Awards season begins! Here are my picks in the film categories.
Best Film Drama
“Call Me by Your Name” – Has a better chance in the acting nominations. Niche enough to deserve a nomination but the Globes are probably too mainstream to award it with this category.
“Dunkirk” – Honestly I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this film was a bit overrated, the summer release probably didn’t help it in the main categories, though I see it doing well at awards shows that laud more technical aspects like cinematography and editing.
“The Post” – 10 years ago this would have won hands down, it’s formulaic awards bait to a tee. However given all the churn in Hollywood I could see voters picking something more outsider… like….
“The Shape of Water” – This. I think there are better films that came out this year but overall most can agree that The Shape of Water is a spectacle of a film, and it’s just weird enough that voters wouldn’t be accused of being stodgy for picking it.
–Stars Michael Shannon and Michael Stuhlbarg discussed monsters and the movie.
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” – Another purely awards bait film. This was purely a vehicle for Frances McDormand, so if it has a shot in any category, it’s Best Film Actress Drama.
“Call Me by Your Name” – Has a better chance in the acting nominations. Niche enough to deserve a nomination but the Globes are probably too mainstream to award it with this category.
“Dunkirk” – Honestly I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this film was a bit overrated, the summer release probably didn’t help it in the main categories, though I see it doing well at awards shows that laud more technical aspects like cinematography and editing.
“The Post” – 10 years ago this would have won hands down, it’s formulaic awards bait to a tee. However given all the churn in Hollywood I could see voters picking something more outsider… like….
“The Shape of Water” – This. I think there are better films that came out this year but overall most can agree that The Shape of Water is a spectacle of a film, and it’s just weird enough that voters wouldn’t be accused of being stodgy for picking it.
–Stars Michael Shannon and Michael Stuhlbarg discussed monsters and the movie.
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” – Another purely awards bait film. This was purely a vehicle for Frances McDormand, so if it has a shot in any category, it’s Best Film Actress Drama.
Director/Writer/Producer Guillermo del Toro, Octavia Spencer and Sally Hawkins, on the set of THE SHAPE OF WATER. Photo by Sophie Giraud. © 2017 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation All Rights Reserved
Best Film Drama Actor
Timothée Chalamet, “Call Me by Your Name” – While Chalamet gave a great performance, he’s up against too many titans to win this. Particularly with “Phantom Thread” supposedly being Day-Lewis’ swan song. I can see him winning this in future years, but sorry pal, maybe when you’re older.
Daniel Day-Lewis, “Phantom Thread” – I didn’t love “Phantom Thread”, but it had all the ingredients that the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and other award voting bodies look for. Do I think this is Daniel Day-Lewis’ last performance? Not a milkshakes’ chance in hell. However the threat of that, combined with the awards fodder that was Phantom Thread will probably swing votes in this direction.
Tom Hanks, “The Post” – “The Post” should have been a better movie than it was, and either way Tom Hanks’ character really should have been considered supporting. However it’s Tom Hanks. I don’t see him taking home a trophy this year.
Gary Oldman, “Darkest Hour” – If anyone could dethrone fellow character actor Daniel Day-Lewis, it’s Gary Oldman, in his physically transformative performance as Winston Churchill. However this film doesn’t seem to be doing as well as it normally would in the awards arena. That combined with Day-Lewis supposedly exiting the spotlight will probably deprive Oldman of that shiny statue.
-Director Joe Wright on Winston Churchill/Gary Oldman.
Denzel Washington, “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” – I’m quite honestly baffled as to how this film got any nominations. It was sloppy, overly self-important, and quite frankly boring. This nomination is just a legacy one, which I think does a disservice to the entire artistic community. Denzel has had plenty of amazing awards worthy performances. This is not one.
Timothée Chalamet, “Call Me by Your Name” – While Chalamet gave a great performance, he’s up against too many titans to win this. Particularly with “Phantom Thread” supposedly being Day-Lewis’ swan song. I can see him winning this in future years, but sorry pal, maybe when you’re older.
