrical experience amid industry consolidation talks.
Charlie Brooker on Black Mirror and first-time Globes attention
Brooker described receiving the email and calls while in a London edit room. He celebrated Paul Giamatti and Rashida Jones from the team.
He reflected on the show’s longevity and the themes that keep it resonant.
Park Chan-wook on a Korean breakthrough
Park was surprised to learn he was the first Korean film to reach the main best picture category at the Globes.
He was most pleased that his lead actor, Lee Byung-hun, earned recognition alongside the film.
Rhea Seehorn on Pluribus and quiet celebration
Seehorn called the nomination “pretty awesome.” She spent the morning slowly reading messages and doing a jigsaw puzzle.
She praised Vince Gilligan’s willingness to trust the audience and to write long, dialogue-free passages for actors.
Industry buzz: awards, campaigns and the bigger picture
- Several nominees noted the importance of long campaigns and team work.
- Directors emphasized the joy of seeing actors receive attention.
- Many interviewees connected nominations to larger conversations about representation and theatrical preservation.
What nominees plan next: speeches, screenings and small celebrations
Some stars are already drafting lines. Others say they’ll improvise if they win. A few plan private dinners with family.
Across the board, the mood was grateful. The work mattered more than trophies, but the recognition helps films find audiences.
Nominees to watch in key categories
- Best Actor, Drama — Michael B. Jordan and other leading contenders.
- Best Actress, Musical or Comedy — Cynthia Erivo among notable nominees.
- Best Supporting Actress — Ariana Grande received a nod that surprised many.
- Directing and Screenplay — Ryan Coogler earned multiple nominations.
