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

The competition:

Emily in Paris aired its ten-episode first season on Netflix in March. Star Lily Collins is nominated for her performance. This season has yet to contend at the Emmy Awards.

The Flight Attendant aired its eight-episode first season from November to December on HBO Max. Star Kaley Cuoco is nominated for her performance. This season has yet to contend at the Emmy Awards, but Cuoco and her ensemble have both been nominated by SAG.

The Great aired its ten-episode first season on Hulu in May. Stars Nicholas Hoult and Elle Fanning are both nominated for their performances. After a disappointing Emmy performance, Hoult and the ensemble contend for SAG Awards.

Schitt’s Creek aired its sixth and final season from January to April on Pop TV. This is its first time being nominated for any Golden Globes. All four of its core cast members contend here and with SAG, where the ensemble is also cited. This show swept the Emmy Awards, winning all its major categories.

Ted Lasso aired its ten-episode first season from August to October on Apple TV Plus. Star Jason Sudeikis is nominated for his performance. This season has yet to contend at the Emmy Awards, but Sudeikis and his ensemble have both been nominated by SAG.

Additional notes: Only one of last year’s nominees, “The Politician,” was eligible but didn’t make the cut. Past nominees “Kidding,” “Will and Grace,” “Black-ish,” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” could also have been nominated. While “All in the Family” did triumph three years in a row when it had actors nominated in all four applicable categories, the more recent shows to earn that distinction, “Just Shoot Me” and “Will and Grace,” did not. A freshman series has won this award seven times out of the last fifteen years.
Who should win? I don’t love “Schitt’s Creek” as much as others, a fact that I’ll be happy not to continue sharing once this awards cycle is over. I only watched one episode of “Emily in Paris,” which was fine. “The Flight Attendant” was definitely involving, though I’m not sure I’d classify it as a comedy. It’s a difficult decision between “Ted Lasso” and “The Great,” but I’d pick the latter.
Who will win? The smart bet is probably “Schitt’s Creek,” but I’m choosing a freshman instead - Ted Lasso.

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best TV Series – Drama

The competition:

The Crown aired its ten-episode fourth season on Netflix in November. It previously won this prize for season one, along with an acting trophy for past star Claire Foy and one for Olivia Colman last year. Its acting bid total increased to a whopping five this year, for Colman, Emma Corrin, Josh O’Connor, Gillian Anderson, and Helena Bonham Carter, making it the nominations leader. This season has yet to contend at the Emmy Awards, but is up for five SAG prizes, including for its ensemble.

Lovecraft Country aired its ten-episode first season from August to October on HBO. None of its cast is nominated, making this its only Globe bid. This season has yet to contend at the Emmy Awards, and the ensemble is up for a SAG prize.

The Mandalorian aired its eight-episode second season from October to December on Disney Plus. This is its first and only Globe nomination, and this season has yet to contend at the Emmy Awards.

Ozark aired its ten-episode third season on Netflix in March. After two previous bids for star Jason Bateman, this show appears in this category for the first time this year along with nominations for stars Laura Linney and Julia Garner. This season won one of its eighteen Emmy bids this past fall and also contend for four SAG Awards, including its ensemble.

Ratched aired its eight-episode first season on Netflix in September. Stars Sarah Paulson and Cynthia Nixon are also nominated. This season has yet to contend for the Emmy Awards.

Additional notes: Only one of last year’s nominees, “Killing Eve,” was eligible but didn’t make the cut. Past nominees “Homecoming,” “This Is Us,” “Westworld,” and “Outlander” could also have been nominated. A freshman series has won this award seven times out of the last fifteen years.
Who should win? I’m much more on board with “The Mandalorian” being here than I would have if it had been nominated for season one, but I’m still not sure it’s one of the best of the year. The same goes for “Ozark,” which has grown on me, and “Lovecraft Country,” though I do appreciate its creativity and style. I liked season three of “The Crown” better than season four, but it was still very good. My vote, however controversial, would be for “Ratched.”
Who will win? While there could be an upset, The Crown feels far enough ahead of the rest of the pack to win without a problem.

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Limited Series or TV Movie

The competition:

Normal People aired twelve episodes on Hulu in April. Star Daisy Edgar-Jones is nominated for her performance, while costar Paul Mescal received an Emmy nomination this past fall, when the show missed out on a bid in the top category.

The Queen’s Gambit aired seven episodes on Netflix in October. Star Anya Taylor-Joy is nominated for her performance. It may contend at next year’s Emmy Awards.

