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The Golden Globes, Hollywood’s renowned yet historically controversial awards gala, is set for a major revival this Sunday. Under new management and with a fresh voting body, the event will begin at 5:00 PM (0100 GMT Monday) in the opulent Beverly Hills ballroom, ready to celebrate a year of cinematic achievements.
This year’s ceremony is abuzz with anticipation for two standout films, Barbie and Oppenheimer, which together garnered an impressive 17 nominations. Released simultaneously last summer, these movies struck a chord with both critics and audiences, according to Globes producer Glenn Weiss.
Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, a clever satire on misogyny and female empowerment based on the iconic doll, leads the pack with nine nominations. Predictions are high for the film to sweep awards in the Best Comedy and Best Screenplay categories, alongside a strong presence in nominations for Best Song. Additionally, Barbie is poised to receive an inaugural award for box office achievement, reflecting its status as the year’s highest-grossing movie.
Meanwhile, Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, a biographical drama about the atomic bomb’s inventor, has secured eight nods. Featuring Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr., the film is a frontrunner for Best Drama Film, Best Director, and Best Score. Murphy and Downey Jr. are also top contenders for Best Lead Drama Actor and Supporting Actor, respectively.
The Golden Globes, known for boosting Oscar prospects and generating significant publicity, are under scrutiny this year following past allegations of corruption and racism. Last year’s industry boycott and subsequent airing cancellation led to a reformation of the voting body, previously an exclusive group of Los Angeles-based foreign journalists. Now, a broader panel of international critics will determine this year’s winners.
Adding to the star-studded affair are nominees from the music industry, such as Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa and Taylor Swift, all contending for best song. Leonardo DiCaprio is also in the running for his role in Killers of the Flower Moon.
Despite recent challenges, including industry strikes, Weiss hopes the event will mark a celebratory return to normalcy. Stars who missed out on promotional opportunities during the Screen Actors Guild walkout might seize this chance to kickstart their Oscar campaigns.
The evening’s potential highlights include Bradley Cooper, nominated for both acting and directing for Maestro. Indigenous actor Lily Gladstone is favored for Lead Drama Actress in Killers of the Flower Moon. The Holdovers stars Paul Giamatti and Da’Vine Joy Randolph are also strong contenders in their respective categories.
In television, Succession, The Bear and Beef are expected to lead in drama, comedy and limited series categories. The 81st Golden Globes, hosted by comedian Jo Koy, promises a night of glamour and celebration, airing in the United States on CBS.
With AFP
