Golden Globes Adds Two New Categories, Including One for Blockbusters

The Golden Globes has added two new categories for the 2024 awards ceremony: Best Blockbuster and Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy.

As first reported on Variety, eight films will be eligible for the Best Blockbuster award regardless of whether they premiered in theaters or on streaming platforms. The Golden Globes deems movies eligible for a nomination in the blockbuster category if they grossed at least $150 million during release, $100 million of which should have come from the domestic box office. As for films that premiered on Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services, data gathered from “recognized industry sources” will be considered when determining their eligibility, especially for movies that garnered vast viewership.

For this year’s ceremony, we’re sure that’ll include films like Barbie, currently the highest-grossing movie of 2023; The Super Mario Bros. Movie; Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3; and Oppenheimer.

For Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy, which recognizes the work of comics in the traditional stand-up format, the awards team will consider comedy specials that have aired on cable (broadcast, basic, premium, or pay-per-view) or streaming. Only six comedians will be nominated in this category. Stand-up comedy programs must be released on a recognized media platform, and individual social media accounts will not be considered. (Apologies in advance to every comedy content creator on TikTok.)

“The Golden Globes has a rich history of supporting and celebrating the work of comedians, and we’re thrilled to honor their brilliance alongside outstanding motion picture and television performances of the year,” said Golden Globes president Helen Hoehne. “Additionally, we are proud to recognize the hard work and innovation that goes into making a film that is both a blockbuster and artistically exceptional.”

The Golden Globes’ blockbuster category is similar to the one the Academy Awards introduced in 2018, only it was called “Outstanding Popular Film.” This category would have honored films that have made a cultural impact, like that year’s Black Panther. However, the Academy nixed the category before the 2019 Oscars ceremony aired due to immense backlash from critics who deemed it a desperate attempt to acknowledge popular movies that don’t get nominated for Best Picture.

The Golden Globes will air Jan. 7, 2024.

Cristina Alexander is a freelance writer for IGN. To paraphrase Calvin Harris, she wears her love for Sonic the Hedgehog on her sleeve like a big deal. Follow her on Twitter @SonicPrincess15.