The Golden Globes, one of the most prestigious celebrations of talent globally, started the year off with familiar faces on the red carpet. Based in Los Angeles, the scene is dominated by Hollywood excellence and common names in every American household. However, the American film industry is nothing if not inspired and rooted in global influence. This year, during the 2026 83rd annual Golden Globes, there was an increased visibility of Middle Eastern presence amongst the nominees and attendees. While the region did not take home any awards, between cinematic recognition and red-carpet designs, this year signalled a growing reputability for MENA creatives in the world’s largest film and media industry.
Nominated for Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language was The Voice of Hind Rajab, a film making headlines for the past year, garnering attention and critical praise as it screened at multiple international film festivals globally. Premiering at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, the film is a documentary-style reenactment of the moment a Gazan child, Hind Rajab, calls emergency services trapped in a car under fire, with the original call audio. This film was arguably the most internationally recognized and famed Middle Eastern contribution to the global film industry this year, due in part to the increased visibility on the subject matter, but also due to the determination of the team behind the film in sharing Hind Rajab’s story.
Nominated alongside The Voice of Hind Rajab was Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just an Accident. Following a group of Iranian political prisoners, the film was nominated for Best Motion Picture – Dramas well as Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language, and premiered at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. Panahi himself was also nominated for Best Director and Best Screenplay, making the film one of the more recognized international films at the Golden Globes this year.
Middle Eastern influence was incredibly visible on the red carpet, with several Arab designers being worn by some of Hollywood’s most famous faces. Tony Ward, a Lebanese designer, was very prominent, dressing Oona Chaplin, Jean Smart, and Jeannie Mai.
Kylie Jenner, accompanying Timothee Chalamet, one of the most celebrated actors of the night, appeared in a custom gown by Saudi label Ashi Studio.
As usual, Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad’s designs also made an appearance, dressing Jennifer Lopez for the Pre-Golden Globes Party in a dripping burgundy dress with a matching fur coat.
More notably, Murad also dressed Nikki Glaser, the host of the night, in her strapless pink red-carpet look.
