True to form, the Golden Globe nominations are a buffet of the good, the bad and the unconscionably hideous — with perhaps a touch more emphasis than usual on the third of those this year. I refer, of course, to those largely mortifying Comedy/Musical races, where HFPA voters solved the lack of obvious contenders this year by giving in to their randiest star-shagging urges.
Welcome to the Best Picture race, “Red,” “The Tourist” and (pauses to cross himself and say three Hail Marys) “Alice in Wonderland.” Or, you know, not. Congratulations on your double-shot of well-deserved Best Actor nominations, Mr. Depp. Or, you know, not. Sorry, Sally Hawkins, we liked you just fine in “Made in Dagenham,” but Angelina Jolie was obviously working harder in her movie. Or, you know, not.
Still, even as we strike down upon the HFPA with great vengeance and furious anger, I’m feeling pretty chipper about some things: reviled as it is by many, “Burlesque” is the kind of grandly gaudy goof-off that I’m happy to see livening up the category, while my biggest air-punch of the morning came when my actress of the year Emma Stone’s name was read out for “Easy A.”
Over in the drama categories, there’s a similar trade-off between lazy coast-in nominees and genuinely hard-earned surprises: I don’t imagine too many people are thrilled to see Halle Berry nominated ahead of Lesley Manville, but we have those sweet twin nominations for the doomed lovers of “Blue Valentine” to make the medicine go down. Pleasing, too, to see Jacki Weaver and Mila Kunis keep making strides in that very pliable Supporting Actress race, while Jeremy Renner’s supporting nod for “The Town” reads as an apology note from voters for snubbing him last year. (Again, in return for that, we must tolerate a shameless please-don’t-die nod for Michael Douglas’s self-parody in “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps.” Them’s the breaks.)
Okay, so I led with the finer details. Looking at the bigger picture, however, today’s announcement will please, if hardly surprise, fans of “The Social Network” (with six nods) and the film everyone knew would lead the field, “The King’s Speech” (with seven). Arguably the bigger story of the morning, however, is “The Fighter,” which tied for the runner-up spot with six bids, including Best Director and Best Actor mentions that few saw coming. It seems to me that this rock-solid crowdpleaser has timed its arrival in the race very nicely indeed.
What made way for “The Fighter”‘s robust haul, then? Well, as I anticipated, “127 Hours” underperformed, snagging nominations for Actor, Screenplay and Score, but missing out in the top two races. Even more sidelined, however, was “True Grit” — which received a grand total of zero nods. (Yep, even the beloved Jeff Bridges was bumped in favor of Mark Wahlberg.) Whether these signify a general loss of steam in the race, or just a temporary pothole, remains to be seen — but by this point, it should be clear to Fox Searchlight that “Black Swan” (with a healthy five nods) is their prize pony.
As for who might win, it’s anyone’s guess whether the Globes will follow the critics’ lead or not. They certainly didn’t last year, or three years ago, when the lush Britpic “Atonement” trumped the bleak Americana of “No Country for Old Men: a precedent that might suggest “The King’s Speech,” with its leading haul, is still the one to beat here. Over in the comedy wasteland, meanwhile, the “Kids Are All Right” folks are chuckling gleefully to themselves as they laminate their acceptance speeches.
On a final note, nice to see “Carlos,” as well as its fire-breathing leading man Edgar Ramirez, get some love in the miniseries race. It should be up with the big (or at least big-screen) boys in Best Picture, but we’ll take what we can get.
Check out the full list of film nominees at The Circuit.
[Photo: Paramount Pictures]
Comments
185 responses to “‘King’s Speech’ leads Globe nods, ‘True Grit’ shut out”
Exactly, Speaking English. In a list of 10, 127 Hours could still find its way in and its unlikely that the GG Director lineup will match Oscar’s 100%. Boyle could easily replace Russell. (I still believe in Hooper in the vein of Stephen Frears/The Queen, back in 2006.)