Small Axe aired five separate films from November to December on Amazon Prime Video. Star John Boyega is nominated for his performance. It’s considered by some organizations as one film, as a series of films, or a TV series.

Unorthodox aired four episodes on Netflix in March. Star Shira Haas is nominated for her performance. Both Haas and the show contended for Emmys back in the fall, when it won a directing prize.

The Undoing aired six episodes from October to November on HBO. Stars Nicole Kidman, Hugh Grant, and Donald Sutherland are all nominated for their performances. It may contend at next year’s Emmy Awards.

Additional notes: For the fourth year in a row, there are no television films in contention this year, despite a few legitimate possibilities that were completely snubbed.
Who should win? I don’t think “The Undoing” needs to be here. I also question the placement of “Small Axe” even though some of its content was very strong – it’s clearly five separate movies. The other three are also fantastic and I’m not sure I could easily choose between them. I think I’d be happiest if it was “Normal People” since that hasn’t won all that many prizes, but all are superb.
Who will win? It’s possible it could be “Unorthodox” or “Small Axe,” but I’m betting on The Queen’s Gambit.

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

The competition:

Gillian Anderson (The Crown) plays Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the fourth season of Netflix’s historical drama. She has five previous nominations, one for “Bleak House” and four for “The X-Files.” She won for the latter in 1996. Her show is the nominations leader.

Helena Bohnam Carter (The Crown) plays Princess Margaret in the fourth season of Netflix’s historical drama. She has five previous TV nominations, including one for this role last year, and three film bids. Her show is the nominations leader.

Julia Garner (Ozark) plays criminal entrepreneur Ruth Langmore in the third season of Netflix’s drama series. This is the first Globe nomination for the actress, who has won two Emmys for this role. Her show is also nominated for Best TV Series – Drama in addition to costars Jason Bateman and Laura Linney.

Annie Murphy (Schitt’s Creek) plays public relations guru Alexis Rose in the sixth and final season of the Pop TV comedy. This is her first Globe nomination. Her show is nominated for Best TV Series – Comedy/Musical, and all three of her main costars are in contention this year too.

Cynthia Nixon (Ratched) plays press secretary Gwendolyn Briggs in the first season of the Netflix psychological horror series. This is the sixth nomination for Nixon, who contended once for “Warm Springs” and four times for “Sex and the City.” Her show is nominated for Best TV Series – Drama, in addition to costar Sarah Paulson.

Additional notes: This is the first time in thirty years that all five nominees are from regular series. Garner defeated Carter at the Emmys this past fall, and Murphy won her category. Three previous nominees – Thandie Newton, Chrissy Metz, and Mandy Moore – were eligible this year but didn’t make the cut. This category often rewards limited series players, as it has done the past four years in a row, but it’s not all that consistent.
Who should win? This is a good list, though I’m not sure if Carter merits a placement for a very minimal role in season four. Anderson, on the other hand, was both prominent and terrific, and I think I’d choose her over the others.
Who will win? This feels like a safe win for Anderson to me.

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

The competition: 

John Boyega (Small Axe) plays police cadet Leroy Logan in the third film in the Amazon Prime Video anthology series. This is his first Globe nomination. His series is also nominated for Best Limited Series.

Brendan Gleeson (The Comey Rule) plays President Donald Trump in the two-part Showtime event series. He has three previous nominations, for “The Guard” in 2011, for “Into the Storm” in 2009, and for “In Bruges” in 2008. His costar Jeff Daniels is also nominated.

Dan Levy (Schitt’s Creek) plays small business owner David Rose in the sixth and final season of the Pop TV comedy. This is his first Globe nomination. His show is nominated for Best TV Series – Comedy/Musical, and all three of his main costars are in contention this year too.

Jim Parsons (Hollywood) plays talent agent Henry Wilson in the Netflix limited series. He was previously nominated three times for his comedic performance in “The Big Bang Theory,” winning on his first try in 2010. He is the lone representative from his show.

Donald Sutherland (The Undoing) plays concerned father Franklin Reinhardt in the HBO limited series. He has eight previous nominations, including two wins, both in this category, for “Path to War” in 2002 and “Citizen X” in 1995. His show is the most-nominated limited series with four total bids.