Daniel Day-Lewis, “Phantom Thread” – I didn’t love “Phantom Thread”, but it had all the ingredients that the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and other award voting bodies look for. Do I think this is Daniel Day-Lewis’ last performance? Not a milkshakes’ chance in hell. However the threat of that, combined with the awards fodder that was Phantom Thread will probably swing votes in this direction.
Tom Hanks, “The Post” – “The Post” should have been a better movie than it was, and either way Tom Hanks’ character really should have been considered supporting. However it’s Tom Hanks. I don’t see him taking home a trophy this year.
Gary Oldman, “Darkest Hour” – If anyone could dethrone fellow character actor Daniel Day-Lewis, it’s Gary Oldman, in his physically transformative performance as Winston Churchill. However this film doesn’t seem to be doing as well as it normally would in the awards arena. That combined with Day-Lewis supposedly exiting the spotlight will probably deprive Oldman of that shiny statue.
-Director Joe Wright on Winston Churchill/Gary Oldman.
Denzel Washington, “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” – I’m quite honestly baffled as to how this film got any nominations. It was sloppy, overly self-important, and quite frankly boring. This nomination is just a legacy one, which I think does a disservice to the entire artistic community. Denzel has had plenty of amazing awards worthy performances. This is not one.
Daniel Day-Lewis in “Phantom Thread” – Focus Features
Best Film Drama Actress
Jessica Chastain, “Molly’s Game” –I love Jessica Chastain, but I think “Molly’s Game” got too full of itself. In a weaker year she might have been able to sneak home with a trophy, but I think she’ll have to wait a bit for that.
Sally Hawkins, “The Shape of Water” – I’d place her as runner up, only because I think “The Shape of Water” is going to take home awards in other categories, and “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” had one major contender, and it’s Actress.
Frances McDormand, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” – I feel like this film was made just to win Frances McDormand awards, and given that the Golden Globes split acting categories, this is her best chance.
Meryl Streep, “The Post” – Meryl Streep could knit a scarf and still get nominated for an award, however I think the tide is turning towards more independent films this year, and “The Post” is just a hair mainstream for that. Don’t feel bad for Meryl though, she’s rolling in awards.
Michelle Williams, “All the Money in the World” – Michelle Williams is a brilliant actress, who keeps making questionable choices (I’m looking at you “The Greatest Showman”). She’s impressive in “All the Money in the World” but the film belongs to Christopher Plummer who swooped in and stole the show. I’m sure we’ll see Williams back in this category soon though.
Jessica Chastain, “Molly’s Game” –I love Jessica Chastain, but I think “Molly’s Game” got too full of itself. In a weaker year she might have been able to sneak home with a trophy, but I think she’ll have to wait a bit for that.
Sally Hawkins, “The Shape of Water” – I’d place her as runner up, only because I think “The Shape of Water” is going to take home awards in other categories, and “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” had one major contender, and it’s Actress.
Frances McDormand, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” – I feel like this film was made just to win Frances McDormand awards, and given that the Golden Globes split acting categories, this is her best chance.
Meryl Streep, “The Post” – Meryl Streep could knit a scarf and still get nominated for an award, however I think the tide is turning towards more independent films this year, and “The Post” is just a hair mainstream for that. Don’t feel bad for Meryl though, she’s rolling in awards.
Michelle Williams, “All the Money in the World” – Michelle Williams is a brilliant actress, who keeps making questionable choices (I’m looking at you “The Greatest Showman”). She’s impressive in “All the Money in the World” but the film belongs to Christopher Plummer who swooped in and stole the show. I’m sure we’ll see Williams back in this category soon though.
Frances McDormand in the film THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI. Frances McDormand in the film THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI. Photo by Merrick Morton. © 2017 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation All Rights Reserved
Best Film Comedy/Musical
“The Disaster Artist” – This is the hardest category for me to be objective in. I think if “Get Out” and “Lady Bird” weren’t in the group this film would have a shot. It’s just weird enough and insular that it could appeal to voters. Plus, again, the Globes have a Comedy/Musical category, which means this got a nom. Unfortunately I could see it getting shut out of most other awards categories in the other shows, so I’m partially rooting for it, but I think the best film belongs to the next nominee.
