Final Golden Globe Predictions

The Golden Globes air tonight! Last year, there was only one freshman drama series contending, and now we’re back to having four out of five as new shows like in 2015 and 2016. “The Handmaid’s Tale” didn’t have much trouble triumphing last year, but now it’s not even nominated, and the only non-freshman is departing series “The Americans,” also honored for the first time. Having no frontrunner is sort of cool, and though I’m predicting “Homecoming,” I’m rooting for “Bodyguard,” which would be a cool choice. On the comedy side, will “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” repeat as expected, or another show end up winning? Regarding the limited series categories, I’d love to see “A Very English Scandal” win the top prize, but I don’t think it’s likely. Like I championed Thandie Newton to no effect two years ago, I’m hoping that Yvonne Strahovski can win this year in that same category. I’m paying much more attention to the film categories, where I’ve seen everything, but I’ll enjoy these races too. Predicted winners are below – click on category headings for full analysis, and leave your thoughts in the comments! Head over to MoviesWithAbe.com for film predictions.

Best Television Series - Drama
Homecoming

Best Television Series - Comedy or Musical
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
The Assassination of Gianni Versace

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama
Richard Madden (Bodyguard)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama
Julia Roberts (Homecoming)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical
Bill Hader (Barry)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical
Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Hugh Grant (A Very English Scandal)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Amy Adams (Sharp Objects)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Henry Winkler (Barry)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Yvonne Strahovski (The Handmaid’s Tale)

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best TV Series – Comedy/Musical

The competition:
Barry aired its first season on HBO. Stars Bill Hader and Henry Winkler are nominated for their performances. Both took home Emmys this past summer and contend for SAG Awards both individually and as part of their ensemble.

The Good Place aired the end of its second season and a good chunk of its third season on NBC, joining this list for the first time this year. Star Kristen Bell is nominated, and Ted Danson contended for an Emmy this past year.

Kidding aired its first season on Showtime. Star Jim Carrey is nominated for his performance.

The Kominsky Method aired its first season on Netflix. Stars Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin are nominated for their performances, and contend for SAG Awards both individually and as part of their ensemble.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel aired its second season on Amazon. It won this award last year as well as the Emmy for Best Comedy Series. Stars Rachel Brosnahan and Alex Borstein, also Emmy winners, are nominated for their performances, and they contend along with Tony Shalhoub and the ensemble at the SAG Awards.

Additional notes: This award usually goes to a freshman series. “Atlanta” won for its first season two years ago but was snubbed for its second season this year. “The Good Place” is the sole representative of broadcast television nominated for a top award this year.
Who should win? I actually watch all these shows! I’m halfway through “The Kominsky Method” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and love both. “Kidding” is good but certainly the weakest and weirdest of this bunch. I’m a huge fan of “Barry,” but nothing would make me happier than “The Good Place” winning a long-deserved trophy.
Who will win? I think that The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel triumphs again in the absence of a clear freshman favorite.

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best TV Series – Drama

The competition:
The Americans aired its sixth and final season on FX, earning its very first bid in this category. Stars Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell are nominated for the second time after bids in 2016. Rhys won the Emmy this past year, and the show contended twice for Best Drama Series at the Emmys. The ensemble is nominated at the SAG Awards.

Bodyguard aired domestically on Netflix after its British premiere run and has yet to be renewed for a likely second season. Star Richard Madden is nominated.

Homecoming aired its first season on Amazon. Stars Stephan James and Julia Roberts are both nominated for their performances. Creator Sam Esmail’s series “Mr. Robot” won this award in 2015.

Killing Eve aired its first season on BBC America. Star Sandra Oh is nominated for her performance, contending this past summer at the Emmys and currently at the SAG Awards.

Pose aired its first season on FX. Star Billy Porter is nominated for his performance. Creator Ryan Murphy won this award in 2004 for his series “Nip/Tuck.”

