Golden Globes live: Stars spotted leaving mid-show as viewers slam ceremony as ‘cringe’

By RACHEL BOWMAN, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER and KATRINA SCHOLLENBERGER, US HEAD OF LIVE NEWS

Updated: 03:24 EST, 12 January 2026

The Golden Globe Awards kicked off awards season as A-listers descended on the red carpet for one of the biggest nights in Hollywood. 

Comedian Nikki Glaser hosted the show for a second time at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.

A-List stars were not impressed by the hours-long ceremony, however, with the likes of Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard slipping out of the Beverly Hilton before the show ended. 

Actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key was also spotted making his way out before the final awards were handed out. 

Viewers online also slammed the Golden Globes as ‘cringe’ and a ‘disappointment.’  

In her opening monologue, Nikki Glaser savagely took aim at Trump’s Justice Department, awarding the DoJ ‘best editing’ alluding to the Epstein files redactions.

She also took aim at CBS, awarding the network ‘most editing’ before quipping ‘yes, CBS News, America’s newest place to see BS news.’ 

Follow along for the latest updates

Stars skip out on remaining awards

Several celebrities have left the Golden Globes early, as people watching from home complained this year’s show has been a snooze fest.

Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, Dax Shepard, Kristen Bell, and Keegan-Michael Key appeared to have left the ceremony while several awards were still to be handed out.

People watching from home complained that this year’s ceremony has been boring and uninteresting to watch.

‘I remember when I used to watch the #GoldenGlobes and other award shows. This year, I don’t think I’ve seen a single nominated film,’ one person wrote on X.

‘The clips I’ve seen make me feel even better about that decision. The Golden Globes look cringe and, quite simply, not funny.’

Another wrote, ‘This has been one of the most boring Golden Globes I’ve ever seen, and I have watched them for years.

‘Haven’t heard of any of these one-named films. Haven’t heard of any of these under-30 actors, and they all are as obnoxious as they could possibly be. What a disappointment.’

‘Annoying voiceovers, strange music choices and the location of the actors instead of clips wtf is going on #GoldenGlobes,’ a third person wrote.

A fourth person added, ‘The Golden Globe commentators; the polymarket partnership; the unhinged and unnecessary transition music – everything about this broadcast is horrible.’

Bobby Cannavale skipped Golden Globes to purchase bearded dragon

Bobby Cannavale skipped the Golden Globes, where his wife Rose Byrne won best female actor in a musical or comedy film, to purchase a bearded dragon.

While accepting her award, Byrne said he husband missed the show for good reason.

‘We’re getting a bearded dragon, and he went to a reptile expo in New Jersey,’ she said.

Viewers complain about Golden Globes Polymarket polls

People watching the Golden Globes from home complained about the Polymarket polls that that popped up on their screens predicting this year’s winners.

‘This year’s Golden Globes was pretty good if you ignore the weird song choices and the Polymarket polls constantly plastered on screen,’ one person wrote on X.

‘No way Polymarket just infiltrated Golden Globes! Wow,’ a second person wrote.

A third person added, ‘The Golden Globes showing Polymarket odds for the next category is super lame.’

Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet cozy up at Golden Globes

Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet appeared loved up at the Golden Globes where the Marty Supreme star won best male actor in a musical or comedy film.

Heated Rivalry fans go crazy for stars presentation

Heated Rivalry stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie sent the internet ablaze with their Golden Globes presentation.

‘I’m gonna kill the golden globes crowd because they did not clap loud enough when they asked if everyone liked Heated Rivalry,’ one person watching from home wrote on X.

‘I’m getting fed tonight with all the Heated Rivalry golden globes videos. I’m so proud of my babies,’ wrote another.

A third added, ‘Went to the Heated Rivalry filming sets to then come home and see Hudson and Connor at the Golden Globes, I cannot stress how happy I am to be alive.’

Nikki Glaser honors Rob Reiner

Nikki Glaser paid tribute to Rob Reiner at the end of the Golden Globes by wearing a Spinal Tap hat.

‘This one went to 11,’ she said, referencing one of the film’s iconic lines.

Hamnet wins best drama motion picture

Chloé Zhao, Hamnet director, pictured on the Golden Globes red carpet earlier in the evening.

One Battle After Another wins best musical or comedy motion pictureWagner Moura wins best performance by a male actor in a drama motion picture

Wagner Moura won best performance by a male actor in a drama motion picture for The Secret Agent.

Earlier in the night, The Secret Agent won for best motion picture, non-English language.

Jessie Buckley wins best performance by a female actor in a drama motion picture

Jessie Buckley won best performance by a female actor in a drama motion picture for Hamnet.

Horror moment fire breaks out backstage at the 2026 Golden Globes

While A-listers took to the stage at the Golden Globes to accept their awards, disaster struck just feet away backstage.

According to video footage shared by journalist Chris Gardner, a fire broke out in the press room.

He explained on X, formerly Twitter, that someone from the catering team accidentally knocked over a lit sterno – canned fuel used to heat food.

The Studio wins best TV series musical or comedy

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Golden Globes live: Stars spotted leaving mid-show as viewers slam ceremony as ‘cringe’