Additional notes: Levy won an Emmy this past fall, while Parsons was a nominee in his category. Levy is the lone regular series nominee this year. This category is not consistent in rewarding dramas, comedies, miniseries, or TV movies, though the last four winners have all been from limited series.
Who should win? This is an interesting list, and doesn’t include any of my favorites from the year. This isn’t Parsons’ best work, and Sutherland is doing some pretty impressive scenery chewing. I know people like Levy, even if I don’t love the show as much as most. Boyega is very good in his one film, while Gleeson would probably get my vote for an unexpectedly incisive portrayal of a very visible public figure.
Who will win? I’m honestly not sure. Maybe Gleeson?

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

The competition:

Cate Blanchett (Mrs. America) plays conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly in the FX on Hulu limited series. She has ten previous nominations, most recently last year for “Where’d You Go, Bernadette.” This is her first TV bid, and she’s won three times before, in 2013 for “Blue Jasmine,” in 2007 for “I’m Not There,” and in 1998 for “Elizabeth.” Though her show performed well at the Emmys, she is its lone representative here.

Daisy Edgar-Jones (Normal People) plays student Marianne Sheridan in the Hulu limited series. This is her first Globe nomination. Her show also contends for Best Limited Series.

Shira Haas (Unorthodox) plays the formerly religious Esty Shapiro in the Netflix limited series. This is her first Globe nomination. Her show also contends for Best Limited Series.

Nicole Kidman (The Undoing) plays Manhattan mother Grace Fraser in the HBO limited series. She has a whopping fourteen previous nominations, and this marks her fifth consecutive nomination after bids for “Big Little Lies,” “Destroyer,” and “Lion.” She won for season one of “Big Little Lies” in 2017, “The Hours” in 2002, “Moulin Rouge” in 2001, and “To Die For” in 1995. Her show is the most-nominated limited series with four total bids.

Anya Taylor-Joy (The Queen’s Gambit) plays chess prodigy Beth Harmon in the Netflix limited series. This is her first nomination, and she also contends this year for her performance in the film “Emma.” Her show is also nominated for Best Limited Series.

Additional notes: Blanchett and Haas were both nominated for the Emmys this past year, while Edgar-Jones was eligible but missed the cut.
Who should win? This isn’t Kidman’s best work, so she wouldn’t be my choice. The other four are truly terrific and it’s hard to pick between them. I’d probably select Haas though I’d be equally thrilled if the insanely deserving Edgar-Jones won.
Who will win? It’s competitive – I’m going to cautiously pick Taylor-Joy over Haas.

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

The competition:

Bryan Cranston (Your Honor) plays New Orleans Judge Michael Desiato in the Showtime limited series. He has eight previous nominations, most recently in 2016 for “All the Way.” He won one of his four consecutive bids for “Breaking Bad” in 2013. He is the lone representative from his show.

Jeff Daniels (The Comey Rule) plays FBI Director James Comey in the two-part Showtime event series. He has four previous nominations, most recently in 2012 for “The Newsroom.” His costar Brendan Gleeson is also nominated.

Hugh Grant (The Undoing) plays Dr. Jonathan Fraser in the HBO limited series. He has five previous nominations, most recently in 2018 for “A Very English Scandal.” He won on his first try back in 1994 for “Four Weddings and a Funeral.” His show is the most-nominated limited series with four total bids.

Ethan Hawke (The Good Lord Bird) plays abolitionist John Brown in the Showtime limited series. He has one previous nomination, for “Boyhood” in 2014. He is the lone representative from his show.

Mark Ruffalo (I Know This Much Is True) plays twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey in the HBO limited series. He has three previous nominations, for “Infinitely Polar Bear” in 2015 and “The Normal Heart” and “Foxcatcher” in 2014. He is the lone representative from his show.

Additional notes: Ruffalo won the Emmy this past fall, but the other four nominees here hadn’t seen their shows start by that point. Grant is the only one here whose show is up for Best Limited Series. The last nominee to play twin brothers in this category, Ewan McGregor, won this prize in 2017 for season three of “Fargo.”
Who should win? I only watched one episode of Hawke’s show, and his performance was a bit intense for me. I found Cranston’s work less than genuine and impressing. Daniels was good but wouldn’t be my choice. I think I’d choose Ruffalo over Grant, though I’m sad that Paul Mescal and Hugh Jackman aren’t here.
Who will win? It’s possible Grant gets an assist from his series’ solid showing, but I think Ruffalo wins without a problem.

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

The competition:
Lily Collins (Emily in Paris) plays American transplant Emily Cooper in the first season of the Netflix series. She was previously nominated for her performance in the film “Rules Don’t Apply” in 2016. Her show is up for Best TV Series – Comedy/Musical. She also stars in the film nominations leader this year, “Mank.”

