Golden Globe Nominees: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

My predictions: 4/5
Who’s missing? Billy Eichner (Bros)

This category isn’t really surprising at all, though it’s a shame that Eichner or his film couldn’t show up since they would have been fun choices. Ralph Fiennes (The Menu) was the nominee I didn’t predict, but he got in and not the film. Only Adam Driver (White Noise) is here on his own, and I’m all for it since it was an extremely entertaining performance in an often unfocused film. Daniel Craig (Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery) is back for the second time for this role, and he’s joined by a newcomer, Diego Calva (Babylon), and a returning winner, Colin Farrell (The Banshees of Inisherin), whose film bested all others with a whopping eight nominations.

Who will win? Unless Calva’s film sweeps, it’s going to be Farrell.

Golden Globe Predictions: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

I’ve been predicting the Golden Globe nominations for more than fifteen years, and even if the group doesn’t have the same industry relevance as in the past, it’s still helpful and fun to see what films and performances get honored. Here’s my assessment of the contenders in this category.

Last year’s nominees:
Leonardo DiCaprio (Don’t Look Up)
Peter Dinklage (Cyrano)
Andrew Garfield (tick, tick…BOOM!)
Cooper Hoffman (Licorice Pizza)
Anthony Ramos (In the Heights)

This category has a ton of contenders, though there are a few distinctly at the head of the pack. Colin Farrell (The Banshees of Inisherin) is the only one with serious Oscar buzz, and he’s likely to be joined here by Daniel Craig (Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery), reprising a previously Globe-nominated performance, Diego Calva (Babylon), a strong element of a film that’s likely to be divisive, and Billy Eichner (Bros), delivering a truly and unapologetically comedic turn. For slot number five, there are plenty of options. Adam Driver (White Noise), Ralph Fiennes (The Menu), Adam Sandler (Hustle), Will Ferrell (Spirited), and Ryan Reynolds (Spirited) all have previous nominations in this category. Tom Hanks (A Man Called Otto), George Clooney (Ticket to Paradise), and Brad Pitt (Bullet Train), which may or may not be eligible here, all have long histories of being rewarded, while Sterling K. Brown (Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul) and Jim Parsons (Spoiler Alert) may be able to translate TV wins to film nominations. There may also be room for four younger actors turning in worthwhile performances: Cooper Raiff (Cha Cha Real Smooth), Daryl McCormack (Good Luck to You, Leo Grande) and Harris Dickinson (Triangle of Sadness).

Current predictions:
Diego Calva (Babylon)
Daniel Craig (Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery)
Adam Driver (White Noise),
Billy Eichner (Bros)
Colin Farrell (The Banshees of Inisherin)

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

The competition:
Leonardo DiCaprio (Don’t Look Up) plays Dr. Randall Mindy. He has twelve previous nominations, with wins for “The Aviator,” “The Wolf of Wall Street,” and “The Revenant.” His film is nominated for Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical and Best Screenplay, along with actress Jennifer Lawrence.

Peter Dinklage (Cyrano) plays wordsmith actor Cyrano de Bergerac. Though he has four Emmy wins, Dinklage only has one previous Globe nomination under his belt, which he won, for season one of “Game of Thrones” exactly a decade ago. His film contends for Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical.

Andrew Garfield (tick, tick…BOOM!) plays playwright Jonathan Larson. He was previously nominated for “Hacksaw Ridge” in 2016 and “The Social Network” in 2010. His film is up for Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical.

Cooper Hoffman (Licorice Pizza) plays teenager entrepreneur Gary Valentine. This is his debut performance. His film is up for Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical, and his costar Alana Haim is also nominated.

Anthony Ramos (In the Heights) plays bodega owner Usnavi de la Vega. This is his first Globe nomination. He is the lone representative from his film.

