The Golden Globe Awards return tonight, officially opening the 2026 awards season with a slate of high-profile film and television honors. While much of the attention will focus on the acting and directing categories, Best Original Song has quietly emerged as one of the night’s most competitive races.
This year’s nominees span blockbuster franchises, animated phenomena, and intimate dramas. Miley Cyrus enters the race with “Dream as One” from Avatar: Fire and Ash. Stephen Schwartz earns two nominations for Wicked: For Good, reinforcing his long-standing relationship with awards bodies. Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner bring gravitas with “Train Dreams,” while Raphael Saadiq and Ludwig Göransson pick up one of Sinners’ seven nominations with “I Lied to You.” Rounding out the field is “Golden,” the breakout centerpiece from KPop Demon Hunters, written by EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Ido, 24, and Teddy. So, who will win?
On paper, this is a wide-open race. In practice, momentum matters. Awards voters tend to reward songs that extend beyond their films and become cultural touchstones. That context positions “Golden” as the strongest contender heading into the ceremony. The track did not simply support its film; it became one of the defining musical moments of 2025. Its chart performance was historic, its streaming numbers unprecedented for a K-pop song tied to an animated feature, and its awards-season run has already proven formidable.
“Golden” spent five weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, setting a new benchmark for songs from animated films. It also became the first all-female K-pop song to top the chart. Internationally, the track reached No. 1 in the United Kingdom — a rare achievement for K-pop — and held the top spot on Spotify for 78 days. These figures reflect sustained global engagement rather than a fleeting viral moment.
Crucially, the song has translated commercial dominance into critical validation. It has already secured major wins at the Critics’ Choice Awards and the Astra Film Awards, while also earning Grammy nominations and a place on the Oscars shortlist. That combination of popularity and prestige is often decisive at the Golden Globes, which historically favor songs that feel both timely and culturally impactful.
While Miley Cyrus remains the most credible challenger, particularly following her recent win at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, the broader narrative favors “Golden.” Performed by HUNTR/X — the trio of EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami — the song represents a cultural shift the Globes have increasingly embraced in recent years. Last year, “El Mal” from Emilia Pérez won the category, while three years earlier, “Naatu Naatu” triumphed.
Final Prediction: Best Original Song will go to “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters, marking a historic win for K-pop.
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