Additional notes: Last year’s winner, “The Handmaid’s Tale,” was snubbed this year. Freshman series very often win this award, though it’s rare for a show to earn its first bid multiple years into its run.
Who should win? I only watched the first episode of “Pose,” and sampled most of “The Americans.” I’m halfway through “Homecoming,” which is interesting but not entirely even, and I don’t love “Killing Eve” nearly as much as most seem to. “Bodyguard,” on the other hand, was fully engaging for the entirety of its six episodes.
Who will win? Four hot new shows will go head-to-head. Though “Pose” may benefit from its incorporation of Donald Trump as a negative figure in its plot, I think that Homecoming will ultimately win.

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Miniseries or Television Film

The competition:
The Alienist aired on TNT as a limited series. A sequel series has been commissioned. Star Daniel Bruhl is nominated for his lead performance. It was previously nominated for an Emmy for Best Limited Series this past summer.

American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace aired on FX as the second season of an anthology series. Its first part, “The People vs. OJ Simpson,” won this award in 2016. Stars Darren Criss, Edgar Ramirez, and Penelope Cruz are all nominated, and Criss took home the Emmy this past year, along with the show winning the top award. Criss and Cruz both contend for SAG Awards.

Escape at Dannemora aired on HBO as a limited series. Star Patricia Arquette is nominated, and also contends at the SAG Awards.

Sharp Objects aired on HBO as a limited series. Stars Amy Adams and Patricia Clarkson are nominated, and also contend at the SAG Awards.

A Very English Scandal aired on Amazon as a limited series. Stars Hugh Grant and Ben Whishaw are nominated, and Grant also contends at the SAG Awards.

Additional notes: There are no television films in contention this year despite the name of the category. “American Crime,” “American Horror Story,” and “Fargo” have all been nominated for multiple seasons but a show has yet to win for anything other than its first iteration.
Who should win? I loved “A Very English Scandal” and I’m very happy to see it earning so much positive recognition. I watched exactly one hour of the other four and wasn’t interested enough to continue with any of them.
Who will win? I would count out “The Alienist” and “Escape at Dannemora,” but the other three all stand a decent chance. I’ll be bold and back A Very English Scandal over the smart choice, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace.”

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Supporting Actress in a Television Series

The competition:
Alex Borstein (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) plays Susie Myerson, an aspiring talent manager in the second season of the period Amazon comedy. Her costar Rachel Brosnahan is also nominated, and her show contends for Best TV Series – Comedy/Musical. Both won the Globes last year, and Borstein took home an Emmy for this role this summer. This is her first Globe nomination. She also contends both individually and as a member of her ensemble at the SAG Awards.

Patricia Clarkson (Sharp Objects) plays Adora Crellin, an intense and domineering mother, in the dark HBO limited series. Her costar Amy Adams is also nominated for a Globe this year, and her show contends for Best Miniseries or Television Film. Clarkson was previously nominated for the film “Pieces of April” in 2003. She also contends for a SAG Award for this role.

Penelope Cruz (American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace) plays fashion designer Donatella Versace in the second season of the FX anthology series. Her costars Darren Criss and Edgar Ramirez are also nominated this year, and her show contends for Best Miniseries or Television Film. Cruz has three previous film nominations at the Globes. She was nominated for an Emmy for this role this past summer and also contends for a SAG Award.

Thandie Newton (Westworld) plays Maeve Millay, a powerful host in a dangerous theme park in the second season of the mysterious HBO drama. Newton was nominated two years ago for her show’s first season, and took home an Emmy this past summer for this role. She is the lone representative of her show this time around after it contended for Best TV Series – Drama last time.

Yvonne Strahovski (The Handmaid’s Tale) plays Serena Joy Waterford, a high-placed wife in the second season of Hulu’s dystopian drama. This is her first Globe nomination, and she is joined by costar Elisabeth Moss, who won last year. She was nominated for an Emmy for this role this past summer and contends for a SAG Award as part of the ensemble.

