The 2026 Golden Globes has spectacularly raised the bar for awards show catering, unveiling a lavish multi-course feast that immediately casts a shadow over the widely ridiculed snacks served at the recent Critics Choice Awards.
A Culinary Spectacle for the Stars
Photos released from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills showcase the mouth-watering menu that Japanese restaurant powerhouse Nobu will serve to Hollywood's elite on Sunday, January 11th. This marks the third consecutive year the A-list hotspot has catered the ceremony, solidifying its status as the event's official culinary provider.
The elaborate dinner, presented by founder and celebrity chef Nobuyuki "Nobu" Matsuhisa himself at Thursday's Red Carpet rollout, features an array of exquisite dishes. Guests will be treated to yellowtail jalapeño, a caviar cup, and lobster salad with a spicy lemon dressing. The main event includes a selection of premium nigiri: tai matsuhisa, salmon, and tuna, each delicately brushed with nikiri soy, followed by the restaurant's signature miso black cod.
To wash it down, bottles of Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut and Rosé Impérial champagne have been strategically placed at the centre of each table for easy access, accompanied by the trendy Saratoga spring water. The meal concludes with a decadent dessert of white chocolate mousse, pistachio sponge, and ceremonial matcha cake, topped with a golden Nobu coin.
A Stark Contrast to Critics Choice Controversy
This opulent spread stands in stark contrast to the fare offered at the Critics Choice Awards last week, which became a source of online mockery. New York Times reporter Kyle Buchanan shared an image of the meagre snack plate served to attendees, which consisted of a handful of pita chips, two small bunches of grapes, cheese wedges, bruschetta, cherry tomatoes, cheeseballs, basil, and a dollop of hummus.
Buchanan's caption, "Hello from the Critics Choice Awards and our dinner, this snack plate," summed up the disappointment, with many comparing the offering to the infamous failed meals of the Fyre Festival. For an awards ceremony lasting several hours, the provision was widely deemed insufficient, making the Golden Globes' commitment to a full, chef-driven menu all the more notable.
Beyond the Ballroom: A Taste for the Public
For those not on the guest list, several Nobu restaurants will feature a special Golden Globes To-Go Menu over the weekend leading up to the ceremony. This will include several of the concoctions the celebrities will enjoy, allowing the public a taste of the exclusive festivities.
Hosted once again by Nikki Glaser, the 2026 ceremony sees the epic film One Battle After Another, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, leading the nominations with nine nods. It will compete in the Best Picture – Musical or Comedy category against films like Blue Moon and Bugonia. In television, Netflix's Adolescence and HBO's The White Lotus are among the frontrunners.
With this unveiling, the Golden Globes has not only set expectations high for its culinary offerings but has also successfully shifted the early awards season conversation from austerity to extravagance.
