In a year in which the Oscar race lacks a definitive frontrunner, it only stands to reason that the fractured landscape extends to the Golden Globes: Various pockets of support make it difficult to pinpoint which way the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn.’s majority might fall, adding another element of suspense to the awards season.
In the best picture — drama field, Tom McCarthy’s “Spotlight” appears to be the safest bet. It’s no surprise that such a story would appeal to a group of journalists, and indeed, if any film is slowly inching its way ahead of the rest of the others, this one might be it. “Room” is also popular with the group, while “Brooklyn” has support as well.
Alejandro G. Inarritu’s late-breaking “The Revenant” figures to edge its way into the race, but beyond that, consider this a crapshoot. Watch for a surprise such as “Concussion,” which was well received. But Harvey Weinstein is usually able to get one of his offerings into the mix, so “The Hateful Eight” or perhaps the more palatable “Carol” could squeeze in.
On the comedy side, things are more predictable, thanks largely to classifications in the category that some might find dubious. “The Martian” is the strongest contender, following much hubbub over Fox submitting the film — which many perceive as a drama — in the comedy category. “Joy” is in a similar boat.
Dubious or not, however, those classifications may have helped pave an easier route to nominations. Judd Apatow should finally land a nomination from the group for “Trainwreck,” while Paramount’s housing-crisis romp “The Big Short” ought to find purchase, too.
As for the fifth spot? “Grandma” and “The Lady in the Van” are artful possibilities, while Melissa McCarthy vehicle “Spy” and December release “Sisters” (featuring former Globes hosting pair Tina Fey and Amy Poehler) represent splashier alternatives. I’ll close my eyes and pin the tail on that two-hander to be included, giving the HFPA an opportunity to have their former successful emcees in the room.
In the acting categories, movie stars abound. Leonardo DiCaprio (“The Revenant”), Johnny Depp (“Black Mass”) and Will Smith (“Concussion”) should be good to go for drama. “The Danish Girl’s” Eddie Redmayne, meanwhile, has been a favorite with the group.
Michael Fassbender could overcome “Steve Jobs’” rough ride (the film bottomed out at the box office), or Michael Caine could nudge him out for “Youth.” I’ll assume Fassbender scores the nom.
In comedy, watch for a double dip from the “Big Short” crew. The HFPA designated Christian Bale as a lead, so he could slide in alongside Steve Carell. Matt Damon is a sure thing for “The Martian,” but the category starts getting pretty thin after that. Robert De Niro in “The Intern?” Al Pacino in “Danny Collins?” Two legends sound good to me. But “Burnt” star Bradley Cooper could charm his way in, even though the film flamed out.
As for the drama actresses, Brie Larson (“Room”), Saoirse Ronan (“Brooklyn”) and Alicia Vikander (“The Danish Girl”), whose original supporting placement was vetoed by the group, feel secure. Cate Blanchett’s performance for “Carol” ought to make it in, too, and she could even double up with “Truth.” I’ll propose that the HFPA will throw “Suffragette” a bone, and give Carey Mulligan a nom.
Finally, on the comedy side, things are all over the place. Jennifer Lawrence in “Joy” feels right, as does Amy Schumer in “Trainwreck.” Lily Tomlin and Maggie Smith may well find love for “Grandma” and “The Lady in the Van,” respectively, while McCarthy would be a solid representative for “Spy.”
I’ll go with that quintet. But watch out for Fey, Poehler or both. And Meryl Streep (“Ricki and the Flash”) is always lurking.
We’ll find out soon enough if these guesses are on target; nominations are announced for the 73rd annual Golden Globe Awards on Dec. 10.
Best Picture – Drama
“Brooklyn”
“Concussion”
“The Revenant”
“Room”
“Spotlight”
(alt. “Carol”)
Best Picture – Comedy/Musical
“The Big Short”
“Joy”
“The Martian”
“Sisters”
“Trainwreck”
(alt. “The Lady in the Van”)
Best Director
Alejandro G. Inarritu (“The Revenant”)
Tom McCarthy (“Spotlight”)
Ridley Scott (“The Martian”)
Steven Spielberg (“Bridge of Spies”)
Quentin Tarantino (“The Hateful Eight”)
(alt. Todd Haynes, “Carol”)
Best Actor – Drama
Leonardo DiCaprio (“The Revenant”)
Johnny Depp (“Black Mass”)
Michael Fassbender (“Steve Jobs”)
Eddie Redmayne (“The Danish Girl”)
Will Smith (“Concussion”)
(alt. Michael Caine, “Youth”)
Best Actor – Comedy/Musical
Christian Bale (“The Big Short”)
Steve Carell (“The Big Short”)
Bradley Cooper (“Burnt”)
Robert De Niro (“The Intern”)
Matt Damon (“The Martian”)
(alt. Al Pacino, “Danny Collins”)
Best Actress – Drama
Cate Blanchett (“Carol”)
Brie Larson (“Room”)
Carey Mulligan (“Suffragette”)
Saoirse Ronan (“Brooklyn”)
Alicia Vikander (“The Danish Girl”)
(alt. Cate Blanchett, “Truth”)
Best Actress – Comedy/Musical
Jennifer Lawrence (“Joy”)
Melissa McCarthy (“Spy”)
Amy Schumer (“Trainwreck”)
Maggie Smith (“The Lady in the Van”)
Lily Tomlin (“Grandma”)
(alt. Meryl Streep, “Ricki and the Flash”)
Best Supporting Actor
Benicio Del Toro (“Sicario”)
Michael Keaton (“Spotlight”)
Mark Ruffalo (“Spotlight”)
Mark Rylance (“Bridge of Spies”)
Sylvester Stallone (“Creed”)
(alt. Joel Edgerton, “Black Mass”)
Best Supporting Actress
Elizabeth Banks (“Love & Mercy”)
Jane Fonda (“Youth”)
Rachel McAdams (“Spotlight”)
Kate Winslet (“Steve Jobs”)
Jennifer Jason Leigh (“The Hateful Eight”)
(alt. Helen Mirren, “Trumbo”)
Best Screenplay
“Carol”
“The Hateful Eight”
“The Martian”
“Spotlight”
“Steve Jobs”
(alt. “Room”)
Best Animated Feature Film
“Anomalisa”
“The Good Dinosaur”
“Inside Out”
“The Peanuts Movie”
“Shaun the Sheep Movie”
(alt. “Minions”)
