Jean Smart Wins Third Golden Globe for ‘Hacks,’ Delivers Witty Speech Amid Red Carpet Political Message
Los Angeles, January 12, 2026 — Veteran actress Jean Smart added yet another major accolade to her trophy case last night at the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards, taking home Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy for her iconic role as Deborah Vance in HBO’s Hacks.
This marks her third Golden Globe win in the category, solidifying her dominance in the comedy TV landscape.
The win came as no surprise to fans of the beloved series, which has consistently earned critical praise and awards buzz since its 2021 debut. Smart, 74, beat out a strong field including Ayo Edebiri (The Bear), Kristen Bell (Nobody Wants This), Selena Gomez (Only Murders in the Building), Natasha Lyonne (Poker Face), and Jenna Ortega (Wednesday).
Presented by the Smartless hosts — Sean Hayes, Will Arnett, and Jason Bateman — Smart was escorted to the stage by George Clooney in a charming moment that drew cheers from the audience.
In her acceptance speech, she quipped, “What can I say, I’m a greedy b—-,” before thanking her showrunners, cast, and support system. “I’m one of the luckiest people in this entire business, and it does not go unappreciated,” she added, earning laughs and applause.
Here are some standout moments from Jean Smart’s big night at the 2026 Golden Globes:
On the red carpet, Smart turned heads in a flowing white gown with a jeweled bodice, channeling the vibrant energy of her Hacks character while keeping it elegant and timeless. She arrived hand-in-hand with actor Joe Pacheco (The Morning Show), her frequent awards-show companion.
Beyond the glamour, Smart used her pre-show interviews to share a thoughtful message about the current political climate in America. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight and Variety, she expressed concern over the nation’s “turning point,” emphasizing the need for courage, restraint, and keeping “our heads.” She preempted potential criticism by stating, “I’m not here right now speaking as an actor. I’m speaking right now as a citizen and a mom.”
Her words resonated online, with many praising her for using her platform responsibly.
Smart’s victory caps a strong awards season start for Hacks, with Season 5 already in the works. As one of Hollywood’s most respected talents — with multiple Emmys, SAG Awards, and now three Globes — Jean Smart continues to prove why she’s a force in comedy.