Big studios swipe golden globes
- Elijah Santos
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read

LeydiPerez
The Advocate
On Saturday, Jan. 11, 2026, the Golden Globes returned as one of Hollywood’s biggest stages. From my perspective as a college student watching from home, this year’s ceremony felt like a mix of celebration, reinvention and genuine emotion.
The night’s biggest winners reflected that shift. Streaming-backed projects and fresh voices were front and center, reinforcing how much our own viewing habits as students — binging shows between classes, watching movies on laptops instead of in theaters — now shape the industry. The winners didn’t just represent big studios; they represented platforms many of us log into every day.
One of the most striking parts of the ceremony was the emotional tone of the acceptance speeches. Instead of the usual polished, PR-sounding thank-yous, many winners seemed honestly overwhelmed. You could hear the mix of relief, gratitude and disbelief in their voices. Several actors spoke about years of rejection and doubt, and how this moment felt like validation not just for them but for their communities and collaborators.
In the middle of all this, one winner stood out above the rest for me: K-pop Demon Hunters. As one of my favorite Netflix movies, seeing it win best animated feature and its anthem “Golden” take best original song felt not only exciting but absolutely deserved. The film follows Huntr/x, a K-pop girl group that uses music to battle dark forces. Beneath the glitter and choreography is a powerful story about self-acceptance, community and fighting the inner “demons” that tell us we’re not enough.
Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans have described the film as a tribute to strong, bold female characters and to the power of music to connect people. Since its June release, K-pop Demon Hunters became Netflix’s most-watched film of all time within just two months. The music took off too: “Golden” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, while another track, “Your Idol,” climbed to No. 8.
One of the most emotional moments of the night was Ejae’s acceptance speech for “Golden.” She talked about years of rejection while chasing her dream of becoming a K-pop idol and dedicated the award to people who’ve had doors closed in their faces. When she quoted the lyric, “It’s never too late to shine like you were born to be,” it felt like she was speaking directly to anyone who has ever doubted themselves — including a lot of us sitting in college classrooms, still figuring out where we’re going.
Whether you’re obsessed with red carpets or barely care about awards season, the 2026 Golden Globes captured a cultural moment: a Hollywood that’s still glamorous but increasingly shaped by the same screens, stories and struggles that define our everyday lives. And in that landscape, K-pop Demon Hunters didn’t just win awards — it truly earned its spotlight.





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