Golden Globes 2020 Predictions
Here we go again, the best time of year in my world is Award Season. Many brush these off as a popularity contest…or insignificant egotistical self applauding amongst Hollywood types. However the 77th GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS nominees are an abundance of alternate titles from streaming service Netflix up against the bigger usual studio fare alongside five Australian actors up for the little gold statue which is getting me excited. Anything can happen, and usually does, when the Hollywood Foreign Press throw a party.
What was once a confident predecessor of Oscar success is not always the case in modern times because upsets at the Globes often prevail. Returning to host after ruffling Gucci feathers across the star-studded audience numerous times, controversial master of ceremonies Ricky Gervais is sure to create a social media storm with no-holds-barred introductions. My tips below (movies only as the Globes also award Television). With more fabulous than dubious performances, it’s as close as I can ever remember and Eddie Murphy will be in attendance, a feat on its own.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Kathy Bates – Richard Jewell
Annette Bening – The Report
Laura Dern – Marriage Story
Jennifer Lopez – Hustlers
Margot Robbie – Bombshell
Laura Dern and Jennifer Lopez at career highs will likely be trumped by Kathy Bates in a surprise win. Energy from Aussie Margot is very good.
MY PICK – KATHY BATES
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Tom Hanks – Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Anthony Hopkins – Two Popes
Al Pacino – Irishman
Joe Pesci – Irishman
Brad Pitt – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Cannot fathom Brad Pitt losing for his brooding, challenging, dividing performance but against a quintet of true screen icons, it’s close.
MY PICK – BRAD PITT
BEST SCREENPLAY
Marriage Story
Parasite
Two Popes
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Irishman
Dramatically overrated Irishman is a chance due to time framing character studies within the epic length, but Parasite and Marriage Story go deeper. I loved Once Upon a Time in Hollywood more than air.
MY PICK – MARRIAGE STORY
BEST PERFORMANCE ACTRESS Musical or Comedy
Ana De Armas – Knives Out
Awkwafina – Farewell
Cate Blanchett – Where’d you go Bernadette
Beanie Feldstein – Booksmart
Emma Thompson – Late Night
Aussie royalty Cate Blanchett and legend Emma Thompson remarkably are longshots. Beanie, Ana, deserve to be here, a win wouldn’t surprise.
MY PICK – AWKWAFINA
BEST PERFORMANCE ACTOR Musical or Comedy
Daniel Craig – Knives Out
Roman Griffin Davis – Jo Jo Rabbit
Leonardo Dicaprio – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Taron Egerton – Rocketman
Eddie Murphy – Dolemite is my Name
Tricky to pinpoint a winner with confidence but icon Eddie Murphy was incredible whilst Taron Egerton has campaigned as Elton John for almost a year. Leo, top notch, Daniel, hilarious, junior Roman spot on.
MY PICK – EDDIE MURPHY
BEST PICTURE Musical or Comedy
Dolemite is my Name
Jo Jo Rabbit
Knives Out
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Rocketman
His 1969 Los Angeles opus should give Quentin Tarantino the gold statue with the terrific Knives Out it’s realistic main rival. Jo Jo has its admirers, not me. Rocketman is a real chance as Globes loves musicals.
MY PICK – ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD
BEST ACTRESS Drama
Cynthia Erivo – Harriet
Scarlett Johansson – Marriage Story
Saoirse Ronan – Little Women
Charlize Theron – Bombshell
Renee Zellweger – Judy
Tough category, all are undeniably likely to win. Renee Zellweger has been favourite for months and still the strong pick but underestimating Scarlett or Charlize is futile. Talented Cynthia Erivo will win eventually.
MY PICK – SCARLETT JOHANSSON
BEST ACTOR Drama
Christian Bale – Ford V Ferrari
Antonio Banderas – Pain and Glory
Adam Driver – Marriage Story
Joaquin Phoenix – Joker
Jonathan Pryce – Two Popes
If five statues could be given, this is the category, although Antonio Banderas may be awarded for his body of work. Then there is the Phoenix factor, his Joker unsettled many. Upset could be Welshman Bale.
MY PICK – ANTONIO BANDERAS
BEST PICTURE Drama
1917
Irishman
Joker
Marriage Story
Two Popes
The thrill I had experiencing Marriage Story was pure joy, perfect movie that ripped my heart out. Joker could make history, it deserves praise as does enriching Two Popes. Thrilling 1917, boring Irishman, may surprise.
MY PICK – MARRIAGE STORY
BEST DIRECTOR
Bong Joon Ho – Parasite
Sam Mendes – 1917
Todd Phillips – Joker
Martin Scorsese – Irishman
Quentin Tarantino – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Who would’ve thought the director of The Hangover would be nominated for anything; however Todd Phillips made Joker a near masterpiece. Scorsese has got this because he’s loved as is Irishman by most. QT + Sam Mendes recreated history amazingly, Bong shocked us.
MY PICK – MARTIN SCORSESE (my heart is hoping Quentin Tarantino)
OTHER PICKS:
ANIMATED FILM – TOY STORY 4
SONG – STAND UP (HARRIET)
FOREIGN LANGUAGE – PARASITE (STH KOREA)
AUSTRALIAN NOMINEES FOR TELEVISION PERFORMANCES:
Toni Collette – Unbelievable.
Could win supporting actress in limited series, it’s a tough hardcore role.
Nicole Kidman – Big Little Lies.
As expected, honourable praise in curious performance different from season 1, but just as riveting.
Russell Crowe – Loudest Voice.
Transformation into the seedy overweight former Fox News predator Roger Ailes is Crowe in an effortless acting masterclass in limited series.
All will be revealed on Monday January 6th, 2020 (Australian time) – Foxtel Live 12pm on Arena; Red Carpet Live on E from 10am; Bring it On!
Shane A. Bassett