“Get Out” – Why this is nominated as a Comedy/Musical I’m not sure. I honestly think this is the best film of the year. If you look at all the “best of” lists this is consistently on pretty much every one. If that doesn’t make a best film I don’t know what does. However the studio seems to have gotten scared it couldn’t dethrone some of the more classic fare and entered it into this sub-category. I hope it wins, and goes on to get an Oscar nod.
“The Greatest Showman” – What is this doing here? Is it because it was the only major musical of the year, and because it has “La La Land” ties? There are far more deserving pictures that came out this year.
“I, Tonya” – Another film that’s just a showcase piece for its star. If this wins it’ll be an undeserving upset.
“Lady Bird” – This and “Get Out” in the same category is going to speak volumes on whether or not Hollywood’s efforts to diversify are succeeding. Don’t get me wrong, “Lady Bird” is one of the best movies of the year, but ultimately it still has a great deal of white privilege attached, and I don’t think it overall deserves the award over “Get Out”. It definitely has its strengths but as a complete package I see it as a close runner up.
“The Disaster Artist” – This is the hardest category for me to be objective in. I think if “Get Out” and “Lady Bird” weren’t in the group this film would have a shot. It’s just weird enough and insular that it could appeal to voters. Plus, again, the Globes have a Comedy/Musical category, which means this got a nom. Unfortunately I could see it getting shut out of most other awards categories in the other shows, so I’m partially rooting for it, but I think the best film belongs to the next nominee.
“Get Out” – Why this is nominated as a Comedy/Musical I’m not sure. I honestly think this is the best film of the year. If you look at all the “best of” lists this is consistently on pretty much every one. If that doesn’t make a best film I don’t know what does. However the studio seems to have gotten scared it couldn’t dethrone some of the more classic fare and entered it into this sub-category. I hope it wins, and goes on to get an Oscar nod.
“The Greatest Showman” – What is this doing here? Is it because it was the only major musical of the year, and because it has “La La Land” ties? There are far more deserving pictures that came out this year.
“I, Tonya” – Another film that’s just a showcase piece for its star. If this wins it’ll be an undeserving upset.
“Lady Bird” – This and “Get Out” in the same category is going to speak volumes on whether or not Hollywood’s efforts to diversify are succeeding. Don’t get me wrong, “Lady Bird” is one of the best movies of the year, but ultimately it still has a great deal of white privilege attached, and I don’t think it overall deserves the award over “Get Out”. It definitely has its strengths but as a complete package I see it as a close runner up.
Daniel Kaluuya in “Get Out” – Universal Pictures
Best Film Comedy/Musical Actor
Steve Carell, “Battle of the Sexes” – This film was good, but got lost in the mix of the year. Carell somehow makes an unlikable chauvinist likable, but I don’t know if it was award worthy.
Ansel Elgort, “Baby Driver” – This is a case of “It’s an honor to be nominated”. Elgort (like Chalamet – who he apparently went to school with) is young, and has an excellent chance of resurfacing. I enjoyed “Baby Driver” but other performances were stronger.
-Check out my interview with Elgort and director Edgar Wright for “Baby Driver.”
James Franco, “The Disaster Artist” – I’ve talked repeatedly about how much I love “The Room” and how I thought “The Disaster Artist” was such a brilliant surreal piece of meta-art. I wouldn’t be upset if Franco won. White guilt might sway the vote towards Kaluuya instead though.
-James Franco and I discuss the fanaticism of “The Room”
Hugh Jackman, “The Greatest Showman” – Love Hugh Jackman to bits, but again, there were others who deserved a nom this year over anything involved with “The Greatest Showman”.
-I spoke with Jackman for his film “Eddie The Eagle”, which was better than “The Greatest Showman”.
Daniel Kaluuya, “Get Out” – Daniel Kaluuya was brilliant in this, but I think a good deal of the credit for all of “Get Out” goes to Jordan Peele, who was somehow overlooked in all the categories. This could go to Kaluuya as a consolation win to make up for that. That doesn’t mean he deserves it less, but Peele was robbed.
