Golden Globes 2026: Billy Bob Thornton & Sam Elliott Earn Nominations for 'Landman'
"Major recognition for the series as Thornton nods for Best Drama Actor and Elliott for Supporting Actor."
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has formally announced its nominations for the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards, and Taylor Sheridan's gritty oil rig drama Landman has struck black gold, securing pivotal nods in major acting categories.
Billy Bob Thornton: The Crown Prince of Crisis
Billy Bob Thornton received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama for his portrayal of crisis manager Tommy Norris. This marks Thornton's return to the Globes conversation after his win for Goliath, and solidifies his status as one of television's most compelling anti-heroes.
Critics have praised his "weary, dangerous charisma" in Season 2, as the character faces mounting pressure from cartel threats and family disintegration. In a season defined by loss, Thornton's ability to convey worlds of pain with a single glance has been the show's anchor. "Tommy isn't just fixing problems anymore," wrote Variety's chief TV critic. "He's trying to save his soul while selling it, and Thornton makes that transaction look terrified and thrilling all at once."
Sam Elliott: Deconstructing the Cowboy
In the supporting category, Western icon Sam Elliott earned a nod for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role. Elliott joined the cast in Season 2 as T.L. Norris, Tommy's estranged father. His performance has been hailed as a career-best, with widespread acclaim for his "heartbreaking vulnerability beneath a granite exterior."
Elliott's portrayal of T.L. is a stark departure from his usual authoritative figures. Here, he plays a man broken by the very industry his son now dominates. "I think people were expecting the cowboy sage," Elliott told The Hollywood Reporter last month. "Taylor [Sheridan] wrote me a ghost. A man haunting his own life. It's the hardest thing I've ever done."
The "Sheridanverse" Impact
"It's a testament to the complex, gritty world Taylor Sheridan has built," said producer David Glasser in a statement. "Billy and Sam brought a father-son dynamic to the screen that was electric and painful to watch. We are thrilled the HFPA recognized their work."
Landman was notably snubbed in the Best Drama Series category, missing out to Succession successors and The Last of Us Season 2. However, the acting nods signal a shift in prestige perception for Sheridan's Paramount+ universe, moving beyond "dad TV" labels into serious awards contention.
The 83rd Golden Globe Awards will air live on CBS on Sunday, January 10, 2026. Given the momentum, Thornton is currently the betting favorite with 2-to-1 odds, trailing only Jeremy Strong.