I still do not get how The Tourist classifies as Comedy/Musical, other than HFPA being clandestine and desperate enough to find a way to nominate Jolie and Depp yet again. Gag. I guess I’m rooting for Giamatti in that category (Best Actor – Comedy/Musical, aside from 2008 and somewhat 2009, is always the worst of them.) But maybe Spacey should win, because he never won a Globe before. Just don’t get anywhere close to Oscar, bub, and we’re good.
I thought of putting Inception and 127 Hours on those two lists, but then I thought Inception did about as well as expected (it didn’t get any real surprise nomination), and 127 Hours still got three nominations even if it didn’t do as well as most expected. It took a hit, but not as much as the other films I listed.
@ The Other James D.
Yes, but you are talking about Oscars now. I was going strictly by the dubuious concept of a GG boost/hit. And I’d say lack of Best Director and Best Picture is notable.
Even as I do think it will make the Academy’s 10. Directing though, I am not so sure about.
Good comedies that could have been nominated instead of some of the shit we see here:
Four Lions
I Love You, Phillip Morris
Jack Goes Boating
Please Give
The latter 2 were always a massive longshot, but they could’ve given Carrey some love over at least one of Depp’s horrificabletastic noms.
I hope Douglas doesn’t cruise his way to a lame pity nomination. Get well soon, and make better movies. (Sooooo robbed for Wonder Boys in 2000.)
Is Depp really that bad though? I haven’t seen the Tourist yet but I really dug what I saw of him in the trailer. How he spoke under his breath and seemed self-conscious in the best possible way. Reminded me of some of his great work in the 90s. Yeah, I got all of that from the trailer but… was I wrong?
I haven’t seen either, but I was just taking people’s word for it w/ an exaggerated adjective :P.
However, I think he’s just slumming it these days.
I’m so disappointed for Mike Leigh and Lesley Manville in particular.
I thought Lesley was going to receive a big boost from the critics but they’ve almost completely shut her out and now the Globes snub her too.
Please academy members – watch your screeners of Another Year! You won’t be able to snub her if you do.
The lack of True Grit noms is truly baffling. O_o
I don’t think the Coens’ play well for the foreigners for some reason, they don’t seem to “get” it, and never have.
The Academy adores them however, so there is some hope.
I don’t understand no True Grit.
Shia LaBeouf was better than Eisenberg.
To quote the great Trent Reznor: “Starfu**ers Incorporated.”
No “Made in Dagenham” in that weak list? seriously? sigh…..
At least the Globes vote for what they like, not what has the most hype necessarily. Also, I’m sure they did see “True Grit” as they rejected Hailee Steinfeld’s supporting placement and put her in lead (according to Dave Karger).
I just realized Mark Ruffalo didn’t get a nomination, even though the film did very well otherwise. Too understated a performance, maybe?
The joke acting nominations include:
Halle Berry – Frankie and Alice
Johnnie Depp – Alice in Wonderland
Johnnie Depp – The Tourist
Angelina Jolie – The Tourist
It’s clear they want as many celebrities as possible nominated. However, the fact that they are nominated makes a mockery of both the actors and the HFPA.
JohnDoe,
Coens have one of the best track records of any filmmakers in the history of the Cannes Film Festival, including three Best Director wins (one of which was a tie).
I also know for a fact that they have their fans in Russia.
I have little doubt that “True Grit” will do better at the Oscars.
It’s also interesting to note that neither Hereafter nor Shutter Island scored anything here. No nods for DiCaprio either.
These are the worst Globe nominees I’ve ever seen. We should have known that they couldn’t resist a Depp/Jolie movie, and it was probably pencilled in sight unseen. But Michael Douglas over Mark Ruffalo, Sam Rockwell and a host of others? Halle Berry? Depp for Alice in Wonderland? Give me a break. In terms of Oscar this is ultimately meaningless, except that it has now solidified Black Swan and The Fighter as major contenders for TSN’s coronation.
Oh, and yes, to whoever it was that said it earlier.. They at the very least threw us some surprise curveball nominations. Even if I don’t agree with many of those choices, it at least makes the awards season a bit more fun and unpredictable.