-Allison Williams and Daniel Kaluuya chatted with me about “Get Out”
Steve Carell, “Battle of the Sexes” – This film was good, but got lost in the mix of the year. Carell somehow makes an unlikable chauvinist likable, but I don’t know if it was award worthy.
Ansel Elgort, “Baby Driver” – This is a case of “It’s an honor to be nominated”. Elgort (like Chalamet – who he apparently went to school with) is young, and has an excellent chance of resurfacing. I enjoyed “Baby Driver” but other performances were stronger.
-Check out my interview with Elgort and director Edgar Wright for “Baby Driver.”
James Franco, “The Disaster Artist” – I’ve talked repeatedly about how much I love “The Room” and how I thought “The Disaster Artist” was such a brilliant surreal piece of meta-art. I wouldn’t be upset if Franco won. White guilt might sway the vote towards Kaluuya instead though.
-James Franco and I discuss the fanaticism of “The Room”
Hugh Jackman, “The Greatest Showman” – Love Hugh Jackman to bits, but again, there were others who deserved a nom this year over anything involved with “The Greatest Showman”.
-I spoke with Jackman for his film “Eddie The Eagle”, which was better than “The Greatest Showman”.
Daniel Kaluuya, “Get Out” – Daniel Kaluuya was brilliant in this, but I think a good deal of the credit for all of “Get Out” goes to Jordan Peele, who was somehow overlooked in all the categories. This could go to Kaluuya as a consolation win to make up for that. That doesn’t mean he deserves it less, but Peele was robbed.
-Allison Williams and Daniel Kaluuya chatted with me about “Get Out”
Dave Franco and James Franco in “The Disaster Artist” – Photo by Justina Mintz, courtesy of A24
Best Film Comedy/Musical Actress
Judi Dench, “Victoria & Abdul” – Another obligatory nomination for a good but not great movie. Not sure I’d classify “Victoria & Abdul” as a comedy either, but the Globes are interesting because they allow for loopholes.
-Dench’s costar in “Victoria & Abdul” talks about her unexpected talents.
Margot Robbie, “I, Tonya” – It’s between her and Saoirse, and if it goes to anyone but either of them it’s BS. I think the scales will tip to Ronan, mostly because “I, Tonya” doesn’t seem to be as much of a critical darling compared to “Lady Bird”
Saoirse Ronan, “Lady Bird” – I think she should win it, and hopefully the HFPA agrees.
-Director Greta Gerwig discussed the casting of Saoirse and the ensemble.
Emma Stone, “Battle of the Sexes” – I think timing cost this movie a lot of its momentum. The story resonates with much of last year (and the last…. Of eternity) but if this had come out closer to the Time’s Up movement I think it could have packed a heavier punch. Stone is good, but the film isn’t enough to carry the award. If she wins it’ll be quite the upset.
-Here’s what the filmmakers of “Battle of the Sexes” had to say about the politics of the film.
Helen Mirren, “The Leisure Seeker” – Not going to lie, didn’t see this film. Have never even heard of this film? Mirren (like Dench) is a British baller, and probably doesn’t have to do a ton to get nominated, particularly in a lighter year. However I think the small impact of the film means no shiny objects for Mirren… this year.
Judi Dench, “Victoria & Abdul” – Another obligatory nomination for a good but not great movie. Not sure I’d classify “Victoria & Abdul” as a comedy either, but the Globes are interesting because they allow for loopholes.
-Dench’s costar in “Victoria & Abdul” talks about her unexpected talents.
Margot Robbie, “I, Tonya” – It’s between her and Saoirse, and if it goes to anyone but either of them it’s BS. I think the scales will tip to Ronan, mostly because “I, Tonya” doesn’t seem to be as much of a critical darling compared to “Lady Bird”
Saoirse Ronan, “Lady Bird” – I think she should win it, and hopefully the HFPA agrees.
-Director Greta Gerwig discussed the casting of Saoirse and the ensemble.
