Among the contenders expected to dominate the nominations are films like “Sinners,” “Wicked: For Good,” and “One Battle After Another.” These titles are likely to stand out in both the drama and comedy-musical categories, which each feature six nominees. This format leaves ample opportunity for the frontrunners to shine while also opening the door for a few surprise inclusions.

This year, the Golden Globes are embracing change and expanding their recognition criteria. Notably, they are introducing a best podcast category, a first in the history of the awards. This move complements the relatively new accolade for cinematic and box-office achievement, an award previously claimed by blockbusters such as “Barbie” and “Wicked.”

The Golden Globes have been on a journey of transformation following a tumultuous period marred by scandals involving the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the organization that formerly hosted the event. In 2023, the ceremony found new ownership under Todd Boehly’s Eldridge Industries and Dick Clark Productions, part of Penske Media. With a fresh and expanded voting body of over 300 individuals, the awards have transitioned to CBS, forging a new path with a shorter and more cost-effective agreement.

As the Globes continue to transition out of their scandal-plagued past, there’s one notable change this year. For the first time, the Globes are giving a best podcast trophy. That adds to the two-year-old award for cinematic and box-office achievement, a prize that so far has gone to “Barbie” and “Wicked.”

After a series of scandals for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the group that previously put on the ceremony, the Globes were sold in 2023 to Todd Boehly’s Eldridge Industries and Dick Clark Productions, a part of Penske Media. A new, larger voting body of 300-plus people now vote on the awards, which moved from NBC to CBS on a shorter, less expensive deal.

Nikki Glaser is returning as host to the Jan. 11 Globes, airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. In January, Glaser won good reviews for her first time emceeing the ceremony. Ratings were essentially unchanged, slightly dipping to 9.3 million viewers, according to Nielsen, from 9.4 million in 2024.

In the early going in Hollywood’s awards season, Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” has dominated and is seen as the Oscar best picture front-runner. Also in the mix are Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet,” Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value” and Josh Safdie’s “Marty Supreme.”

Helen Mirren will receive the Cecil B. DeMille Award in a separate prime-time special airing Jan. 8. Sarah Jessica Parker will be honored with the Carol Burnett Award.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.