Additional notes: Though Newton and Strahovski are nominated without their series being recognized in the top races, they shouldn’t be counted out because of how much their performances stood out this past season. This category often rewards limited series players but doesn’t really discriminate.
Who should win? I’ve only watched the first episodes of Clarkson and Cruz’s work. In the three episodes of Borstein’s performance I’ve seen so far this season, I will say that she’s absolutely hilarious. I wanted Newton to win so badly two years ago, and while I’d welcome it now, it’s Strahovski who truly deserves it for excellence this year.
Who will win? Feasibly, any of them could, and comparing these five extraordinarily different performances is going to be a challenge. I’m going to optimistically say Strahovski with minimal confidence.

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series

The competition:
Alan Arkin (The Kominsky Method) plays Norman Newlander, an agent mourning the death of his wife in the first season of the Netflix comedy. His costar Michael Douglas is nominated, as is the show for Best TV Series – Comedy/Musical. Arkin won a Globe in 1966 in “The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming,” and has been nominated four times since. He contends for SAG Awards for both his individual performance and as part of his ensemble.

Kieran Culkin (Succession) plays Roman Roy, one of multiple children heir to a successful company, in the first season of the HBO drama. Culkin was previously nominated for a Globe for his starring role in the film “Igby Goes Down” in 2002. He is the lone representative of his show at the Globes this year.

Edgar Ramirez (American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace) plays fashion designer Gianni Versace in the second season of the FX anthology series. His costars Darren Criss and Penelope Cruz are also nominated this year, as is his show for Best Miniseries or Television Film. Ramirez was previously nominated for the miniseries “Carlos” in 2010 and contended for an Emmy this past year for this role.

Ben Whishaw (A Very English Scandal) plays Norman Scott, a model who begins an affair with a member of Parliament in the Amazon limited series. His costar Hugh Grant is also nominated this year, as is his show for Best Miniseries or Television Film. This is his first Globe nomination.

Henry Winkler (Barry) plays Gene Cousineau, an acting teacher in the first season of the HBO comedy. His costar Bill Hader is also nominated this year, as is his show for Best TV Series – Comedy/Musical. Winkler won two Globes for “Happy Days” decades ago and has two other nominations. He won the Emmy for this role earlier this year, and also contends individually and as part of his ensemble at the SAG Awards.

Additional notes: None of these men have faced off against each other before for these roles. This category is not consistent in rewarding dramas, comedies, miniseries, or TV movies, and the three regular series nominees are all from freshman series this year, which makes the chances of all in this category about even.
Who should win? I only watched the first episode of Culkin and Ramirez’s projects. I’ve seen four episodes of Arkin’s show and I think he’s great. Winkler is certainly good, though I wish his costar Anthony Carrigan was getting anywhere near as much recognition. Whishaw is a great choice, and I’d be happy to see him win too.
Who will win? It’s a stacked category, but I think nostalgia for Winkler will give him the win.

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie

The competition:
Amy Adams (Sharp Objects) plays Camille Preaker, a disturbed reporter, in the dark HBO miniseries. Her costar Patricia Clarkson is nominated, and her series contends for Best Miniseries or Television Film. She is also up for her supporting role in the film “Vice” this year. She has seven previous film nominations and two wins, for “Big Eyes” and “American Hustle.” She also contends for a SAG Award for this role.

Patricia Arquette (Escape at Dannemora) plays Tilly Mitchel, a duplicitous prison employee, in the HBO miniseries. Her series is nominated for Best Miniseries or Television Film. Arquette previously won a Globe in 2014 for “Boyhood” and was nominated three times for the TV show “Medium.” She also contends for a SAG Award for this role.

Connie Britton (Dirty John) plays Debra Newell, an interior designer who falls in love with the wrong man in the first season of the Bravo anthology series. She was nominated for a Globe in 2012 for her work on the TV show “Nashville.”