Emma Stone, “Battle of the Sexes” – I think timing cost this movie a lot of its momentum. The story resonates with much of last year (and the last…. Of eternity) but if this had come out closer to the Time’s Up movement I think it could have packed a heavier punch. Stone is good, but the film isn’t enough to carry the award. If she wins it’ll be quite the upset.
-Here’s what the filmmakers of “Battle of the Sexes” had to say about the politics of the film.
Helen Mirren, “The Leisure Seeker” – Not going to lie, didn’t see this film. Have never even heard of this film? Mirren (like Dench) is a British baller, and probably doesn’t have to do a ton to get nominated, particularly in a lighter year. However I think the small impact of the film means no shiny objects for Mirren… this year.
Saoirse Ronan in “Lady Bird” – Photo by Merie Wallace, courtesy of A24
Best Film Supporting Actor
Willem Dafoe, “The Florida Project” – Another super tough category because all the nominees are in major award trap films. I thought Dafoe was at top form in “The Florida Project” but I fear Hammer playing outside type will win it. I wouldn’t be upset if Plummer took it for “All the Money in the World” as the story of him stepping in to the role is beyond tempting to voters.
Armie Hammer, “Call Me by Your Name” – I have trouble separating my apathy towards Hammer as a person with my respect for the story. I think Chalamet was the stronger of the two performances in this film, but I think there are stronger contenders.
Richard Jenkins, “The Shape of Water” – Jenkins is an amazing actor, and often goes unrecognized for his contributions, so it’s nice to see him nominated, but I think there are too many buzzworthy competitors for him to take this home this year.
Christopher Plummer, “All the Money in the World” – The legend is 88 years old, filmed a fantastic performance in 9 days, and knocked it out of the damn park. Hollywood loves a story like that, plus not to get too morbid but how many more chances are we going to have to honor him? Is that the right reason to win an award? No. However the performance he gave is certainly deserving.
Sam Rockwell, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” – Sorry pal, this is McDormand’s movie. Your redemption story in it was too little too late.
Willem Dafoe, “The Florida Project” – Another super tough category because all the nominees are in major award trap films. I thought Dafoe was at top form in “The Florida Project” but I fear Hammer playing outside type will win it. I wouldn’t be upset if Plummer took it for “All the Money in the World” as the story of him stepping in to the role is beyond tempting to voters.
Armie Hammer, “Call Me by Your Name” – I have trouble separating my apathy towards Hammer as a person with my respect for the story. I think Chalamet was the stronger of the two performances in this film, but I think there are stronger contenders.
Richard Jenkins, “The Shape of Water” – Jenkins is an amazing actor, and often goes unrecognized for his contributions, so it’s nice to see him nominated, but I think there are too many buzzworthy competitors for him to take this home this year.
Christopher Plummer, “All the Money in the World” – The legend is 88 years old, filmed a fantastic performance in 9 days, and knocked it out of the damn park. Hollywood loves a story like that, plus not to get too morbid but how many more chances are we going to have to honor him? Is that the right reason to win an award? No. However the performance he gave is certainly deserving.
Sam Rockwell, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” – Sorry pal, this is McDormand’s movie. Your redemption story in it was too little too late.
Christopher Plummer is J. Paul Getty in TriStar Pictures’ ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD. – Photo Credit: Giles Keyte, ©2017 ALL THE MONEY US, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Best Film Supporting Actress
Mary J. Blige, “Mudbound” – I am ashamed to say that I have not had a chance to see this yet, even though I can watch it from my living room. So I will not weigh in on whether or not she deserves it (I’ve heard nothing but good things) but I think unfortunately the odds are stacked against her with the presence of Janney and Metcalf in this category.
Hong Chau, “Downsizing” – I thought this movie was trash, but I will say Hong Chau’s performance in it was the best part. However she felt like she was in an entirely different film during her best parts. Alas I feel like she was a token nomination to show they’re diversifying.
Allison Janney, “I, Tonya” – This role was jacked up, which is often like catnip to awards voters. I think one of the messed up mom roles will take home the prize this year, and I’m up in the air between this and Laurie Metcalf. However my gut says Robbie won’t win, and Janney will.
