March 29, 2011 - 8:21pm
Daily Arts Editors weigh in on who will and who should win a Golden Globe
BY CAROLYN KLARECKI AND KAVI SHEKHAR PANDEY
Who exactly votes for the Golden Globe Awards anyways? The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, a group with about a hundred people who work for overseas publications. They don’t appear to have a lick of credibility, but their opinions funnel a nationally broadcasted show each year.
Still, they’re immensely fun to watch — everyone is drunk off their ass, and, especially because of the divided categories in film, worthy underdogs often get unexpected love (see Colin Farrell winning Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical last year for “In Bruges”). Plus, Ricky Gervais (“The Office UK” and “Extras”) is hosting this year, which alone is enough reason to watch.
The Globes don’t matter, but we’re going to have some fun anyways and predict the results of the major film and TV categories, as well as including our opinions on who really deserves to win.
Daily Film Editor Kavi Shekhar Pandey’s picks for Motion Picture Golden Globes
Best Motion Picture – Drama
“Avatar”
“The Hurt Locker”
“Inglourious Basterds”
“Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”
“Up in the Air”
Should Win: “The Hurt Locker”
Will Win: “Up in the Air”
Anyone who has seen “The Hurt Locker” would agree that it’s the best of the bunch, but that’s the very problem – nobody has seen it (including most of the Daily staff). “Precious” is too bleak, “Basterds” is too absurd and “Avatar” is all visuals-weak plot, which leaves “Up in the Air” as the likely winner. But it’s not a mere process of elimination; “Up in the Air” is one of the year’s best, as a topical character study which may drive you to reevaluate all the decisions you’ve made in your life.
Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical
“(500) Days of Summer”
“The Hangover”
“It’s Complicated”
“Julie & Julia”
“Nine”
Should Win: “(500) Days of Summer”
Will Win: “Julie & Julia”
“(500) Days of Summer” was the most genuine cinematic depiction of love in years, but its hipster references and subversive structure skewed too much toward younger audiences. “Julie & Julia” ’s appeal is immensely broader, and it triumphs in a crucial field: star power, with Meryl Streep.
Best Director
Kathryn Bigelow, “The Hurt Locker”
James Cameron, “Avatar”
Clint Eastwood, “Invictus”
Jason Reitman, “Up in the Air”
Quentin Tarantino, “Inglourious Basterds”
Should and Will Win: James Cameron, "Avatar"
Say what you will about “Avatar” ’s story, there’s no denying its incredible technical achievements, all dreamed by the deft mind of Mr. Cameron. While both Bigelow and Tarantino should be commended for their fine work, no film this year equaled “Avatar” in scope or amazement.
Best Actress – Drama
Emily Blunt, “The Young Victoria”
Sandra Bullock, “The Blind Side”
Helen Mirren, “The Last Station”
Carey Mulligan, “An Education”
Gabourey Sidibe, “Precious Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”
Should Win: Carey Mulligan, "An Education"
Will Win: Sandra Bullock, "The Blind Side"
Carey Mulligan’s supreme talent and irrepressible charm shot her into the big leagues in one of the year’s finest performances. But Sandra Bullock carried an enormously popular ($220 million domestic to date), heartwarming film in “The Blind Side.” Plus, people actually know who Sandra Bullock is.
Best Actor – Drama
Jeff Bridges, “Crazy Heart”
George Clooney, “Up in the Air”
Colin Firth, “A Single Man”
Morgan Freeman, “Invictus”
Tobey Maguire, “Brothers”
Should Win: George Clooney, "Up in the Air"
Will Win: Jeff Bridges, "Crazy Heart"
George Clooney’s brave performance as Ryan Bingham was an eerily accurate reflection of his own celebrity persona — a career-minded bachelor who refuses to settle down, hiding his emotions behind his rough-ish charisma. Yet, we mustn’t forget the “obligation factor.” Jeff Bridges has been giving outstanding performances for years, yet hasn't won anything. It’s supposed to be a good performance in a forgettable film, and voters will just want to see the man win for once.
Best Actress – Comedy or Musical
Sandra Bullock, “The Proposal”
Marion Cotillard, “Nine”
Julia Roberts, “Duplicity”
Meryl Streep, “It’s Complicated”
Meryl Streep, “Julie & Julia”
Should and Will Win: Meryl Streep, “Julie & Julia”
You know it’s a lousy category when Meryl’s Streep most formidable opponent is herself. She’ll win for the slightly more challenging performance in “Julia & Julia,” where she seamlessly slipped into the shoes of the iconic Julia Child.
Best Actor – 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”
Should Win: Matt Damon, "The Informant"; Joesph Gordon-Levitt, "(500) Days of Summer"; or Michael Stuhlbarg, "A Serious Man"
Will Win: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, "(500) Days of Summer"
Yeah, yeah I’m cheating. But all three actors were absolutely terrific in three of the year’s best films. My guess is Gordon-Levitt, who took us along love’s magnificent highs and agonizing pitfalls, prevails in a delightful upset.