Kaley Cuoco (The Flight Attendant) plays flight attendant Cassie Bowden in the first season of the HBO Max comedic thriller. Though her previous show, “The Big Bang Theory,” earned seven Globe nominations over the course of its run, this is Cuoco’s first nomination. Her show is also nominated for Best TV Series – Comedy/Musical.

Elle Fanning (The Great) plays forward-thinking empress Catherine the Great in the first season of the Hulu period satire. This is her first Globe nomination. Her show is up for Best TV Series – Comedy/Musical, and costar Nicholas Hoult is also nominated.

Jane Levy (Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist) plays coder Zoey Clarke in the first and second seasons of the NBC musical series. This her the first Globe nomination for Levy. She is the lone representative for her show.

Catherine O’Hara (Schitt’s Creek) plays actress Moira Rose in the sixth and final season of the Pop TV comedy. This is her first Globe nomination. Her show is nominated for Best TV Series – Comedy/Musical, and all three of her main costars are in contention this year too.

Additional notes: The last nominee from a musical, Rachel Bloom, won this award even without her show nominated for the top prize, but in that case, only one actress had her show nominated along with her, whereas this time around Levy is the only one who doesn’t. O’Hara won the Emmy this past fall, when Fanning and Levy weren’t nominated and Cuoco and Collins’ shows hadn’t yet premiered. A few past nominees – Christina Applegate, Debra Messing, Pamela Adlon, Issa Rae, and Tracee Ellis Ross – were eligible this time but didn’t make the cut.
Who should win? I didn’t watch past the pilot of Collins’ show, though she was charming enough in what I saw. I’m not as into O’Hara’s show as everyone else, so she wouldn’t be my choice. Levy is a lot of fun, and Cuoco is also great, so I’d be happy if either of them won. Fanning would be my pick, however, for a truly fantastic and unmatched turn.
Who will win? The smart choice is probably O’Hara, the risky choice is Levy, and my in-the-middle pick is Cuoco based on her show peaking very recently.

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

The competition:

Don Cheadle (Black Monday) plays criminal moneyman Maurice Monroe in the second season of the Showtime comedy. Cheadle returns to this category after three consecutive nominations and one win, in 2012, for his last Showtime series, “House of Lies.” He was also nominated for his performance in “Hotel Rwanda” in 2004 and won in 1998 for his supporting role in “The Rat Pack.” He is the lone nominee from his show.

Nicholas Hoult (The Great) plays totalitarian ruler Peter III in the first season of the Hulu period satire. This is his first Globe nomination. His costar Elle Fanning is also nominated, and the show contends for Best TV Series – Comedy/Musical.

Eugene Levy (Schitt’s Creek) plays motel operator Johnny Rose in the sixth and final season of the Pop TV comedy. This is his first Globe nomination. His show is nominated for Best TV Series – Comedy/Musical, and all three of his main costars are in contention this year too.

Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso) plays an American coach transplanted to London in the first season of the Apple TV Plus series of the same name. This is his first Globe nomination. His show is also up for Best TV Series – Comedy/Musical.

Ramy Youssef (Ramy) plays Ramy Hassan, a Muslim man in American trying to balance multiple identities in the second season of the Hulu series. He won this award last year and is again the only representative from his show.

Additional notes: This category rarely sees repeat winners, with Alec Baldwin the last to triumph again in 2009. Levy beat Youssef at the Emmys this past fall. A few past nominees – Ben Platt, Jim Carrey, Anthony Anderson, and Andy Samberg – were eligible this time but didn’t make the cut. 

Who should win? I don’t know that Cheadle needs to be here for his show, but he’s fun, and I won’t argue much against Levy even though I don’t love his series nearly as much as everyone else in the world. Youssef was indeed terrific. I’d have a tough time deciding between Hoult and Sudeikis, but would probably choose the former.
Who will win? This could be Levy, but I’ll bet on Sudeikis.

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

The competition:

Olivia Colman (The Crown) plays Queen Elizabeth in the fourth season of Netflix’s historical drama. She won this award last year, adding to her perfect track record at the Globes. She took home a film award the year before for her work in “The Favourite,” which also managed to secure her an Oscar, and won a TV prize in 2016 for “The Night Manager.” Her show is the nominations leader.

Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) plays assassin Villanelle in the third season of the BBC America drama. This is her second consecutive nomination after she bumped costar Sandra Oh, who won this prize for season one. Unfortunately, it’s also the first time that her show isn’t contending for Best TV Series – Drama, making her the lone representative of her show.

Emma Corrin (The Crown) plays Princess Diana in the fourth season of Netflix’s historical drama. This is her first Globe nomination. Her show is the nominations leader.

Laura Linney (Ozark) plays criminal entrepreneur Wendy Byrde in the third season of the Netflix series. She has six previous nominations, with two wins, for “John Adams” in 2008 and “The Big C” in 2010. Her show contends for Best TV Series – Drama, with two costars also nominated.

Sarah Paulson (Ratched) plays Nurse Mildred Ratched in the first season of the Netflix series. She has three previous nominations, with one win, in 2016 for “American Crime Story.” Her show is nominated for Best TV Series – Drama, with costar Cynthia Nixon also nominated.

Additional notes: A few past nominees – Sandra Oh, Caitriona Balfe, and Evan Rachel Wood – were eligible this year but didn’t make the cut. The star of a freshman series won this award for the past six years in a row until last year. Two actresses from the same show have been nominated before, for “The Sopranos,” “L.A. Law,” “Cagney and Lacey,” and “Dynasty,” among others, which hasn’t stopped one of them from winning. It also happened last year, for “The Morning Show,” though neither of them won.
Who should win? What a fabulous group! Linney is doing excellent work as is Comer, and both Colman and Corrin are terrific. I’m most entranced by Paulson, who is typically amazing and so well-cast for this role.
Who will win? While new and flashy to win over voters, I think Corrin may suffer from internal competition and lose to Paulson, whose show performed exceedingly well on nominations morning.

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

The competition:

Jason Bateman (Ozark) plays criminal entrepreneur Marty Byrd in the third season of the Netflix series. He’s back after his show took a year off for this third bid for this show. He has two previous nominations for “Arrested Development,” which netted him a win in 2004. His show is up for Best TV Series – Drama, with two costars also nominated.

Josh O’Connor (The Crown) plays Prince Charles in the fourth season of the Netflix historical drama. This is his first Globe nomination. His show is the nominations leader.

Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul) plays lawyer Jimmy McGill in the fifth season of the AMC series. He was nominated for the first three seasons of the show, snubbed for season four, and now returns after his show took 2019 off. He is the lone representative from his show.

Al Pacino (Hunters) plays Nazi hunter Meyer Offerman in the first season of the Amazon period drama. Pacino has eighteen previous nominations and four wins, and received the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2000. He has won two out of his three past TV bids. He is the lone representative from his show.

Matthew Rhys (Perry Mason) plays the private investigator in the first season of the HBO show of the same name. This is his third overall Globe bid, and he has now been nominated every other year, contending previously for seasons four and six of “The Americans.” He is the lone representative from his show.

Additional notes: Last year’s winner, Brian Cox, isn’t nominated because his show has yet to return for season three. Previous winner Sterling K. Brown wasn’t included despite being eligible. Only Bateman received an Emmy nomination this past season even though Odenkirk, Pacino, and O’Connor (for a different season) were all on the ballot. This award has gone to an actor from a freshman series six out of the past fifteen years.
Who should win? This is a very good list. Rhys impressed me quite a bit, and Bateman is really growing on me. I liked O’Connor better in season three but he’s still doing excellent work. Pacino did a superb job. I’d probably choose Odenkirk, however, for some of his finest work to date.
Who will win? This prize often goes to an actor on a show that’s gained popularity even if it’s not new, like Damian Lewis, Bryan Cranston, Kevin Spacey, or Cox last year. I think that means Bateman has the edge over O’Connor, which is also very likely.

Golden Globe Nominees

Golden Globe nominations are here! You'll find my category-by-category coverage going up this afternoon at MoviesWithAbe.com, and for a full analysis of all the TV categories, head to The Film Experience, where I've looked at all the races in one post.

Golden Globe Musings: Best Comedy Series

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be announced soon, so here’s a survey of the contenders and the most likely predictions at this time. Weigh in with your thoughts, and let me know if I’ve left off anyone important. A reminder that last year’s nominees mean zilch at the Globes and that the race is almost entirely unpredictable.