Laurie Metcalf, “Lady Bird” – Which means the opposite is true for Metcalf. Ronan will take home the main acting prize for “Lady Bird” and Metcalf will be a close second. I think they’re both deserving but only one can win.
Octavia Spencer, “The Shape of Water” – I felt like she was a little subdued in this film, and is partially being nominated because she’s won awards before. It was a good but not necessarily awards worthy performance.
Mary J. Blige, “Mudbound” – I am ashamed to say that I have not had a chance to see this yet, even though I can watch it from my living room. So I will not weigh in on whether or not she deserves it (I’ve heard nothing but good things) but I think unfortunately the odds are stacked against her with the presence of Janney and Metcalf in this category.
Hong Chau, “Downsizing” – I thought this movie was trash, but I will say Hong Chau’s performance in it was the best part. However she felt like she was in an entirely different film during her best parts. Alas I feel like she was a token nomination to show they’re diversifying.
Allison Janney, “I, Tonya” – This role was jacked up, which is often like catnip to awards voters. I think one of the messed up mom roles will take home the prize this year, and I’m up in the air between this and Laurie Metcalf. However my gut says Robbie won’t win, and Janney will.
Laurie Metcalf, “Lady Bird” – Which means the opposite is true for Metcalf. Ronan will take home the main acting prize for “Lady Bird” and Metcalf will be a close second. I think they’re both deserving but only one can win.
Octavia Spencer, “The Shape of Water” – I felt like she was a little subdued in this film, and is partially being nominated because she’s won awards before. It was a good but not necessarily awards worthy performance.
LaVona Golden (Allison Janney) at work in I, TONYA, courtesy of NEON and 30WEST.
Best Director
Guillermo del Toro, “The Shape of Water” – I adore GDT, but I think the best director of the year was Jordan Peele (with runners up being Greta Gerwig who directed a very actors actor movie, or a longer shot in James Franco). That all being said I think he’s the safe bet because his film was more original than “The Post”.
-Here’s my interview with Guillermo Del Toro for his last film, “Crimson Peak”
Martin McDonagh, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” – This spot is bs, any of the aforementioned directors belong in this role, so I don’t know how McDonagh snuck in. Yes I do, voters love a legacy person, and an “artiste”… so much for diversity in the big categories.
Christopher Nolan, “Dunkirk” – Not my favorite Nolan film. Yes I know people loved it. Stronger odds on the others.
Ridley Scott, “All The Money in the World” – This is another one where age could be a factor. Scott is 80. He also pulled a rabbit out of his hat with his reshoots.
Steven Spielberg, “The Post” – No thanks. If this wins I will lose faith in all progress for honoring new work.
Guillermo del Toro, “The Shape of Water” – I adore GDT, but I think the best director of the year was Jordan Peele (with runners up being Greta Gerwig who directed a very actors actor movie, or a longer shot in James Franco). That all being said I think he’s the safe bet because his film was more original than “The Post”.
-Here’s my interview with Guillermo Del Toro for his last film, “Crimson Peak”
Martin McDonagh, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” – This spot is bs, any of the aforementioned directors belong in this role, so I don’t know how McDonagh snuck in. Yes I do, voters love a legacy person, and an “artiste”… so much for diversity in the big categories.
Christopher Nolan, “Dunkirk” – Not my favorite Nolan film. Yes I know people loved it. Stronger odds on the others.
Ridley Scott, “All The Money in the World” – This is another one where age could be a factor. Scott is 80. He also pulled a rabbit out of his hat with his reshoots.
Steven Spielberg, “The Post” – No thanks. If this wins I will lose faith in all progress for honoring new work.
Michael Shannon and Director/Writer/Producer Guillermo del Toro on the set of THE SHAPE OF WATER. Photo Credit: Kerry Hayes; © 2017 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation All Rights Reserved.
Best Screenplay
Greta Gerwig, “Lady Bird” – I think she should win, but she’s up against some ridiculously heavy hitters. I’ll be pleasantly surprised if she takes the award home, and it’ll help ease the blow of not getting nominated for director.