I’m not even going to bother listing the nominees for Supporting Actor and Supporting Actress. They will be won by Christoph Waltz for “Inglourious Basterds” and Mo’nique for “Precious,” respectively. Both astounded the world with their classic performances of unhinged villainy, completely stealing the spotlights of their films much like Heath Ledger did in “The Dark Knight.”
Senior Arts Editor Carolyn Klarecki’s picks for TV Golden Globes
Best Television Series – Drama
“Big Love”
“Dexter”
“House M.D.”
“Mad Men”
“True Blood”
Should and Will Win: “Mad Men”
I feel like this is an obvious one. Nobody has a bad thing to say about “Mad Men.” With a solid cast and compelling story, it's clearly the best television drama of the year. I’m confident “Mad Men” will walk away with at least this Golden Globe if not more.
Best Television Series – Comedy or Musical
“30 Rock”
“Entourage”
“Glee”
“Modern Family”
“The Office”
Should Win: “Modern Family”
Will Win: “Glee”
As much of a gleek as I am, “Modern Family” is vastly underappreciated and underrepresented in the nominations. “Modern Family” exceeded everyone’s expectations as being a genuinely funny and well-written show with a talented cast to boot. However, “Glee” has the cult following and is the most talked about show since “Lost.” The hype is not without reason and “Glee” will take the Golden Globe.
Best Actress – Drama
Glenn Close, “Damages”
January Jones, “Mad Men”
Julianna Margulies, “The Good Wife”
Anna Paquin, “True Blood”
Kyra Sedgwick, “The Closer”
Should Win: Julianna Margulies, “The Good Wife”
Will Win: January Jones, “Mad Men”
I’m going out on a limb on this one. While I hated “The Good Wife,” I love Margulies. She made the show bearable and I’d like to see her walk away with a Golden Globe, even if it is for a performance in a sub-par show. Jones had a great show in which she showcased her talent and because of this she’ll probably take this category.
Best Actor – Drama
Simon Baker, “The Mentalist”
Michael C. Hall, “Dexter”
Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”
Hugh Laurie, “House M.D.”
Bill Paxton, “Big Love”
Will and Should Win: Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”
I know everyone loves Hugh Laurie and “House,” but again nothing beats “Mad Men” and Jon Hamm’s depiction of Don Draper is especially untouchable. Draper is a womanizing piece of sleaze, but Hamm’s brilliance is captivating making sure not to turn people off. Hamm’s got this one for sure.
Best Actress – Comedy or Musical
Toni Collette, “United States of Tara”
Courteney Cox, “Cougar Town”
Edie Falco, “Nurse Jackie”
Tina Fey, “30 Rock”
Lea Michele, “Glee”
Should and Will Win: Tina Fey, “30 Rock”
Seriously, Tina Fey is about as close as you can get to flawless when it comes to comedic acting. The other nominees don’t even come close to having the talent of Fey. In what is generally more of a male dominated genre, Fey has showed the world that women can be funny too. It might be a safe pick, but it’s a deserved one.
Best Actor – Comedy or Musical
Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock”
Steve Carell, “The Office”
David Duchovny, “Californication”
Thomas Jane, “Hung”
Matthew Morrison, “Glee”
Should Win: Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock
Will Win: Steve Carell, “The Office”
I’m going to hope the Golden Globe’s will give more love to “30 Rock.” Baldwin is hilarious as Jack Donaghy. Steve Carell’s portrayal of Michael Scott has grown awkward and uncomfortable. Morrson’s Will Schuester is more of a sad character than comedic one and hasn’t had enough time to shine. Still, “The Office” is a favorite and Carell will probably take another Golden Globe.
Best Supporting Actress
Jane Adams, “Hung”
Rose Byrne, “Damages”
Jane Lynch, “Glee”
Janet McTeer, “Into the Storm”
Chloe Sevigny, “Big Love”
Should and Will Win: Jane Lynch, “Glee”
I fell in love with “Glee” at first sight, but I fell madly and obsessively in love with “Glee” because of Jane Lynch. Her insane vendetta against the glee club could easily have fallen short as incessant harping, but Lynch’s maniacal monologues are constantly strong and consistently among the highest points of the season
Best Supporting Actor
Michael Emerson, “Lost”
Neil Patrick Harris, “How I Met Your Mother”
William Hurt, “Damages”
John Lithgow, “Dexter”
Jeremy Piven, “Entourage”
Should Win: John Lithgow, "Dexter"
Will Win: Michael Emerson, "Lost"
The competition is very tough in this category. Has anyone ever seen anything less than amazing from John Lithgow? I’m also a huge fan of Neil Patrick Harris, but Emerson’s portrayal of everyone’s favorite maybe-villain Benjamin Linus will beat the rest. He’s manipulative, sinister and going to take the Globe. “Lost” has given Emerson the chance to flex his acting muscles and show us what he’s got.
