The 67th annual Golden Globe nominations were announced recently. NBC will broadcast the award ceremony live on Jan. 17 at 8 p.m. Here are my predictions for who should win the award in the top categories:
1. Best Motion Picture – Drama
“Avatar”
“The Hurt Locker”
“Inglourious Basterds”
“Up In The Air”
“Precious: Based On The Novel Push By Sapphire:” The film garnered a lot of praise for its realistic portrayal of the pains and struggles of a young woman in the face of adversity. One of the most acclaimed films by critics and celebrities alike, “Precious” has surely lived up to its name.
2. Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama
Emily Blunt – “The Young Victoria”
Helen Mirren – “The Last Station”
Carey Mulligan – “An Education”
Gabourey Sidibe – “Precious: Based On The Novel Push By Sapphire”
Sandra Bullock – “The Blind Side:” Although many films showcase Bullock’s comedic side, “The Blind Side” represents a turning point in her career, and a good one at that. In one of her first serious roles after “Crash,” Bullock plays the socialite (with a perfect Southern accent) who takes an uneducated, under-privelaged young man under her care and changes his life.
3. Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama
George Clooney – “Up In The Air”
Colin Firth – “A Single Man”
Morgan Freeman – “Invictus”
Tobey Maguire – “Brothers”
Jeff Bridges – “Crazy Heart:” Bridges has consistently made good choices in his career, and this is no exception. Now a Hollywood icon, he captured the hearts of many as the struggling country singer in this truly compassionate performance.
4. Best Motion Picture – Comedy Or Musical
“(500) Days Of Summer”
“It’s Complicated”
“Julie & Julia”
“Nine”
“The Hangover:” Although at times a bit raunchy for the Golden Globes, a more mainstream, laugh-out-loud type of comedy would bring a fresh change to the slate that’s usually dominated by indie flicks. With a clever script, perfect comedic timing and memorable quotes, this comedy is very deserving of the award.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy Or Musical
Sandra Bullock – “The Proposal”
Marion Cotillard – “Nine”
Julia Roberts – “Duplicity”
Meryl Streep – “It’s Complicated”
Meryl Streep – “Julie & Julia:” Although the film itself did not live up to expectations due to Amy Adam’s mediocre acting, Streep’s performance was a saving grace as the legendary T.V. personality. She captured Julia Child’s every quirk with absolute perfection, and it would be disappointing if she did not win.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy Or Musical
Matt Damon – “The Informant!”
Daniel Day-Lewis – “Nine”
Robert Downey Jr. – “Sherlock Holmes”
Joseph Gordon-Levitt – “(500) Days Of Summer”
Michael Stuhlbarg – “A Serious Man:” In the actor’s first turn in film after theatre, he portrays a struggling physics professor going through a mid-life crisis with such perfection, that it is difficult not to feel sorry for him- even in the most hilarious of situations.
Best Performance by an Actress In A Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Penélope Cruz – “Nine”
Vera Farmiga – “Up In The Air”
Anna Kendrick – “Up In The Air”
Julianne Moore – “A Single Man”
Mo’nique – “Precious: Based On The Novel Push By Sapphire:” Considering she has previously been known only for her comedy acts, Mo’nique demonstrated outstanding talent as an abusive mother in this heart-wrenching film. Without her, this film would not be generating as much buzz as it is now.
Best Performance by an Actor In A Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Matt Damon – “Invictus”
Woody Harrelson – “The Messenger”
Christopher Plummer – “The Last Station”
Stanley Tucci – “The Lovely Bones”
Christoph Waltz – “Inglourious Basterds:” His introduction to Hollywood, Inglorious Basterds has brought him a lot of positive attention as the evil, sadistic Nazi officer with a dangerously wry sense of humor.
Best Director – Motion Picture
Kathryn Bigelow – “The Hurt Locker”
James Cameron – “Avatar”
Clint Eastwood – “Invictus”
Quentin Tarantino – “Inglourious Basterds”
Jason Reitman – “Up In The Air:” The movie has been getting startlingly good reviews from critics all around the country, and there is no doubt that such a well praised film will be walking home with a Golden Globe. With the lovely chemistry between the actors as well as an equal blend of humor and emotion, the film, which has been wonderfully adapted from the Walter Kirn novel, should take home the award for best director.