-Greta Gerwig on writing “Lady Bird”
Aaron Sorkin, “Molly’s Game” – This film reeked of Aaron Sorkin, which can sometimes be good, but in this case was bad. He thought he could write a strong female character, but got lost in his own self importance as a writer to do it justice. If he wins it’s because people are voting for names and not quality of work.
Liz Hannah and Josh Singer, “The Post” – Part of me wishes Liz Hannah was nominated solo. There were moments when the script for this shined, but it was clear there were too many cooks in the kitchen to make it a memorable screenplay. Plus, Singer’s “Spotlight” was awful close to “The Post”. Are we really going to reward him twice for doing pretty similar work?
Guillermo Del Toro and Vanessa Taylor, “The Shape of Water” – If this wins it’s because too many people voted across the board / all over the place and this somehow eeked it’s way ahead. I think the strength of the film was the visuals and the performances. If it’d been in the hands of weaker actors I don’t think it would have been nearly as successful.
Martin McDonagh, “Three Billboards outside Ebbing Missouri” – I could see Hollywood patting themselves on the back for honoring a writer whose strength tends to be in a slightly different medium. McDonagh’s playwright background works to his favor here, but I’ll reiterate – McDormand or bust.
Greta Gerwig, “Lady Bird” – I think she should win, but she’s up against some ridiculously heavy hitters. I’ll be pleasantly surprised if she takes the award home, and it’ll help ease the blow of not getting nominated for director.
-Greta Gerwig on writing “Lady Bird”
Aaron Sorkin, “Molly’s Game” – This film reeked of Aaron Sorkin, which can sometimes be good, but in this case was bad. He thought he could write a strong female character, but got lost in his own self importance as a writer to do it justice. If he wins it’s because people are voting for names and not quality of work.
Liz Hannah and Josh Singer, “The Post” – Part of me wishes Liz Hannah was nominated solo. There were moments when the script for this shined, but it was clear there were too many cooks in the kitchen to make it a memorable screenplay. Plus, Singer’s “Spotlight” was awful close to “The Post”. Are we really going to reward him twice for doing pretty similar work?
Guillermo Del Toro and Vanessa Taylor, “The Shape of Water” – If this wins it’s because too many people voted across the board / all over the place and this somehow eeked it’s way ahead. I think the strength of the film was the visuals and the performances. If it’d been in the hands of weaker actors I don’t think it would have been nearly as successful.
Martin McDonagh, “Three Billboards outside Ebbing Missouri” – I could see Hollywood patting themselves on the back for honoring a writer whose strength tends to be in a slightly different medium. McDonagh’s playwright background works to his favor here, but I’ll reiterate – McDormand or bust.
Saoirse Ronan and Greta Gerwig on the set of LADY BIRD – Photo by Merie Wallace, courtesy of A24
Best Score
Hans Zimmer, “Dunkirk” – Dunkirk’s best chance at the Globes. I will say the score was epic, which is par for the course for Zimmer.
Jonny Greenwood, “Phantom Thread” – The score was actually my favorite part of “Phantom Thread” but with Williams, Zimmer, and Desplat in the race I don’t know if Greenwood’s Radiohead clout is enough to net him the accords.
John Williams, “The Post” – John Williams is a damned legend, but so are many of the others in the category. His other scores for Spielberg films are some of the greatest of all time, but “The Post” didn’t feel memorable.
Alexandre Desplat, “The Shape of Water” – Desplat is a long shot, and has only won a Golden Globe once. I think his previous fare was stronger, so I don’t think this will bring home the gold for him.
Carter Burwell, “Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri” – Another composer whose previous works were more memorable. Maybe in a different year, but again, up against legends.
Best Song
“Home,” Ferdinand – Cute, but not a chance.
“Mighty River,” Mudbound – My guess is this has a better chance of getting Mary J. Blige a Globe than in acting. Which I guess is a consolation that she is multi talented and the only person to get nominated cross category like that?
