Big Names in Golden Pix Mix

LEAD ACTRESS

No surprises in this category — the nominees are all at the top of their games — but Renée Zellweger as Judy Garland in Roadside Attractions’ “Judy” has been earning raves since the film’s debut at Telluride. But she’s got strong competition in Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman in Focus Features’ “Harriet.” The superwoman of the Civil War gets proper screen treatment in Erivo’s hands. Scarlett Johansson’s performance in “Marriage Story” has also earned her critical praise. Another formidable competitor is Charlize Theron for her transformation into former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly in Lionsgate’s “Bombshell.” Saoirse Ronan grabs some love for “Little Women” (Sony). Ronan is also a Globes favorite but will most likely be applauding one of her fellow nominees come awards night.

LEAD ACTOR

Another category loaded with top performances, but Antonio Banderas in “Pain and Glory” rides to the Globes on prestigious wins from the Cannes Film Fest, the European Film Awards, and the recent Los Angeles Film Critics awards. HFPA may want to continue that trend with a win for the Spanish actor in the film from Sony Pictures Classics. That said,

Adam Driver is earning perhaps the best reviews of his career in “Marriage Story,” while after Venice it seemed that no one could stop

Joaquin Phoenix’s march to the Globes stage. Rounding out the category are Christian Bale as feisty race car driver Ken Miles in the fact-based hit “Ford v Ferrari” from Fox and

Jonathan Pryce in “The Two Popes,” both worthy performances but slightly overshadowed by the rest of the field.

GLOBES NOMINATIONS FOCUS INDUSTRY’S EYES ON NARROWING FIELD OF TALENTS AND FEATURES