‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’: A Big Nomination — and a Bigger Debate at the Golden Globes
The 83rd Golden Globe Awards nominations were announced in early December 2025, and one of the most talked-about results involves Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third installment in James Cameron’s blockbuster franchise. The film — which hasn’t even opened wide in theaters yet — earned two Golden Globe nominations, a fact that has sparked buzz, applause and some controversy ahead of the January 11, 2026 ceremony. Golden Globes+1
Two Nominations Ahead of Release
Avatar: Fire and Ash secured nominations in the following categories at the Golden Globes:
Cinematic and Box Office Achievement — a newer award category that celebrates films with major audience reach and impact. Golden Globes+1
Best Original Song – Motion Picture for “Dream as One”, co-written and performed in part by Miley Cyrus. Wikipedia
Landing these nominations before the film has tallied significant box office returns is unusual, but the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement category is structured to recognize expected commercial and cultural impact, including projected theatrical and streaming reach. Wikipedia
Critical and Fan Reactions
Reactions to the nominations reveal a divided conversation:
Supporters argue the film’s nominations reflect the franchise’s massive global profile and the high-production values that audiences and critics have already noticed in early reactions. Reviews so far point to the film as an “ultimate cinematic spectacle,” showcasing technical accomplishments that helped define Avatar as an awards-season contender long before its official late-December release. Wikipedia
Critics and commentators see the nods — especially the box-office/impact award and the song recognition — as an example of awards bodies favoring big franchises over smaller, critically driven contenders. Some news outlets and social commentary note that Avatar: Fire and Ash didn’t land in major traditional categories like Best Motion Picture – Drama, nor did it score acting or directing nominations, raising eyebrows among industry watchers. KDBC
The Broader Awards Landscape
The Globe nominations this year have sparked broader discussions about snubs and surprises across the board. Films like Wicked: For Good and others scored some recognition but missed out on top categories, prompting pundits to question how voters are balancing popular appeal with critical prestige. In that context, Avatar: Fire and Ash sits squarely in the middle of the debate: a film hugely anticipated by audiences and boasting stunning technical achievement, yet not fully embraced by awards season voters in all of the major categories. Forbes+1
What This Means for the Awards Season
In terms of influence on upcoming award shows — including the Oscars — the Golden Globes nominations could signal mixed momentum. While a nomination for Best Original Song boosts the profile of Avatar: Fire and Ash’s creative elements, the absence in core categories such as Best Picture or major acting categories suggests that franchise juggernauts still face challenges in converting mass engagement into broad critical validation. Forbes
With Avatar: Fire and Ash slated for a theatrical release later in December, its box office performance and early awards buzz will continue to shape the discussion in the weeks leading up to the Golden Globes and beyond.