Last year’s nominees:
Barry
Fleabag
The Kominsky Method
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
The Politician

New contenders:
The Flight Attendant
The Great
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist

Potential first-time nominees:
Dead to Me
Insecure
Pen15
Ramy
Schitt’s Creek
Ted Lasso
What We Do in the Shadows

Returning series:
Kidding

Past nominees:
Black-ish
Will and Grace

You can read my extensive rundown of this category for Awards Radar from November. This year is a strange situation since only one of last year’s nominees – “The Politician” – is eligible again, and it’s hard to imagine it returning. I would be ecstatic if the now-cancelled “Kidding,” which aired its second season early in 2020, managed a repeat, but I don’t see it happening. “The Flight Attendant” wasn’t yet a contender when I did my analysis of this category a few months ago, and so I’m struggling to decide which show ends up with only an acting bid and no nomination here. I’m going to go ahead and add first-time nominee “Schitt’s Creek” to a list that otherwise includes only brand-new shows rather than series in their second seasons, like “Ramy,” “What We Do in the Shadows,” or “Dead to Me.”

Current predictions:
The Flight Attendant
The Great
Schitt’s Creek
Ted Lasso
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist

Golden Globe Musings: Best Drama Series

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be announced soon, so here’s a survey of the contenders and the most likely predictions at this time. Weigh in with your thoughts, and let me know if I’ve left off anyone important. A reminder that last year’s nominees mean zilch at the Globes and that the race is almost entirely unpredictable.

Last year’s nominees:
Big Little Lies
The Crown
Killing Eve
The Morning Show
Succession

New contenders:
Bridgerton
Lovecraft Country
The Outsider
Perry Mason
Ratched

Potential first-time nominees:
Better Call Saul
The Boys
The Mandalorian
Ozark

Returning series:
Homecoming

Past nominees:
Outlander
This Is Us
Westworld

You can read my extensive rundown of this category for Awards Radar from November. Two of last year’s nominees are eligible this time. One, “The Crown,” is a sure thing, while I didn’t even expect “Killing Eve” to return last year. New shows “Lovecraft Country” and “Perry Mason” are probable inclusions, and what most are predicting this year is something that’s not very typical of Globe voters: welcoming in shows they haven’t previously celebrated. “Ozark” is one such choice, as is “The Mandalorian.” I think it’s much more up their alley to go with “Ratched,” but that show got zero Critics Choice nominations, which makes me wonder whether everyone liked it as much as I did.

Current predictions:
The Crown
Lovecraft Country
Ozark
Perry Mason
Ratched

Golden Globe Musings: Best Miniseries or Television Film

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be announced soon, so here’s a survey of the contenders and the most likely predictions at this time. Weigh in with your thoughts, and let me know if I’ve left off anyone important. A reminder that last year’s nominees mean zilch at the Globes and that the race is almost entirely unpredictable.

Last year’s nominees:
Catch-22
Chernobyl
Fosse/Verdon
The Loudest Voice
Unbelievable

Last year, this category offered up the startling snub of “When They See Us,” and this year, the field is considerably more stacked with contenders. Only one TV movie has been nominated in the past five years, and this year could be the time for Bad Education. Two of the three Emmy nominees for Best Limited Series, Mrs. America and Unorthodox, seem like sure things. The other selection, Little Fires Everywhere, is likely to be overshadowed by newer entries like The Queen’s Gambit, Small Axe, I May Destroy You, or The Undoing. Two Emmy-eligible offerings that didn’t make the cut, Normal People and The Plot Against America, are also possible. Additionally, look out for The Good Lord Bird, The Comey Rule or season four of Fargo.

Current predictions:
Mrs. America
Normal People
The Queen’s Gambit
Small Axe
Unorthodox

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

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be announced soon, so here’s a survey of the contenders and the most likely predictions at this time. Weigh in with your thoughts, and let me know if I’ve left off anyone important. A reminder that last year’s nominees mean zilch at the Globes and that the race is almost entirely unpredictable.

Last year’s nominees:
Patricia Arquette (The Act)
Helena Bonham Carter (The Crown)
Toni Collette (Unbelievable) 

Meryl Streep (Big Little Lies)
Emily Watson (Chernobyl)