Laura Dern (The Tale) plays Jennifer Fox, a journalist recalling disturbing events from her childhood, in the HBO movie that premiered at Sundance. Dern has won four Globes for her TV work, the most recent of which was in the supporting race last year for “Big Little Lies.” She has two additional nominations and served as Miss Golden Globe back in 1981. She contended for an Emmy for this role earlier this year.

Regina King (Seven Seconds) plays Latrice Butler, a teacher mourning her son’s death, in the first season of the Netflix drama that didn’t end up getting renewed. King, who won an Emmy for this role earlier this year, was previously nominated for “American Crime” in 2015 and also contends this year for another Globe for Best Supporting Actress for the film “If Beale Street Could Talk.”

Additional notes: King won her third Emmy this summer, beating Dern, and the other three might contend next summer. Adams and King are both double nominees in the same two categories.
Who should win? I saw Dern’s work at Sundance and watched the first episode of the other four actresses’ series. I’d probably vote for Dern with Adams and Arquette as decent choices too, though of course I don’t feel qualified to say that given how little I’ve actually seen.
Who will win? Unless Arquette or King surprise, I think that Adams is the clear frontrunner here.

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie

The competition:
Antonio Banderas (Genius: Picasso) plays the tortured painter Pablo Picasso in the second season of the National Geographic anthology series. He has three previous Globe nominations, for TV movie “And Starring Pancho Villa as Himself,” comedy “The Mask of Zorro,” and musical “Evita.” He was also honored by the Emmys and SAG with bids for this role.

Daniel Bruhl (The Alienist) plays Dr. Lazlo Kreizler, a psychologist investigating murders in the TNT limited series. His show is up for Best Miniseries or Television Film. Bruhl was nominated for a Globe once before for the 2013 film “Rush.”

Darren Criss (American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace) plays Andrew Cunanan, a disgruntled killer in the second season of the FX anthology series. This is his first Globe nomination, though he’s coming off an Emmy win for this role. He contends for a SAG Award for this part, and is joined at the Globes by costars Edgar Ramirez and Penelope Cruz, as well as his series being nominated for Best Miniseries or Television Film.

Benedict Cumberbatch (Patrick Melrose) plays the title character, a troubled addict in the Showtime miniseries. He was nominated in this category in 2012 for “Sherlock” and for his film work in “The Imitation Game” in 2014. He was up for an Emmy for this role earlier this year.

Hugh Grant (A Very English Scandal) plays Jeremy Thorpe, an embattled member of Parliament in the Amazon limited series. Grant won a Globe in 1994 for “Four Weddings and a Funeral” and has three more film nominations. He contends for a SAG for this role as well.

Additional notes: Criss beat Banderas and Cumberbatch for the Emmy, where Bruhl wasn’t nominated. Grant may contend this coming year.
Who should win? I’ve only seen Grant’s work in its entirety, and he’s great. I sampled Bruhl, Criss, and Cumberbatch through the first episodes of their shows, with Cumberbatch impressing me most, and haven’t seen Banderas’ performance at all.
Who will win? I’m going to go ahead and predict Grant based on this awards body even though Criss is probably the smarter choice.

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Actress in a TV Series – Comedy/Musical

The competition:
Kristen Bell (The Good Place) plays Eleanor Shellstrop, a woman trying to ensure her eternal fate, in the second and third seasons of the NBC afterlife comedy. This is Bell’s first Golden Globe nomination, and her show also contends for Best TV Series – Comedy/Musical for the first time.

Candice Bergen (Murphy Brown) plays the title character, a television journalist, in the eleventh season of ABC’s revived comedy series. She contended eight times during the show’s original run, winning in 1988 and 1991, with three additional nominations between 1966 and 2006. She also won five Emmys for playing this character between 1988 and 1994.

Alison Brie (GLOW) plays Ruth Wilder, an actress playing a wrestler in the second season of the Netflix comedy. For the second year in a row, she is the lone representative of her show. After being snubbed for an Emmy nomination, Brie contends for the second time both individually and as part of her ensemble at the SAG Awards.

Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) plays Midge Maisel, a 1950s housewife moonlighting as a stand-up comedian in the second season of the popular Amazon series. She won this award last year, and is joined by her costar Alex Borstein and her show in the top race, which it won, this year. She is nominated for SAG Awards both individually and as part of her ensemble.

Debra Messing (Will and Grace) plays Grace Adler, an interior designer living with her gay best friend in the ninth and tenth seasons of NBC’s revived comedy series. Though her show and costar Eric McCormack were nominated last year, Messing was last nominated for her work on this series in 2004, marking her sixth bid, and has two additional nominations for “The Starter Wife.”

Additional notes: This category almost always rewards actress from freshman series, with rare repeat winners, the most recent of which was Tina Fey in 2008. Interestingly, Messing’s show has been singled out with one performer only by each major awards body, with McCormack being nominated here last year and Sean Hayes and Megan Mullally being cited by SAG and Emmy, respectively.
Who should win? I stopped watching Bergen’s show a few episodes in and I’m honestly surprised that she was nominated, especially since her show has pretty much been cancelled. I haven’t seen any of the second season of Brie’s show, but I liked her work in season one. Messing is funny and probably a solid choice for this calendar year. Brosnahan is terrific as always, and I’m fine with her repeating a win, but I would be absolutely thrilled if the criminally underrated Bell won.
Who will win? I think that Brosnahan wins again since there’s no one strong enough to take her down.

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Actor in a TV Series – Comedy/Musical

The competition:
Sacha Baron Cohen (Who Is America?) plays many characters in the first season of the political series. Cohen’s surprise bid comes twelve years after he won a Golden Globe for portraying a character cultivated on his previous variety series in the film “Borat.”

Jim Carrey (Kidding) plays Jeff Piccirillo, better known as TV star Mr. Pickles, in the first season of the dark comedy on Showtime. His show is also nominated for Best TV Series – Comedy/Musical. Though this is Carrey’s first television nomination, he has six previous film nominations. He won in 1998 for “The Truman Show” and in 1999 for “Man in the Moon.”

Michael Douglas (The Kominsky Method) plays aging acting teacher Sandy Kominsky in the first season of the Netflix comedy. His costar Alan Arkin is also nominated, and the show contends for Best TV Series – Comedy/Musical. Douglas is nominated both individually and as part of his ensemble cast at the SAG Awards. Douglas won a TV Globe in 2013 for “Behind the Candelabra,” a film Globe in 1987 for “Wall Street,” and the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2003. He has six other previous nominations.

Donald Glover (Atlanta) plays Earn Marks, a middling music manager in the second season of the social commentary series on FX. He won this award two years ago for his show’s first season, when the series was also rewarded in the top race, though it is absent there this year. Glover also won Emmys for directing and starring in the show’s first season, and contends as part of his ensemble cast at the SAG Awards.

Bill Hader (Barry) plays Barry Berkman, a hitman who takes up an interest in acting, in the first season of the HBO comedy. His costar Henry Winkler is also nominated, and the show contends for Best TV Series – Comedy/Musical. This is Hader’s first Golden Globe bid. He took home the Emmy this past year, and is nominated both individually and along with his ensemble cast at the SAG Awards.

Additional notes: I don’t think there’s been a variety series winner in a comedy acting category since Tracey Ullman in 1987 for “The Tracey Ullman Show.” Last year’s winner, Aziz Ansari (Master of None), wasn’t eligible since his show didn’t air in 2018. This category rarely sees repeat winners, with Alec Baldwin the last to triumph again in 2009.
Who should win? I haven’t seen Cohen’s show and don’t have all that much interest. I can appreciate Glover but don’t think he should be winning this award. Carrey does great work but it’s about as off-kilter as his show. I’m about halfway through Douglas’ episodes, and he’s pretty funny. Hader really wowed me though in a fantastic lead performance in his series.
Who will win? It’s likely a battle between Douglas and Hader, and although the former’s show is recent and popular, I think the latter will win out based on overall positive feelings.