“Remember Me,” Coco – This also has the minority thing going for it (not a bad thing). It’s between this and “Mighty River” which feels a little more mature and easier for voters to laud.
“The Star”, The Star – Nope.
“This Is Me,” The Greatest Showman – If this wins it will be a travesty. The only reason it would is because it boasts “La La Land” roots, which is about the worst logic.
Hans Zimmer, “Dunkirk” – Dunkirk’s best chance at the Globes. I will say the score was epic, which is par for the course for Zimmer.
Jonny Greenwood, “Phantom Thread” – The score was actually my favorite part of “Phantom Thread” but with Williams, Zimmer, and Desplat in the race I don’t know if Greenwood’s Radiohead clout is enough to net him the accords.
John Williams, “The Post” – John Williams is a damned legend, but so are many of the others in the category. His other scores for Spielberg films are some of the greatest of all time, but “The Post” didn’t feel memorable.
Alexandre Desplat, “The Shape of Water” – Desplat is a long shot, and has only won a Golden Globe once. I think his previous fare was stronger, so I don’t think this will bring home the gold for him.
Carter Burwell, “Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri” – Another composer whose previous works were more memorable. Maybe in a different year, but again, up against legends.
Best Song
“Home,” Ferdinand – Cute, but not a chance.
“Mighty River,” Mudbound – My guess is this has a better chance of getting Mary J. Blige a Globe than in acting. Which I guess is a consolation that she is multi talented and the only person to get nominated cross category like that?
“Remember Me,” Coco – This also has the minority thing going for it (not a bad thing). It’s between this and “Mighty River” which feels a little more mature and easier for voters to laud.
“The Star”, The Star – Nope.
“This Is Me,” The Greatest Showman – If this wins it will be a travesty. The only reason it would is because it boasts “La La Land” roots, which is about the worst logic.
Mary J. Blige in “Mudbound” – Netflix
Best Animated Feature
“The Boss Baby” – Another “It’s an honor to be nominated” situation.
-A chat with the filmmakers behind “The Boss Baby”
“The Breadwinner” – Alas wasn’t able to catch this one, but reading the description and seeing the cover art reminded me of “Persepolis”. Outsiders like this and “Loving Vincent” have a chance at dethroning “Coco” but who doesn’t love a Pixar film?
“Coco” – The most mainstream, and has cultural relevance. Only if voters were feeling bitter (which Pixar films sometimes fall victim to) could I see this losing.
“Ferdinand” – See “The Boss Baby” reasoning….
“Loving Vincent“ – Like “The Breadwinner” voters like to think they’re more refined by voting for some of these more art house films. Unfortunately I didn’t see this one either so I could see it dark horsing based on description alone.
“The Boss Baby” – Another “It’s an honor to be nominated” situation.
-A chat with the filmmakers behind “The Boss Baby”
“The Breadwinner” – Alas wasn’t able to catch this one, but reading the description and seeing the cover art reminded me of “Persepolis”. Outsiders like this and “Loving Vincent” have a chance at dethroning “Coco” but who doesn’t love a Pixar film?
“Coco” – The most mainstream, and has cultural relevance. Only if voters were feeling bitter (which Pixar films sometimes fall victim to) could I see this losing.
“Ferdinand” – See “The Boss Baby” reasoning….
“Loving Vincent“ – Like “The Breadwinner” voters like to think they’re more refined by voting for some of these more art house films. Unfortunately I didn’t see this one either so I could see it dark horsing based on description alone.
“Coco” – Disney Pixar
Best Foreign Language Film – Alas I must abstain from well thought out predictions in this category as I saw none of the films, but based on voting patterns and random gut feelings I’m going to guess “First They Killed My Father” as we don’t see that many films out of Cambodia.
“A Fantastic Woman” (Chile)
“First They Killed My Father” (Cambodia)
“In the Fade” (Germany/France)
“Loveless” (Russia)
“The Square” (Sweden, Germany, France)
“A Fantastic Woman” (Chile)
“First They Killed My Father” (Cambodia)
“In the Fade” (Germany/France)
“Loveless” (Russia)
“The Square” (Sweden, Germany, France)