One of last year’s nominees is eligible again – Carter – and especially since her role wasn’t as prominent this year, she may be ousted in favor of new costar Gillian Anderson (The Crown). Emmy nominees in the three corresponding categories add another nine eligible women in contention. All three winners - Julia Garner (Ozark), Annie Murphy (Schitt’s Creek), and Uzo Aduba (Mrs. America) are strong possibilities. Aduba may be joined by her two Emmy- and Critics Choice-nominated costars, Margo Martindale (Mrs. America) and Tracey Ullman (Mrs. America), or by another who was snubbed, like past Globe nominees Rose Byrne (Mrs. America) or Sarah Paulson (Mrs. America). I wouldn’t count on Yvonne Orji (Insecure), Holland Taylor (Hollywood), and even Thandie Newton (Westworld), who was nominated both times she was previously eligible, to return. Critics Choice honorees include Marielle Heller (The Queen’s Gambit), Wunmi Mosaku (Lovecraft Country), Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso) and three Emmy-eligible snubbees: Winona Ryder (The Plot Against America), Janet McTeer (Ozark), and Cynthia Erivo (The Outsider). Other possibilities include Jessie Buckley (Fargo), Letitia Wright (Small Axe), and Bette Midler (The Politician).

Current predictions:
Uzo Aduba (Mrs. America)
Gillian Anderson (The Crown)
Jessie Buckley (Fargo)
Marielle Heller (The Queen’s Gambit)
Annie Murphy (Schitt’s Creek)

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

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be announced soon, so here’s a survey of the contenders and the most likely predictions at this time. Weigh in with your thoughts, and let me know if I’ve left off anyone important. A reminder that last year’s nominees mean zilch at the Globes and that the race is almost entirely unpredictable.

Last year’s nominees:
Alan Arkin (The Kominsky Method)
Kieran Culkin (Succession)
Andrew Scott (Fleabag)
Stellan Skarsgard (Chernobyl)
Henry Winkler (Barry)

It’s always difficult to predict this category, which feeds from so many different projects. All five of last year’s nominees aren’t eligible this time around, though Culkin and Winkler may have a chance when their shows eventually return for season three (Arkin isn’t coming back for his show’s third outing). Eight of the twenty-two Emmy nominees in the corresponding categories are eligible. The likeliest among them are surely Dan Levy (Schitt’s Creek) and Mahershala Ali (Ramy), while Andre Braugher (Brooklyn Nine-Nine), Giancarlo Esposito (Better Call Saul), and Jeffrey Wright (Westworld) would be peculiar first-time inclusions this late into their runs. Limited series honorees Jim Parsons (Hollywood), Dylan McDermott (Hollywood), and Tituss Burgess (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend) all have a decent shot, though Burgess was never nominated for the series that leads into his TV movie. Of the sixteen additional names added to the conversation by the Critics Choice Association on their list, watch out for past nominees like Tobias Menzies (The Crown), now switched to this category after a lead bid last year, and John Lithgow (Perry Mason), previously cited for two other series in this race. Tom Pelphrey (Ozark) and John Turturro (The Plot Against America) were both Emmy-eligible but didn’t get nominated, while Donald Sutherland (The Undoing), Michael K. Williams (Lovecraft Country), Glynn Turman (Fargo), Joshua Caleb Johnson (The Good Lord Bird), and Daveed Diggs (The Good Lord Bird) are new contenders from the back half of 2020. Still other possibilities include Brendan Gleeson (The Comey Rule), Ben Whishaw (Fargo), John Boyega (Small Axe), and Amit Rahav (Unorthodox).

Current predictions:
Mahershala Ali (Ramy)
Brendan Gleeson (The Comey Rule)
Dan Levy (Schitt’s Creek)
John Lithgow (Perry Mason)
Tobias Menzies (The Crown)

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

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be announced soon, so here’s a survey of the contenders and the most likely predictions at this time. Weigh in with your thoughts, and let me know if I’ve left off anyone important. A reminder that last year’s nominees mean zilch at the Globes and that the race is almost entirely unpredictable.

Last year’s nominees:
Joey King (The Act)
Kaitlyn Dever (Unbelievable)
Helen Mirren (Catherine the Great)
Merritt Wever (Unbelievable)
Michelle Williams (Fosse/Verdon)

Four of the five Emmy nominees from this past year are eligible, though only two of them made the cut with the Critics’ Choice six-wide field. Shira Haas (Unorthodox) and Cate Blanchett (Mrs. America) are the two that earned nominations from both groups. Octavia Spencer (Self Made) and Kerry Washington (Little Fires Everywhere) were Emmy’s choices, while CCA voters acknowledged the Emmy-eligible Daisy Edgar-Jones (Normal People). CCA also cited Michaela Coel (I May Destroy You) and Anya Taylor-Joy (The Queen’s Gambit). Other possibilities include Nicole Kidman (The Undoing), Reese Witherspoon (Little Fires Everywhere), Zoe Kazan (The Plot Against America), and Kata Mara (A Teacher). I’m devastated by the thought of another Edgar-Jones snub, but it’s hard to predict Kidman not getting it over her.