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Actress in a TV Series – Drama

The competition:
Caitriona Balfe (Outlander) plays Claire Randall, a time-transplanted nurse in the fourth season of the Starz drama. This is her fourth consecutive Globe nomination in this category. Her show was nominated for Best TV Series – Drama back in season one, and she’s managed to remain here despite no love from either the Emmys or SAG since her show started.

Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale) plays June, a woman forced to live as handmaid Offred in the second season of the Hulu dystopian drama. She won this award last year after a previous win for “Top of the Lake” and a nomination for “Mad Men.” She is joined by costar Yvonne Strahovski, nominated in the supporting category, while her show, which took home the Best TV Series – Drama award last year, is absent from that list this time.

Sandra Oh (Killing Eve) plays Eve Polastri, an MI-5 agent tracking a female assassin in the first season of the BBC America drama. Oh’s show is nominated for Best TV Series – Drama. Oh won a Golden Globe for “Grey’s Anatomy” in 2005.

Julia Roberts (Homecoming) plays Heidi Bergman, a caseworker at a privately-funded military research program in the first season of Amazon’s drama series. Her costar Stephan James is nominated, as is her series in the top category. This is her first time contending for television despite eight previous bids for her film work. She has won three times, for “Steel Magnolias,” “Pretty Woman,” and “Erin Brockovich.”

Keri Russell (The Americans) plays Elizabeth Jennings, a Russian sleeper agent posing as an American mother in the sixth and final season of the acclaimed FX drama. Her costar Matthew Rhys, who took home an Emmy this past year, is also nominated, as is her show for the first time in the top category. She was nominated two years ago for this role, and won this award nineteen years ago for “Felicity.”

Additional notes: Four previous winners – Taraji P. Henson (Empire), Ruth Wilson (The Affair), Robin Wright (House of Cards), and Claire Danes (Homeland) – were eligible but weren’t nominated this year. Danes was the last and only actress ever to score repeat wins in this category, in 2011 and 2012. The star of a freshman series has won this award for the past five years in a row.
Who should win? I’m halfway through Roberts’ show, and she certainly is good. I’ve still never seen Balfe’s work, though I hear great things. I watched most of Russell’s work this season and still don’t find her to be as terrific as everyone else does. I’m much more partial to Oh’s costar Jodie Comer, who continues to miss out on nominations regardless of how well-liked her show is. The clear winner for me is Moss, who continued to be excellent in her show’s second season.
Who will win? In a face-off between new series stars, Roberts should be able to best Oh.

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Actor in a TV Series – Drama

The competition:
Jason Bateman (Ozark) plays Marty Byrde, a reluctant money launderer trying to save his family in the second season of the Netflix crime series. After picking up Emmy bids for acting and directing in season one, Bateman was joined by two female co-stars and his ensemble on this year’s SAG nominee list. This is his second consecutive Globe bid for this role, once again as the sole representative of his series. He was twice nominated for his starring role in “Arrested Development,” taking home the comedy actor trophy in 2004.

Stephan James (Homecoming) plays Walter Cruz, a soldier returning home to participate in a privately-funded study in the first season of the Amazon drama series. His show and costar Julia Roberts are also nominated. This is James’ first nomination, and he also stars in Best Motion Picture – Drama nominee “If Beale Street Could Talk.”

Richard Madden (Bodyguard) plays David Budd, a police sergeant serving as head of security for the British Home Secretary in the first season of the BBC-Netflix series. His show is up for Best TV Series – Drama. This is the first Golden Globe nomination for the Scottish star most well-known for his portrayal of Robb Stark on “Game of Thrones.”

Billy Porter (Pose) plays Pray Tell, a ball emcee in the first season of the popular FX series set in the late 1980s. His show is up for Best TV Series – Drama. This is the first Golden Globe nomination for Porter.

