The entertainment world is buzzing as the Golden Globes 2026 event season kicks off with a special celebration honoring two of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses: Helen Mirren and Sarah Jessica Parker. The newly introduced Golden Eve: The Golden Globes Honor Helen Mirren & Sarah Jessica Parker ceremony was held at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, marking a star-studded prelude to the main Golden Globe Awards broadcast. AP News+1
This SEO-focused recap covers all the key highlights from the event — from the awards presented to the cultural impact of these honors — and outlines why both actresses continue to shape the world of film and television.
What Is Golden Eve?
In 2026, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) introduced Golden Eve, a standalone ceremony designed to honor figures receiving prestigious lifetime achievement awards ahead of the Golden Globe Awards broadcast. This nod to excellence celebrates careers that have significantly influenced cinema and television over decades. AP News
The Golden Eve event took place on January 6, right before the 83rd Golden Globe Awards ceremony scheduled for January 11, showcasing the industry’s respect for artistic longevity and cultural impact.
Sarah Jessica Parker: Carol Burnett Award Recipient
One of the evening’s most poignant moments came as Sarah Jessica Parker was presented with the Carol Burnett Award, a lifetime achievement honor recognizing outstanding contributions to television. Wikipedia+1
The award was presented by her husband, Matthew Broderick, who shared personal anecdotes about Parker’s early hesitation to take on what would become her career-defining role. He recalled asking her, “Do you really want to do TV?” — a question that humorously foreshadowed her eventual triumph as Carrie Bradshaw in the iconic HBO series Sex and the City. 1News
Also read – ICE Shooting in Minneapolis: Everything you need to know about Renee Good
The Legacy of Carrie Bradshaw
Parker’s portrayal of Carrie Bradshaw not only became a defining role of her career but also cemented her status as a cultural icon. The character helped make Sex and the City a seminal television series that influenced fashion, relationships, and pop culture throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s.
In accepting the Carol Burnett Award — named after the legendary comedic actress and trailblazer — Parker reflected on her five-decade journey in entertainment and expressed gratitude for her collaborators and fans. Her emotional acceptance speech acknowledged the risks and rewards of a storied television career that spans much more than a single hit series. AP News
A Star-Studded Reunion
The evening also featured a mini Sex and the City reunion with co-stars like Kristin Davis, Evan Handler, and David Eigenberg joining Parker on the red carpet. Their presence underscored the show’s enduring influence and the deep bond shared among the cast — bridging generational fandoms and reaffirming the series’ place in television history. InStyle
Helen Mirren: Cecil B. DeMille Award Honoree
On the same glamorous night, Dame Helen Mirren received the Cecil B. DeMille Award, one of the most prestigious honors bestowed by the Golden Globes. This lifetime achievement prize recognizes individuals who have made “outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment” — a description that fits Mirren’s extraordinary career. Wikipedia+1
A Storied Career in Film and Television
Helen Mirren’s career stretches back more than six decades, encompassing work in theater, television, and film. Known for her versatility and commanding presence, she has played a wide range of roles, from Shakespearean classics to contemporary blockbusters.
Mirren’s accolades include an Academy Award, multiple Emmy Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Tony Award — achievements that reflect her consistent excellence and range. From portraying Queen Elizabeth II to taking on roles in action films like Fast & Furious, she continues to challenge expectations and defy industry norms. People.com
Mirren’s Acceptance Speech and Impact
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Mirren described the honor not as a conclusion but as acknowledgment of her ongoing journey in the entertainment industry. Her remarks underscored the idea that a career in the arts is a lifelong pursuit, marked by collaboration, evolution, and resilience. AP News
Actress Viola Davis, last year’s DeMille recipient, joined in celebrating Mirren’s legacy, calling her a transformative force in film — a testament to Mirren’s influence on both peers and audiences. AP News
Why These Honors Matter
The Golden Globes 2026 — and the new Golden Eve event — represent more than a red-carpet spectacle. They celebrate the artistry, perseverance, and cultural impact of industry veterans whose work has shaped how we tell stories on screen.
Elevating Lifetime Achievement
By introducing a dedicated honors show like Golden Eve, the Golden Globes emphasize the importance of recognizing careers, not just annual performances or productions. This approach brings deeper attention to artistic legacies and invites audiences to engage with entertainment history. AP News
Both the Carol Burnett Award and the Cecil B. DeMille Award serve to highlight the different yet complementary ways in which actors contribute to the worlds of television and film. Parker’s television excellence and Mirren’s cinematic legacy speak to the diversity of storytelling platforms in today’s media landscape. Wikipedia+1
What’s Next: Golden Globes 2026 Main Ceremony
Following the Golden Eve celebration, all eyes now turn to the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, airing on January 11, 2026. With nominations across film and television categories, the awards show promises another night of star moments and key victories for today’s leading actors, directors, and creatives. Wikipedia
Whether viewers tune in for the awards, the fashion, or the speeches, the Golden Globes remain one of Hollywood’s most influential annual traditions — highlighting both current successes and lifetime contributions like those of Mirren and Parker.
Final Thoughts
The Golden Eve: The Golden Globes Honor Helen Mirren & Sarah Jessica Parker event succeeded in honoring two iconic actresses while setting the stage for the 2026 Golden Globes. By celebrating both television and film legends, the ceremony blended nostalgia with recognition of enduring influence.
From Sarah Jessica Parker’s tribute to her television legacy to Helen Mirren’s celebration of cinematic excellence, these honors remind audiences why award seasons matter: they spotlight careers that inspire, entertain, and elevate the craft of storytelling.