The road to the 83rd Golden Globe Awards officially began this week with a glittering new tradition: the "Golden Eve" special. Aired Thursday night on CBS, the event served as a prestigious prelude to Sunday's main ceremony, crowning acting legends Helen Mirren and Sarah Jessica Parker with the organization's highest honorary prizes. As Hollywood gears up for the main event hosted by Nikki Glaser, the emotional tributes and acceptance speeches from this kickoff celebration have set a high bar for the festivities to come.

Helen Mirren Accepts the Cecil B. DeMille Award

In a night dedicated to legacy, Dame Helen Mirren received the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award, joining the ranks of icons like Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks. Presented by her 1923 co-star Harrison Ford—who affectionately described her as "a badass"—Mirren delivered a speech that was both poignant and characteristically spirited. Rather than viewing the lifetime achievement honor as a career capstone, she reframed it for the audience.

"The DeMille Award was described to me as a career recognition," Mirren told the crowd at the Beverly Hilton. "But I prefer to think of it as a life lived, a life survived, a life enjoyed... and given that hope, I prefer to think of this as an ongoing reflection of my career rather than a eulogy."

Viola Davis, last year's recipient, also took the stage to honor Mirren, praising her ability to "stealthily, fearlessly, and boldly" inhabit every character she plays. The tribute highlighted Mirren's extraordinary range, from her Oscar-winning turn in The Queen to her action-hero status in the Fast & Furious franchise.

Sarah Jessica Parker Honored with Carol Burnett Award

The evening's other major highlight was the presentation of the Carol Burnett Award to Sarah Jessica Parker. This accolade, which honors outstanding contributions to television, celebrated Parker's decades-spanning career, most notably her defining role as Carrie Bradshaw. The segment turned into a mini Sex and the City reunion, with co-star Kristin Davis delivering a tearful tribute to her longtime friend and "chosen family."

Parker's husband, Matthew Broderick, presented the award with a charming anecdote about the moment Parker was first offered the script for the HBO series. He recalled asking her, "Do you really want to do TV?"—a question that drew laughter from the room given the show's eventual cultural impact. In her acceptance speech, Parker credited Carol Burnett herself for inspiring her journey, revealing that her parents actually met while auditioning for a production of Once Upon a Mattress, a show Burnett made famous.

Nikki Glaser Returns as Host for 2026

With the honorary awards bestowed, all eyes now turn to the main telecast this Sunday. Comedian Nikki Glaser host 2026 is a headline in itself, marking her second consecutive year emceeing the gala. Glaser, whose fearless roasting style won over audiences last year, has promised another night of sharp wit. Industry insiders are eager to see how she balances the room's energy after the emotional high of the Golden Eve special.

Glaser's return signals a desire for stability and comedy that "punches up," a critical factor for the broadcast's ratings on CBS. The 83rd Golden Globe Awards will air live coast-to-coast this Sunday at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.

Golden Globes 2026 Winners: Predictions and Buzz

While Mirren and Parker have secured their statues, the rest of the Golden Globes 2026 winners remain a mystery until Sunday. However, buzz is building around several key contenders. In the television categories, the hospital drama The Pitt starring Noah Wyle is generating significant heat, potentially unseating favorites in the Best Drama race. Meanwhile, the industry satire The Studio is a frontrunner for Best Comedy/Musical Series.

Top Film Contenders

On the film side, Golden Globes predictions are heavily favoring Hamnet for Best Motion Picture – Drama, with Jessie Buckley's performance drawing rave reviews. For Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy, Timothée Chalamet is expected to take home the globe for his role in Marty Supreme. As voting bodies have shifted, these early wins could be crucial indicators for the remainder of awards season.

A New Era for the Golden Globes

The introduction of the "Golden Eve" broadcast marks a significant expansion of the Golden Globes brand. By separating the honorary awards into their own primetime special, the organization has allowed for more in-depth tributes without rushing the main telecast's runtime. For viewers, it offers a double dose of Hollywood glamour—celebrating the history of entertainment on Thursday and its future on Sunday.

Be sure to tune in this Sunday to see if your favorite films and shows take home the gold, and check back here for full coverage of the ceremony's biggest moments.