Golden Globes back
Spielberg’s ‘The Fabelmans’ among frontrunners with ‘Maverick’ and ‘Avatar’ sequel
The Golden Globes – long known as Hollywood’s favourite party, but rocked by recent scandals – will attempt to stage a celebrityfilled comeback tomorrow, as films from Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans to Top Gun and the Avatar sequel compete for top honours.
The Globes traditionally play a key role in kickstarting the movie awards season, but were taken off air last year amid controversy over ethical lapses and a lack of diversity in the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), which organises the Beverly Hills gala.
This year, following efforts to reform the HFPA – which previously had no Black members – NBC will broadcast the 80th Golden Globe Awards on a one-off basis, and invitations have been dispatched to tinseltown’s brightest stars. A-listers expected in the ballroom at the Beverly Hilton include Spielberg, whose semi-autobiographical film is the favourite to win best drama, and Eddie Murphy, who will receive a career achievement award. Comedian Jerrod Carmichael will host the ceremony, and Quentin Tarantino is among the night’s presenters. But many top nominees have not yet confirmed their attendance.
Unlike the Oscars, the Golden Globes movie awards are split between “drama” and “comedy or musical” categories.
On the drama side, The Fabelmans is up against last year’s two biggest box office hits – the blockbuster sequel Top Gun: Maverick starring Tom Cruise, and James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water.
Tar, set in the cut-throat world of classical music, and rock-and-roll biopic Elvis could also spring surprises.
Their respective stars – Cate Blanchett, who plays a ruthless conductor, and Austin Butler, stepping into Presley’s blue suede shoes – are frontrunners for drama acting prizes.
The Banshees of Inisherin holds the most overall nominations at this year’s Globes, with eight, and is a favourite to win best comedy, as well as best comedy actor for Colin Farrell.