Many people recognize January as the time for new beginnings, and one of these beginnings is the upcoming awards shows. Following the Critics’ Choice and Golden Globe Awards comes the 2026 Grammy Awards. The awards were presented on Feb. 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA, and were aired on CBS and Paramount+.
People have a lot to say about the celebrities highlighted in these awards and the actors, television shows, and movies that have won their respective categories.
The lengthy Golden Globe Awards broadcasts, consisted of 27 awards, have experienced a decline in viewership in recent years. On the social media platform TikTok, there are many clips of the livestream that highlight the important parts without the long watch time. This allows people to scroll through and comment on different clips from the event.
According to students at Rancho Cucamonga High School, most teens aren’t inclined to watch the full livestream, but they still take an interest in the awards, who wins what category, and the interactions between celebrities. One freshman, Madison Romero, explained she enjoys award shows such as the Grammys and Oscars because of her interest in music and movies.
“The award I’m looking forward to the most is the Best Movie Award because I really want to see ‘Wicked’ win!” Romero said.
(Genavee Morales)
RCHS student Rene Orellana shared his thoughts on why teens find interest in these awards. Orellana shared his perspective on how the honoring of well-known celebrities can make them popular among their teenage fans, what he personally looked forward to when watching this year’s awards, and his opinion on this category’s winner.
“Someone could’ve looked at that and been like, ‘hey look, that guy looks like me, and he’s winning, maybe I could be like that’. That’s why I think Michael B. Jordan not winning is baloney,” Orellana said.
The three mentioned award shows had millions of people watching, ranging from adults to teenagers. Students watching award shows like the Critics’ Choice Awards, Golden Globes, and The Grammys discover that the purpose of it is more than who gets a trophy; it’s an opportunity to connect with audiences on a cultural level. It’s the celebration of achievements and helps new and upcoming actors from different backgrounds rise to fame quickly.
In addition to creating connections, the awards shows are also known to spark criticism. Arguments about nominees escalate, and talk about equality, racism, and sexism rise as the season carries on. Many musical artists used the 2026 Grammys as a platform to speak out against injustices. Many celebrities wore the “ICE Out” pin on their attire, and Bad Bunny called out ICE specifically.
“Before I say thanks to God, I’m gonna say ICE out. We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens, we are humans, and we are Americans. Hate gets more powerful with more hate.” he said.
(Kennedy Ewing-Chow)
Junior Srisaanvi Guda shared her perspective on the crude humor and celebrity activism at the awards.
“I do think that sometimes comedians who lead the show use racist and misogynistic remarks, but I think most of these shows are taking action against it and are making these shows respectful for everyone,” Guda said.
Guda described her interest in award shows to certain students. She explained how the Grammys, Oscars, and Golden Globes are a major part of recent pop culture and common media.
The next awards show will be the Oscars, taking place on March 15, 2026.