Current predictions:
Cate Blanchett (Mrs. America)
Michaela Coel (I May Destroy You)
Shira Haas (Unorthodox)
Nicole Kidman (The Undoing)
Anya Taylor-Joy (The Queen’s Gambit)

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

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be announced soon, so here’s a survey of the contenders and the most likely predictions at this time. Weigh in with your thoughts, and let me know if I’ve left off anyone important. A reminder that last year’s nominees mean zilch at the Globes and that the race is almost entirely unpredictable.

Last year’s nominees:
Christopher Abbott (Catch-22)
Sacha Baron Cohen (The Spy)
Russell Crowe (The Loudest Voice)
Jared Harris (Chernobyl)
Sam Rockwell (Fosse/Verdon)

Four of the five Emmy nominees from this past year are eligible, though only two of them made the cut with the Critics’ Choice six-wide field. Emmy winner Mark Ruffalo (I Know This Much Is True) and Paul Mescal (Normal People) are the two that earned nominations from both groups. Hugh Jackman (Bad Education), Jeremy Irons (Watchmen), and Jeremy Pope (Hollywood) are the other three Emmy picks, and I’d like to hope that Globe voters’ affection for Ryan Murphy will enable them to notice Pope’s equally good costar, David Corenswet (Hollywood). The CCA chose John Boyega (Small Axe) – who Globe voters may be considering supporting, Hugh Grant (The Undoing) and Chris Rock (Fargo), along with the Emmy-eligible Morgan Spector (The Plot Against America). I’d also like to see Rock’s costar Jason Schwartzman (Fargo) here, but I’m not sure if that’s likely. Other strong possibilities are Ethan Hawke (The Good Lord Bird), Bryan Cranston (Your Honor), Jeff Daniels (The Comey Rule), and Jude Law (The Third Day).

Current predictions:
Jeff Daniels (The Comey Rule)
Hugh Grant (The Undoing)
Hugh Jackman (Bad Education)
Paul Mescal (Normal People)
Mark Ruffalo (I Know This Much Is True)

Golden Globe Musings: Best Actress in a TV Series - Comedy/Musical

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be announced soon, so here’s a survey of the contenders and the most likely predictions at this time. Weigh in with your thoughts, and let me know if I’ve left off anyone important. A reminder that last year’s nominees mean zilch at the Globes and that the race is almost entirely unpredictable.

Last year’s nominees:
Christina Applegate (Dead to Me)
Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel)
Kirsten Dunst (On Becoming a God in Central Florida)
Natasha Lyonne (Russian Doll)
Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag)

New contenders:
Awkwafina (Awkwafina is Nora from Queens)
Lily Collins (Emily in Paris)
Kaley Cuoco (The Flight Attendant)
Elle Fanning (The Great)
Jane Levy (Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist)
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (Never Have I Ever)

Potential first-time nominees:
Pamela Adlon (Better Things)
Linda Cardellini (Dead to Me)
Natasia Demetriou (What We Do in the Shadows)
Maya Erskine (Pen15)
Anna Konkle (Pen15)
Catherine O’Hara (Schitt’s Creek)

Past nominees:
Debra Messing (Will and Grace)
Issa Rae (Insecure)
Tracee Ellis Ross (Black-ish)

Last year, four out of five of the past year’s nominees were eligible and just one returned, and this year, only one is. Waller-Bridge’s show ended, Dunst’s had its renewal reversed, and Lyonne’s is slated to return at some point. Brosnahan’s will probably be back soon, but it hasn’t arrived yet. That leaves Applegate as the lone possibility to repeat, and I’m certainly hoping that she’ll be joined by her equally deserving costar Cardellini. Though she’s never been nominated, Emmy winner O’Hara seems like a sure thing, and Demetriou, who didn’t earn an Emmy nomination but her show performed well enough to show that it’s clearly well-regarded, is another possibility. I’m rooting for another Emmy snubee, Fanning, who will hopefully join Cuoco, the likeliest of a handful of new series contenders. Though it’s a competitive field with potential inclusions like Rae or Adlon, I suspect that the rare musical series star – Levy – will round out this category.

Current predictions:
Christina Applegate (Dead to Me)
Kaley Cuoco (The Flight Attendant)
Elle Fanning (The Great)
Jane Levy (Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist)
Catherine O’Hara (Schitt’s Creek)