Helen Mirren will be honored with the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes in 2026. The announcement was made on Wednesday, revealing that the acclaimed actress will receive this lifetime achievement recognition on January 8, 2026. At 80 years old, Mirren has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning over six decades, earning an Academy Award for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in The Queen and three Golden Globes for her performances.
Mirren’s award will be presented during a special broadcast titled “Golden Eve,” which will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+. The main Golden Globes ceremony is set to take place on January 11, 2026. Throughout her illustrious career, Mirren has taken on a diverse range of roles, including multiple portrayals of royalty, a prime minister, and even the narrator of the popular Barbie film.
Salman Rushdie’s Literary Comeback
In other entertainment news, Salman Rushdie has released a new book titled The Eleventh Hour, marking his first fiction work since the brutal attack he suffered on stage in New York in 2022. The book comprises two short stories and three novellas that delve into themes of age, mortality, and memory. Rushdie describes the creation of this work as a significant step in his recovery, both physically and creatively.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Rushdie has re-engaged with public life and reflected on the lasting impact of his literary contributions. In an interview with the Associated Press, he expressed how writing fiction has been a transformative process for him.
Kristen Stewart Advocates for Women in Film
At the recent Academy Women’s Luncheon, actress Kristen Stewart delivered a compelling keynote address emphasizing the importance of solidarity and honesty among women in the film industry. Stewart urged attendees to reject tokenism and actively create opportunities for themselves.
The event, held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, celebrated the Academy Gold Fellowship for Women, which supports emerging filmmakers. Stewart praised the work of author Lidia Yuknavitch, which inspired her call for women to be proud and proactive. The luncheon served as a gathering of solidarity and shared purpose, with Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter presenting the awards.
Notable Awards and Achievements
In additional highlights, Jonathan Bailey, known for his role in Wicked, was named People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2025. The announcement was made on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where Bailey took over the title from John Krasinski.
The literary world saw Helen Garner, an esteemed Australian writer, win the Baillie Gifford Prize for Nonfiction for her collected diaries, How to End a Story. Garner’s work stands out as the first set of diaries to receive this prestigious honor.
Finally, Adam Sandler will receive AARP’s Movies for Grownups career achievement award, recognized for his versatility in both comedy and drama. Sandler is set to receive the award on January 10, 2026, in Beverly Hills. The ceremony will be hosted by Alan Cumming and broadcast on PBS in February.
As the entertainment landscape evolves, these achievements and recognitions highlight the significant contributions and resilience of artists in an ever-changing industry.