It’s definitely time to get rid of that Comedy/Musical category…what a ghetto of bad taste.
I definitely don’t think these are the worst we’ve ever seen. I mean, Blue Valentine is hardcore indie filmmaking, which HFPA usually shuns, and yet not one but BOTH of the leads got nominated. That’s a big deal. Lawrence, Renner, Garfield, Kunis–more great nominations, some of whom are underestimated in this race. The crap noms certainly stand-out, but the inspired ones deserve their props.
Very excited for Amy Adams, Melissa Leo, Mila Kunis and Jacki Weaver and Jeremy Renner noms in supporting. Also, Halle Berry, Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams for Best Actor.
I think it odd that The Tourist got anything, that film looks like pure trash from the trailer. Slim pickens?
Also really cool that I Am Love got in for foreign film.
I love the Best Actor – Drama category; it basically says: “Fuck old people.”
And the winners are:
Best Picture – Drama
“The Fighter”
Best Picture – Musical/Comedy
“The Kids Are All Right”
Best Director
David Fincher, “The Social Network”
Best Actor – Drama
Colin Firth, “The King’s Speech”
Best Actress – Drama
Natalie Portman, “Black Swan”
Best Actor – Musical/Comedy
Jake Gyllenhaal, “Love and Other Drugs”
Best Actress – Musical/Comedy
Anne Hathaway, “Love and Other Drugs”
Best Supporting Actor
Christian Bale, “The Fighter”
Best Supporting Actress
Jacki Weaver, “Animal Kingdom”
Best Screenplay
Aaron Sorkin, “The Social Network”
Best Foreign Language Film
“Biutiful”
Best Animated Feature
“Toy Story 3”
Best Original Score
Alexandre Desplat, “The King’s Speech”
Best Original Song
“Bound to You” from “Burlesque”
Wow 70+ comments before I even read the nominees. Well all I have to really say is that is the worst group of nominees for best musical/comedy in the history of the Globes. It makes me wish kids are all right was considered a drama just to see what else they would have put in there.
Again, I fine Guy’s snide write-ups to leave a bad taste in my mouth. The completely overblown Michael Douglass comment is particularly tasteless. It was a fine perfomance, though he really should have gotten in for the Solitary Man instead.
And then there is the fact that Guy probably never even seen the Tourist. Really, Guy, tell us otherwise.
Hilarious nominations, as per every year. This is why I love the HFPA, they’re such blatant star-fuckers.
Surprising omission? Cher for “Burlesque”.
Whatever one thinks of the movie and the performance, if you saw Frankie and Alice, you saw that nomination coming. I called that one here the evening of the screening. Obvious Globe bait, and not even the worst kind.
As much as I’m in love with Emma Stone, Easy A is bad.
Great write-up, Guy. The laminate comment in particular gave me a chuckle.
I’d hardly say “Winter’s Bone” took a hit here, Graysmith. It was never going to be in the HFPA’s wheelhouse — the fact that Lawrence still got in is a pretty healthy sign.
Well all else aside they nominated Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross!
Two noms for Depp and one for Jolie and one for the film. It is supposed to be a bomb. These people want to see a lot of celbrities at the ceremony.
No True Grit, Bardem, Swinton (though there films were nominated in the foreign film category) and no love for Another Year. What a shame.
Best Picture – Drama: The King’s Speech”
Best Director: Christopher Nolan “Inception”
Best Actor – Drama: Colin Firth “The King’s Speech”
Best Actress – Drama: Natalie Portman “Black Swan”
Best Supporting Actor: Christian Bale “The Fighter”
Best Supporting Actress: Helena Bonham-Carter “The King’s Speech”
Best Picture – Comedy/Musical: “The Kids Are All Right
Best Actor – Comedy/Musical: Jake Gyllenhaal “Love and Other Drugs”
Best Actress – Comedy/Musical: Annette Bening “The Kids Are All Right”
Best Screenplay: Aaron Sorkin “The Social Network”
So excited about Jacki Weaver. If she can even get nominated by those star f*ckers over at the HFPA, then it’s on!