Matthew Rhys (The Americans) plays Philip Jennings, a Russian sleeper agent posing as an American father in the sixth and final season of the acclaimed FX drama. Rhys was nominated two years ago for a Golden Globe, and took home an Emmy earlier this year on his third nomination. His series contends for Best TV Series – Drama, and costar Keri Russell is also nominated.

Additional notes: The past two winners, Sterling K. Brown (This Is Us) and Billy Bob Thornton (Goliath) aren’t in contention despite their shows still being on, which means that we’re looking at new champion this year. While other categories tend to favor freshman series, this one doesn’t always do that. Jon Hamm (Mad Men) winning for the final season of his show in 2015 is the likeliest indicator that Rhys has an advantage, even though Hamm did win for the first season also, unlike Rhys.
Who should win? I’m halfway through James’ show, haven’t seen any of season two of Bateman’s, and didn’t watch past the pilot of Porter’s. I watched a good deal of Rhys’ impressive work in the final season of his show, but Madden is the one who really wowed me this year.
Who will win? It will very likely be Rhys, but I’m going to go ahead and predict freshman fever with Madden taking it.

Minute with Abe Returns!

Golden Globe Nominees: Best Comedy Series

My predictions: 3/5, missing “Kidding” and “The Kominsky Method”
Who’s missing? Atlanta, GLOW, Black-ish, Will and Grace

Now this is a cool list. I’m only two episodes into the first season of The Kominsky Method and haven’t watched any of the second season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, which just premiered yesterday, yet, but I have high hopes for both based on what I’ve seen so far. Kidding, though hardly an even and consistent series, is a decent choice, and I’m a huge fan of freshman series Barry. The most exciting thing is that, after being snubbed for two years, The Good Place finally made the cut along with star Kristen Bell. More surprisingly, “Atlanta” got left out after winning this race for season one, though star Donald Glover did get nominated again.

Who will win? Even with three freshmen in the mix, I think sophomore champ The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel wins again.

Golden Globe Nominees: Best Drama Series

My predictions: 3/5, missing “The Americans” and “Pose”
Who’s missing? The Handmaid’s Tale, This Is Us, Counterpart

I didn’t even notice one of the biggest snubs until I got to this category to write about it! After winning this category last year, “The Handmaid’s Tale” got left out of this race despite two acting bids. That’s a real disappointment considering it was my choice for Best Drama Series this past season. “This Is Us” being dropped after two seasons is less of a shock, and I’m sad about “Counterpart” but not surprised. Instead, we get one departing series for the first time, The Americans, and four brand-new shows. I didn’t get into Pose but I understand that people like it a lot. Homecoming and Killing Eve were expected, and both did well, with two and one acting nominations, respectively. I’m most excited about Bodyguard, which I swapped into my predictions after realizing that it was eligible in this category rather than the miniseries race. This is an interesting list to be sure even if it wouldn’t really mirror my own.

Who will win? Of all the new shows, which one wins? I’ll bet on Homecoming right now.

Golden Globe Nominees: Best Miniseries or Television Film

My predictions: 3/5, missing “The Alienist” and “Escape at Dannemora”
Who’s missing? The Tale, Maniac, Patrick Melrose, Genius: Picasso, The Little Drummer Girl

I have very little vested interest in this category, but I’m so excited that the terrific A Very English Scandal made the cut. It’s available on Amazon Prime – highly recommended! I watched just one episode of each of the other four nominees. The Assassination of Gianni Versace is a juggernaut, and both Escape at Dannemora and Sharp Objects performed strongly with their featured leading actresses recognized (and supporting in the case of the latter. I didn’t expect The Alienist to do so well, but it did get picked up for a second series, so I guess that speaks to its popularity.

Who will win? I think The Assassination of Gianni Versace is unbeatable.

