Ahead of the 81st annual Golden Globes Nominations 2024, three notable changes were revealed, bringing excitement and a shift in the ceremony's dynamics. Firstly, the awards show would now air on CBS, a significant departure from its previous networks. Secondly, each category expanded to include six nominees, offering more recognition to outstanding contributions. Lastly, new awards for comedy specials and box-office achievements were introduced, adding an extra layer of celebration.
This year's Golden Globes mark a transitional phase, especially since the Hollywood Foreign Press Association dissolved itself. The ceremony seems to be adopting a more conventional and respectable approach, resembling the Critics Choice Awards.
While the HFPA's legacy of unconventional choices lingers, this year's nominations present a mix of snubs and surprises.
Film Nominations Overview:
The Color Purple Faces Unexpected Challenge:
Despite expectations for a star-studded musical to dominate, The Color Purple faced a setback. Despite six available spots, it couldn't secure a nomination in the Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy category. Instead, the sports-marketing dramedy Air claimed the spot. Additionally, Taraji P. Henson missed out on a Supporting Actress nomination. While Fantasia Barrino and Danielle Brooks received nods, The Color Purple's path to Best Picture became more challenging.
Past Lives Benefits from Rule Change:
A rule change worked in favor of A24's Past Lives. The film, primarily in English but featuring enough Korean dialogue, secured a spot in the international category and Best Drama. Past Lives also earned nominations in Director, Screenplay, and Actress — Drama, solidifying its presence this awards season.
Barbie's Musical Triumph:
As expected, Barbie led the nominations with an impressive nine nods, including three in the Original Song category for "Dance the Night Away," "I’m Just Ken," and "What Was I Made For?" This places Barbie and its counterpart Oppenheimer in a strong position, alongside Killers of the Flower Moon and Poor Things.
The Holdovers Faces Some Omissions:
While The Holdovers received two acting nominations and a spot in Best Picture — Musical or Comedy, notable exclusions from Best Director and Best Screenplay were observed. The film faced competition from another bittersweet contender, Past Lives. The Holdovers remains a contender but missed key categories.
May December Makes Waves:
Since its release on December 1, Todd Haynes's May December gained popularity. The film continued its success with nominations in each acting category and Best Picture — Musical or Comedy. Although lacking attention in Screenplay or Director, May December surpassed expectations with four nominations.
Musical or Comedy Acting Categories Feature Unique Choices:
With additional spots in Actor and Actress in a Musical or Comedy, surprising yet delightful nominations emerged. The diverse choices ranged from A-listers like Jennifer Lawrence to foreign film stars Alma Pöysti, Nicolas Cage, and Joaquin Phoenix. The Globes showcased performances that may not get Oscar recognition.
Saltburn Sparks Mixed Reactions:
Despite Saltburn receiving two acting nominations, opinions on its merits varied widely. Some view it as a peculiar choice for drama, while others see it as typical "Globes gonna Globe" behavior. The film was excluded from major categories, leaving room for debate about its recognition.
Long-Shot Acting Contenders Miss Out:
In the expanded categories, attention focused on those who missed nominations. Franz Rogowski, Glenn Howerton, Dominic Sessa, Rachel McAdams, Viola Davis, Penelope Cruz, and Sandra Hüller were among those not included. However, the Supporting Actress category remains less settled.
New Category Raises Questions:
The introduction of the "cinematic and box-office achievement" award generated curiosity. While the category's criteria remain unclear, nominees like John Wick 4 and The Super Mario Bros. Movie stirred confusion. Despite some perplexity, the Globes managed to incorporate Taylor Swift into the mix.
TV Nominations Overview
The affinity for Taylor Sheridan remains evident at the Globes:
Following Kevin Costner's win last year for Yellowstone, it's not entirely surprising to find another Sheridan series, 1923, contending for Best TV Drama. The nomination for Helen Mirren's role in the show aligns with expectations given her esteemed reputation.
The enduring appeal of The Crown, even with Prince Charles:
While Succession led with nine nominations, The Crown secured four nods, notably recognizing Dominic West's portrayal of Prince Charles. Despite the show's concluding chapters and the peculiar depiction of Charles, West's acting triumph in navigating the revisionist history earned him recognition.
Applause for Mean Jon Hamm:
Opting for Fargo over The Morning Show, Globe voters rightly acknowledged Jon Hamm's captivating performance, showcasing a villainous side distinct from his Don Draper days.
Woody Harrelson for White House Plumbers:
Harrelson's performance as E. Howard Hunt in the Watergate scandal examination may not have impressed everyone, but the Golden Globe nominations suggest a different perspective from those responsible for the selections.
Sam Claflin for Daisy Jones and the Six:
While Daisy Jones enthusiasts exist, the nomination for Sam Claflin as rock front man Billy Dunne appears questionable, even to some admirers of the show.
Gerri's unexpected honor:
J. Smith Cameron, acclaimed for her role in Succession as Gerri, deserves accolades for her integral contributions to Waystar-Royco.
Reservation Dogs snubbed:
The lack of recognition for the remarkable last season of this FX series at the Golden Globes is disappointing and surprising.
Harrison Ford's Han Solo overlooked:
Despite his notable performances, including 1923 and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Harrison Ford's exceptional work as Han Solo went unnoticed in the supporting actor category. This unexpected omission contrasts with the Globes' usual fondness for renowned stars.
The Other Two's absence:
The consistent and uproarious comedy, The Other Two, failed to secure any nominations, raising questions about whether those nominating shows are genuinely engaged with TV content.
Rachel and Jill Green ignored:
The Morning Show's inclusion in the outstanding drama category seemed debatable, yet the failure to nominate Jennifer Aniston or Reese Witherspoon aligns with the unpredictable nature of Golden Globe decisions.
Somebody Somewhere left unnoticed:
Despite being one of the most heartwarming shows depicting life in small-town Kansas, Somebody Somewhere received no nominations, leaving both the comedy category and its stars Bridget Everett and Jeff Hiller overlooked. The apparent oversight prompts the question: Are the Globe voters actively watching TV?
Stand-up comedy category snub for John Mulaney:
The introduction of the stand-up comedy category raised expectations for nominations like John Mulaney: Baby J, a highly discussed special from the past year. Surprisingly, Golden Globe nomination day arrived without a nod for Baby J, prompting speculation about the selection process.