The Golden Globes and Oscars are both prestigious accolades, but there are major differences in the award shows.
The Golden Globes typically kick off awards season, as they fall in January. When the Oscars, also known as the Academy Awards, come around in March, that signals the end of the awards period.
While the Oscars and Golden Globes are similar in their honors, they do have some major differences. The biggest contrast is their categories. The Oscars focus solely on film, while the Golden Globes recognize movies and TV. Both awards shows also have a different voting process.
Keep scrolling to see what the difference is between the Golden Globes and Oscars:
What Are the Golden Globes?
The Golden Globes are awards that honor international film and television. The awards show began in 1944 and was organized by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which represents international journalists covering the entertainment industry.
In 2023, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association dissolved as an organization. Dick Clark Productions bought the association’s assets, and it was rebranded as the Golden Globe Foundation.
What Are the Golden Globe’s Categories?
The Golden Globes are broken up into two sections: motion pictures and television awards. In each section, there are categories based on specific genres. The only category for TV and film that doesn’t get a genre specification is Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress. Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Song and Best Score are also open to all genres for the motion pictures section.
The motion picture awards include Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Motion Picture – Foreign Language, Best Motion Picture – Animated, Best Director – Motion Picture, Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama, Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama, Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture, Best Screenplay – Motion Picture, Best Score – Motion Picture and Best Song – Motion Picture.
There is also the Cecil B. DeMille Award for Lifetime Achievement in Motion Pictures, which honors “outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.” In 2024, the category Best Cinematic and Box Office Achievement – Motion Picture was added to the show.
The television awards include Best Television Series – Drama, Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy, Best Miniseries or Motion Picture – Television, Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama, Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy, Best Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture – Television, Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama, Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy, Best Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture – Television, Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television, Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television and Best Stand-Up Comedy Performance – Television.
Much like the film section, the Golden Globes also has a lifetime achievement award for TV called the Carol Burnett Award.
Who Votes for the Golden Globes?
The nominations and awards themselves are determined by an independent body of international journalist voters. Before its dissolution, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association was the primary voting body. As of 2024, the Golden Globes’ voting body consists of 310 individuals.
What Are the Oscars?
The Oscars are awards for artistic and technical merit in film. They are considered to be one of the most prestigious accolades in the film industry. The Oscars are presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and recognize excellence in cinematic achievements.
The Oscars are the film counterpart for the Emmys, Grammys and Tonys, which make up the EGOT.
What Are the Oscars’ Categories?
The Oscars’ categories include Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Sound, Best Animated Short Film, Best Live Action Short Film, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Original Song, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Visual Effects, Best Original Screenplay, Best Documentary Short Film, Best Documentary Feature Film, Best International Feature Film, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling and Best Animated Feature Film.
Two new categories are expected to be added to the Oscars. Best Casting is expected to be introduced in 2026, while Best Stunt Design is planned to arrive in 2028.
Who Votes for the Oscars?
The Oscars are voted on by members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which includes more than 10,000 film industry professionals. For the nomination process, typically, Academy members in that specific branch, like actors for acting, vote to determine the nominees each year. However, during the final voting time, all eligible members can vote in every category.