Word leaked this morning that two films that many considered slam dunks for the Golden Globes Musical or Comedy categories were submitting as Dramas instead. And, no surprise, even in a competitive season such as this, some of the overreaction on social media was a bit much.
As of Wednesday, October 10th, Warner Bros.’ box office and critical hit “A Star Is Born” and 20th Century Fox and New Regency’s potential crowdpleaser “Bohemian Rhapsody” appear to be submitting in the Drama category. That might seem strange to many considering each film’s numerous musical interludes, but a picture nomination isn’t the issue (at least for the former).
Let’s look at the Drama category first. In case you were unaware, Oscar Best Picture contender “Roma” does not qualify. It will be relegated to the Foreign Language Film category for Globes while still qualifying for Best Director, Screenplay, etc. (this is a silly HFPA rule, don’t ask why they haven’t changed it yet). Adam McKay’s “Vice” currently appears to be a comedy sight unseen although Annapurna reportedly hasn’t completely decided on where to place it (the director’s previous awards player, “The Big Short,” was also deemed a comedy). That leaves “Black Panther,” “If Beale Street Could Talk,” “Widows,” “At Eternity’s Gate,” “Boy Erased,” “The Frontrunner,” “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” and “First Man” as competition in the Drama category. The word is still out on “The Mule,” “On the Basis of Sex” and “Mary, Queen of Scots” and Universal is still weighing where to slot “Green Book.” Even with “The Mule” in their own studio stable as competition, you can see why Warner Bros. would take their chances with positioning “A Star is Born” in Drama. It’s highly unlikely that the HFPA will snub it from a picture nod no matter what category it lands in. “Bohemian Rhapsody”? That may be another case entirely and why it wouldn’t surprise me if the HFPA overruled Fox and deemed it a Musical or Comedy.
The larger concern here for “A Star is Born” is Lady Gaga‘s stiff competition for Best Actress in a Drama. Gaga previously won a Globe for her work on “American Horror Story,” but likely nominees Saoirse Ronan (“Mary Queen of Scots”), , Viola Davis (“Widows”), Nicole Kidman (“Destroyer”) and/or Glen Close (“The Wife”) all have earned the HFPA’s adoration as well while Felicity Jones (“On the Basis of Sex”) and Melissa McCarthy (“Can You Ever Forgive Me?”) are former nominees.
In the Best Actor Drama field Bradley Cooper will potentially find himself singing against Viggo Mortensen (“Green Book”), Clint Eastwood (“The Mule”), Hugh Jackman (“The Frontrunner”), Ryan Gosling (“First Man”), Lucas Hedges (“Boy Erased”) and Willem Dafoe (“At Eternity’s Gate”). Oh, and Rami Malek (“Bohemian Rhapsody”) too. And if you think Cooper can easily beat Bale or Malek you’re in for a big surprise.
As for the Comedy category we’ve already noted that “The Favourite” is heading in that direction and, frankly, if it does so it’s a lock for a nod (and a frontrunner to win). “Mary Poppins Returns” seems a shoe-in with this current field and the door is open for “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Sorry To Bother You,” “Game Night,” “The Death of Stalin” and “A Simple Favor.” Even if “Green Book” goes comedy it’s obviously a very week field. That’s why everyone needs to take a breath. When it comes down to it the HFPA have the final call on where films are slotted. So, don’t be surprised if they push “BlacKkKlansman,” “Bohemian” or “Star is Born” into Musical or Comedy. It’s in their own best interests to do so which, hello, is what the HFPA has always been about.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Who cares about the Golden Globes anyway? They aren’t Academy members. They aren’t even guild members. Why does anything they have to say matter?” You’re not wrong. But, because the Globes telecast airs a full eight days before nomination voting ends they are a huge marketing opportunity for the studios. A bad speech can derail a nomination (see Jim Carrey), a good speech can spark a tidal wave for a win (see Sandra Bullock) or, more importantly, make a member reconsider a vote. With such a competitive season on deck over the next four months its easy to realize why Globes actually matter in the context of a long awards campaign.
Of course, it’s also important to remember that studios have until Oct. 31 to formally categorize their submissions so cooler heads may still prevail. The HFPA traditionally reveals their category decisions in mid-November.
The 76th Golden Globes will air on Jan. 6. Nominations will be announced on Dec. 6.
Best Picture
Best Director
Actress
Actor
Supporting Actress
Supporting Actor
Original Screenplay
Adapted Screenplay
Foreign Language Film