I thoroughly enjoy awards season for many reasons. It gives opportunities for movies to find their audience, make their mark, and leave a lasting legacy, In fact, some of the movies which have been nominated are usually ones not many people, outside of the avid moviegoer, have heard of. So a movie like “Manchester By The Sea” or last year’s best picture winner, “Spotlight,” get a chance to be heard. Alas, it also gives motive for movies that deserve to be acclaimed earn such praise. For example, last year’s “Mad Max: Fury Road” a rip rouring summer blockbuster that opened in May the year prior, secured a whopping 10 Oscars. While we still have some time before the Oscar nominations are announced for this years ceremony. The Golden Globes are a keen indicator at who is gaining traction, which film will stand out, and what actors might walk away with gold. The Globes also do award TV shows for their efforts. I mainly will be touching on my predictions in the film categories. But look for shows like “Stranger Things,” “The Night Of,” and “Game Of Thrones” to steal away the limelight.
Best Motion Picture (Drama)
Nate’s prediction: “Manchester By The Sea”
Could win: “Moonlight” or “Hell or High Water”
This is where The Golden Globes get interesting, because they separate the best picture category into two. Best Motion Picture (Drama) and Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy) as opposed to the Oscars which only award one best picture. It’s nice in a way because it gives a film like “Deadpool” a chance to win something and not go up against the heavy hitters like “Manchester By The Sea” and “Moonlight.” Look for the emotional and heart wrenching “Manchester By The Sea” to snag the top prize, but “Moonlight” is in a very close second.
Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy)
Nate’s prediction: “La La Land”
This is “La La Land’s” award to lose. I don’t foresee any of the other nominees (among them “Florence Foster Jenkins” and “Deadpool”) taking it away.
Best Director:
Nate’s Prediction: Damien Chazelle for “La La Land”
At only 31 years old this man has not only proven himself as a top-notch director, he has proven himself as one of the best directors period. But Mel Gibson might get tossed a bone for his work on the sensational “Hacksaw Ridge.”
Best Actor (Drama)
Nate’s Prediction:Casey Affleck for “Manchester By The Sea”
It’s a tight lock right now between Casey Affleck for his efforts as a grieving, depressed man in “Sea” and Washington for his tremendous work in August Wilson’s adapted play turned motion picture “Fences.” I’m giving the slight edge to Affleck as he has never won a top prize of this caliber before. Don’t be surprised though if Washington pulls the upset.
Best Actress (Drama)
Nate’s Prediction: Natalie Portman for “Jackie”
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association loves giving praise when others play historical figures. This year should be no different, Portman won the critics choice award, and has, so far, not lost her momentum. However, Amy Adams could turn heads for her portrayal as a linguist in “Arrival”
Best Actor (Musical or Comedy)
Nate’s Prediction: Ryan Gosling for “La La Land”
“La La Land” is going to be the movie to beat. Although I would be lying if I said I didn't want to see Ryan Reynolds take home gold for playing “Deadpool” or a HUGE upset from Jonah Hill in “War Dogs.”
Best Actress (Musical or Comedy)
Nate’s Prediction: Emma Stone for “La La Land”
As much as I loved Hailee Steinfeld's performance in “The Edge of Seventeen,” Emma Stone deserves the award for her work in the musical sensation of the year “La La Land.”
Best Supporting Actor:
Nate’s Prediction: Jeff Bridges for “Hell or High Water”
Best Supporting Actress:
Nate’s Prediction: Viola Davis for “Fences”
The Golden Globes will air Sunday January 8th at 8pm on NBC and will be hosted by Jimmy Fallon.