Golden Globe Nominees: Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a TV Series

My predictions: 5/5
Who’s missing? Ann Dowd (The Handmaid’s Tale), Chrissy Metz (This Is Us), Zazie Beetz (Atlanta), Betty Gilpin (GLOW), Alexis Bledel (The Handmaid’s Tale)

This was a very expected list, as evidenced by my perfect score here. I’m very happy to see Yvonne Strahovski (The Handmaid’s Tale) deservedly recognized over last year’s nominated costar Dowd (who is also good, of course) for her standout season two work. It’s also great to see Emmy winner Thandie Newton (Westworld) back, representing her show, which is absent in all other categories. She’s joined by the comedy Emmy winner Alex Borstein (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), nominated for the second season of her show that just premiered yesterday and which I haven’t had a chance to start yet. Patricia Clarkson (Sharp Objects) and Penelope Cruz (The Assassination of Gianni Versace) round out the list for miniseries I stopped watching after episode one.

Who will win? It’s hardly guaranteed in a competitive category like this, but I’m betting on Strahovski.

Golden Globe Nominees: Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a TV Series

My predictions: 4/5, missing Culkin
Who’s missing? Joseph Fiennes (The Handmaid’s Tale), Tony Shalhoub (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Brian Tyree Henry (Atlanta)

The American Film Institute named his show as one of its top ten television programs of the year, and therefore I guess it’s not a surprise that Kieran Culkin (Succession), a previous Globe nominee sixteen years ago for his performance in the film “Igby Goes Down.” I watched just the first episode of his show as well as that of Edgar Ramirez (The Assassination of Gianni Versace). I’m happy to see Ben Whishaw (A Very English Scandal) recognized for a great performance in one of the few miniseries I watched this year. Emmy winner Henry Winkler (Barry) is a welcome face, and he’s joined by another veteran actor, Alan Arkin (The Kominsky Method), whose show and performance have delighted me just in the first two episodes of his show that I’ve watched thus far.

Who will win? I’ll go with Winkler though I don’t know if he’s a lock with Arkin in contention also.

Golden Globe Nominees: Best Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie

My predictions: 4/5, missing Britton
Who’s missing? Emma Stone (Maniac), Florence Pugh (The Little Drummer Girl)

I’ve sampled every one of these performances, though the only one I’ve seen in its entirety is Laura Dern (The Tale) when her film played at Sundance before it was acquired by HBO. I’m glad she made the cut since the project doesn’t seem to be getting nearly enough attention. Both Amy Adams (Sharp Objects) and Regina King (Seven Seconds) are double nominees this year with matching bids in the film best supporting actress category, and while both movies did well, Adams’ miniseries had a much better showing than King’s. Patricia Arquette (Escape at Dannemora) made the cut, as did a more surprising and equally recent entry, Connie Britton (Dirty John), whose performance didn’t impress me nearly as much. It’s sad not see Stone here for a good performance I’ve been enjoying.

Who will win? These are all powerhouse contenders. My bet right now is on Adams with Arquette having a shot to upset.

Golden Globe Nominees: Best Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie

My predictions: 3/5, missing Banderas and Bruhl
Who’s missing? Jonah Hill (Maniac), Benicio Del Toro (Escape at Dannemora)

I don’t usually watch miniseries or TV movies (none of which are nominated here), and the one that I’ve been following most closely recently, “Maniac,” got shut out. The other one that I invested in did much better, and I’m thrilled to see Hugh Grant (A Very English Scandal) and his show did get nominated. Like Geoffrey Rush last year, Antonio Banderas (Genius: Picasso) got in without his show nominated. The same is true for Benedict Cumberbatch (Patrick Melrose), while Darren Criss (The Assassination of Gianni Versace) and Daniel Bruhl (The Alienist) made the cut along with their series. I’ve only watched the first episode of each of the latter three, so I can’t comment too much on the quality of the performances.

Who will win? Criss might have more buzz, but I’ll give the edge with this group to Grant.