After a few months of delays, the 78th Golden Globe Awards are finally upon us. In the midst of a pandemic, television has at least gifted us with shows filled with surprising and striking performances. Yet the Globes are probably the most unpredictable awards show, with every expected nomination almost always carrying a few shocks or snubs with it. (Case in point: Last year saw “The Loudest Voice” and “Catch-22” receiving multiple nominations despite lackluster viewers and critic support, yet the critically acclaimed Emmy favorite “When They See Us” was shut out.)
The Golden Globes are voted on by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), which is made up of just under a hundred journalists. Their voting preferences are very different from those who vote at the Emmys, meaning the 2020 Emmy winners are a less-than-reliable indication of who will win at the Globes.
Yet when they’re not nominating big-name actors, the TV nominations favor new, distinct shows that may be under the radar. This leads to delightful wins such as Ramy Yousseff, or previous winners like Rachel Bloom and Gina Rodriguez.
Let’s explore some shows and performances that are predicted to succeed in the Drama, Comedy and Limited Series categories.
Drama Series
“The Crown”
Netflix’s “The Crown” arguably had its most successful year yet, with the fourth season’s introduction of Margaret Thatcher (Gillian Anderson) and Princess Diana (Emma Corrin) igniting a global commotion so strong that the UK government got involved. The HFPA has always shown appreciation for “The Crown,” and with last year’s winner, “Succession,” out of the race this year, “The Crown” is in a prime position to win the coveted Best Drama Series award for the second time.
Expected Nominations: Drama Series, Leading Actress (Olivia Colman and Emma Corrin), Leading Actor (Josh O’Connor), Supporting Actress (Gillian Anderson)
Potential Nominations: Supporting Actress (Helena Bonham Carter), Supporting Actor (Tobias Menzies)
“Ozark”
Surprisingly, the HFPA have previously been restrained in their support for “Ozark.” The show holds a record of two nominations, both for lead Jason Bateman in 2018 and 2019. Yet, now that the Netflix series has risen to become a fan favorite with its third season, it now seems likely it will break into other categories too. Its only setback is that it aired all the way back in March, meaning voters may favor newer performances.
Expected Nominations: Drama Series, Leading Actor (Jason Bateman), Leading Actress (Laura Linney)
Potential Nominations: Supporting Actress (Julia Garner), Supporting Actor (Tom Pelphrey)
“Lovecraft Country”
The Jordan Peele produced horror series attracted great acclaim back in the summer, making it a top Drama contender. With big names from last year no longer in the race, “Lovecraft Country” now holds strong potential to break into the Drama series categories. Yet the question remains how far the HFPA support will extend, and whether the cast can break into the competitive acting categories.
Expected Nominations: Drama Series, Leading Actor (Jonathan Majors), Leading Actress (Jurnee Smollett)
Potential Nominations: Supporting Actor (Michael Kenneth Williams), Supporting Actress (Aunjanue Ellis)
Other Contenders:
“Perry Mason,” “The Mandalorian,” “The Boys,” “Better Call Saul,” “Bridgerton,” “Ratched”
Comedy Series
“Schitt’s Creek”
“Schitt’s Creek” dominated the Emmy Awards in the summer, breaking records and winning in all the comedy categories. When it comes to the Golden Globes, however, it’s unlikely to be a big winner. It’s important to remember that “Schitt’s Creek” has never received any Golden Globe nominations before. Even so, while the show is unlikely to win here, it seems probable it will at least receive some nominations for its last season.
Expected Nominations: Comedy Series, Leading Actor (Eugene Levy), Leading Actress (Catherine O’Hara), Supporting Actor (Dan Levy), Supporting Actress (Annie Murphy)
“Ted Lasso”
The AppleTV+ comedy burst onto screens last year and quickly won over the hearts of audiences with its endearing first season. “Ted Lasso” is exactly the type of show the HFPA tends to like. With a less crowded comedy field, it’s the perfect time for a new show like this to stand out. At this rate, the series and star Jason Sudeikis have great potential to win come next month.
Expected Nominations: Comedy Series, Leading Actor (Jason Sudeikis)
Potential Nominations: Supporting Actress (Hannah Waddingham)
“The Great”
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Hulu’s “The Great” is another freshman series that is likely to attract HFPA voters. New comedy shows are typically nominated at the Golden Globes, and with “The Great”’s star cast and critical support, it’s a top contender. It would definitely make up for Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult’s Emmy snubs.
Expected Nominations: Comedy Series, Leading Actor (Nicholas Hoult), Leading Actress (Elle Fanning)
Other Contenders: “What We Do in the Shadows,” “Ramy,” “The Flight Attendant,” “Insecure,” “Dead to Me”
Limited Series/TV Movie
“The Queen’s Gambit”
“The Queen’s Gambit” arrived onto Netflix in October, turning into a cultural sensation and becoming the ultimate show to beat. The Limited Series categories may be getting ridiculously stuffed with talent, but it will still be surprising if “The Queen’s Gambit” doesn’t lead the pack.
Expected Nominations: Limited Series, Leading Actress (Anya Taylor-Joy)
Potential Nominations: Supporting Actress (Marielle Heller)
“I May Destroy You”
The BBC/HBO Limited Series consistently ranked at the top of critics’ end-of-year lists (including ours!). With strong critical support and buzz, it will be very surprising if “I May Destroy You” doesn’t make a mark. At the very least, Michaela Coel should make the cut.
Expected Nominations: Limited Series, Leading Actress (Michaela Coel)
“The Undoing”
The HBO drama was the most talked-about series of the autumn, leading it to have good chances at the Globes. The HFPA loves to nominate stars, meaning Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant fit the bill (despite that underwhelming ending).
Expected Nominations: Limited Series, Leading Actor (Hugh Grant), Leading Actress (Nicole Kidman)
Potential Nominations: Supporting Actor (Donald Sutherland)
Other Contenders: “Small Axe,” “Mrs. America,” “Unorthodox,” “Normal People,” “The Good Lord Bird,” “The Comey Rule”
The 78th Golden Globe nominations will be announced on February 3rd, in the meantime let us know who you would like to be recognized next week!
Sarah is a bookseller and English Literature graduate who watches too much tv in her spare time. Her favourite shows include Succession and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Sarah is particularly interested in period dramas and women’s history.