Oh … and Sony Pictures Classics, starting to regret putting Manville in lead yet?
Guy likes Burlesque and loves Moulin Rouge.
I’m beginning to think he uses a pseudonym.
There is a lot of good in this actually! I am very impressed with the picks for the drama, obviously, the comedy picks are terrible.
The Good:
-King’s Speech and Social Network continue to lead the race.
-Black Swan proves itself as a real contender (should’ve realized that much earlier than this week InContention).
-Christopher Nolan leads the Inception campaign.
-Michelle Williams AND Ryan Gosling for Blue Valentine!
-Emma Stone, Easy A
The Bad:
-127 Hours loses a lot of steam
-The entire Comedy section is a joke – The Tourist, Burlesque, Alice in Wonderland
-Johnny Depp twice
-Toy Story 3 should be in comedy, seeing as #2 won the Globe.
Overall I am very content with this list of nominees.
Toy Story 3 was not eligible in the Comedy/Musical category — since the HFPA introduced a Best Animated Feature category, animated titles have been restricted to that race.
I’m not defending that policy, mind. Merely explaining.
Well said Will. I’ve always been of the mind that Manville would cruise to a Supp Actress win. Now it looks like a Weaver vs. Leo matchup.
Commentary on the nomination of Michael Douglas completely unnecessary, as many nominations as the darlings of the worst Depp -Jolie.E think he really deserves the nomination for WSII was a good performance.
Early upset call – Emma Stone beats Bening for Musical/Comedy. The HFPA loves to coronate a new star.
I’m yet to hear Guy verify that he did, in fact, see the Tourist.
I actually liked Wall Street 2, but given Douglas’ public battle with cancer, you have to believe that is what this nomination is about.
Understood Guy, thanks for that clarification, I didn’t know about that. Seems silly, wouldn’t you agree?
And no foreign language performances nominated? Is that another one of their rules that changes every other year? Tilda Swinton in “I Am Love,” and Javier Bardem in “Biutiful” were overlooked why?
I remember when “A Passage to India” won Best Foreign Film. I guess that year they decided to include all films “foreign,” but not films in a language other than English.
Anyway, Swinton and Bardem all the way.
Given that ALICE IN WONDERLAND was some gold old-fashioned Tim-Burton-ism, which I always love, I’m happy to see the Globes give it a good showing. I also quite liked Gekko’s return, so good for him, even if it is odd to run him as a Supporting Actor in his own movie.
Is there some new rule keeping Animated films out of the Best Comedy category? Because Toy Story 3, How to Train Your Dragon, and Tangled all seem like they would have been big contenders there?
Man, DiCaprio can’t get arrested this season! You’d think these star-lovers would give him something for a double-whammy like he had this year!
Too bad Cher and Aguilera didn’t get nominated. If they were going to embrace Burlesque, I wish they’d gone all the way.
Kick-Ass? Scott Pilgrim? Were these a bit too out there for the comedy category? Because that Tourist nomination really does look weird.
If Paul Walker and Milla Jovovich had starred in a 20-something% RT-rated movie called The Tourist, would they have been nominated? Pure, blinding star-wattage, and the HFPA are moths to the incandescent bulbs.
I’m happy Burlesque got some love. Despite critics attempts to sabotage it, it was actually a really fun and entertaining movie and deserved some recognition. Also looking at the list of nominees in the comedy/musical category, Burlesque seems to be the only film that actually qualifies as a legit musical or comedy. Those other nominees all seem pretty wtf given the qualifications.
@Guy,
Perhaps, although it would’ve surely helped it’s cause for a Best Picture Oscar nomination if it’d been able to slide into Best Drama here. Then again, none of the films at the cusp for that last spot got in for picture here either.
Maxim: Yesterday. Though I admit I had only half an eye on it.
@Guy (or Kris),
By the way, both the Toronto and San Francisco critics announced (Awards Daily have ’em) so you may want to put up a thread on that too so we can chatter about it!