Acclaimed composer Ludwig Göransson won the Golden Globe for Best Original Score for ‘Sinners’ at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards on January 11, 2026, but the victory sparked controversy when the category was omitted from the televised broadcast.
This drew sharp criticism from fans and film industry figures alike.
Göransson’s win, his second Globe in this category and a notable triumph over fellow nominees including Hans Zimmer (‘F1’), Alexandre Desplat (‘Frankenstein’), Jonny Greenwood (‘One Battle After Another’), Max Richter (‘Hamnet’) and Kangding Ray (‘Sirāt’) was announced during a commercial break rather than on the live CBS and Paramount+ telecast.
The decision was reportedly made due to broadcast time constraints amid the addition of new on-air categories such as Best Podcast.
Criticism for sidelining major category
The exclusion of the Best Original Score from the televised portion of the ceremony prompted immediate backlash on social media.
Viewers described the move as disrespectful to composers and questioned why other categories – including entertainment-oriented and newly introduced ones – received prominent airtime while the pivotal craft of scoring was sidelined.
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Hans Zimmer criticises ceremony: ‘you don’t have a movie without them’
Hans Zimmer, one of this year’s nominees and one of the most respected figures in film music, publicly criticized the Golden Globes’ decision.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Zimmer described the omission of the score category from the broadcast as “a little bit ignorant” and lamented the lack of live recognition for composers.
He emphasized the indispensable role of music in filmmaking, saying: “Don’t ignore them — you don’t have a movie without them.”
Zimmer further called it “a shame not to honour those people — my friends — who work so hard to become a voice in the art form.”
Organisers defend decision
Organisers of the Golden Globes responded that the decision was logistical rather than a judgment on artistic merit.
Noting that the award was still presented at the event and shared via online platforms.
Nonetheless, the controversy has sparked renewed debate over how major award shows balance runtime pressures with the need to visibly celebrate the full spectrum of creative contributions that shape cinema.
The incident has sparked an ongoing conversation around the valuation of technical and artistic categories in televised award shows, spotlighting those in power that choose what – and who – audiences see on the night’s biggest stage.
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