Additional notes: Dinklage and Garfield were cited by the Critics Choice Association in their nominations list. The winner of this category sometimes goes on to be nominated for an Oscar, and two victors – Jean Dujardin and Jamie Foxx – have actually won the Oscar. Three recent winners, Sacha Baron Cohen, Taron Egerton, and James Franco were ultimately not nominated for the Oscar, though in two of those cases, one man who lost to them did make the cut. The last actor to win this prize without having their film nominated for the top prize was Paul Giamatti in 2010 for “Barney’s Version.”
Who should win? Ramos was great, but my top choice would be either Garfield or Hoffman, who were both wonderful.
Who will win? I think this will go to Garfield, though it’s always possible that DiCaprio or Dinklage could take it instead.

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

The competition:

Sacha Baron Cohen (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm) plays Kazakh journalist Borat Sagdiyev. Cohen won this award in 2006 for the first “Borat” movie and is also nominated this year for his performance in “The Trial of the Chicago 7.” Both films are nominated for in other categories and for the top prizes. This is third year in a row that Cohen has been a Globe nominee after TV bids for “Who Is America?” and “The Spy.”

James Corden (The Prom) plays over-the-top actor Barry Glickman. This is Corden’s first nomination. His film contends for Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical.

Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton) plays founding father Alexander Hamilton. He was nominated in this category two years ago for “Mary Poppins Returns” and in 2016 for a song from “Moana.” His filmed stage production is also nominated for Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical.

Dev Patel (The Personal History of David Copperfield) plays the famed title character. He was previously nominated in 2016 for his performance in “Lion.” He is the only representative from his film.

Andy Samberg (Palm Springs) plays aimless day-experiencer Nyles. He won a Globe in 2013 for “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” His film is also nominated for Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical.

Additional notes: None of these performances are nominated for SAG Awards. The winner of this category sometimes goes on to be nominated for an Oscar, and two victors – Jean Dujardin and Jamie Foxx – have actually won the Oscar. Two recent winners, Taron Egerton and James Franco, were ultimately not nominated for the Oscar, though in both cases, one man who lost to them did make the cut.
Who should win? I loved Samberg and it would be so great to see him win. Cohen is a fine choice too. Miranda does deserve awards but I’m not sold on this being a movie.
Who will win? I’m torn between Miranda and Cohen, opting tentatively for the latter.

Golden Globe Nominees: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

My predictions: 3/5
Who’s missing? Leslie Odom Jr. (Hamilton), Pete Davidson (The King of Staten Island)

This category boasts a few surprises. I guess viewers of “Hamilton” as a movie did perceive it differently than those who saw it on Broadway since Tony winner Odom Jr., who is nominated for “One Night in Miami” in the supporting category, got snubbed here in favor of Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton). It’s puzzling that James Corden (The Prom) is the only performer nominated from his film given that he was not remotely the best actor in it and I read plenty of negative press about his portrayal of a gay character. I’m happy that Andy Samberg (Palm Springs) is here but disappointed for Davidson, who I had hoped would also be welcomed. Dev Patel (The Personal History of David Copperfield) is a fine choice even if I didn’t love that film as much as others did. Sacha Baron Cohen (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm) is a double nominee this year, and his film is the comedy with the most nominations.

Who will win? I give Cohen the edge over Miranda.

Golden Globe Musings: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be announced shortly, so here’s a survey of the contenders and the most likely predictions at this time. Weigh in with your thoughts, and let me know if I’ve left off anything important. A reminder that the Globes are wildly unpredictable and that, especially this year, it’s hard to know which films and performances will end up being honored.

Last year’s nominees:
Daniel Craig (Knives Out)
Roman Griffin Davis (Jojo Rabbit)
Leonardo DiCaprio (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood)
Taron Egerton (Rocketman)
Eddie Murphy (Dolemite Is My Name)

This is a tricky category because there are a number of films that will probably do well and bring their lead actors along with them, and there’s also one project eligible that might trump everything this. Leslie Odom Jr. (Hamilton) and Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton), who won’t be in the running at the Oscars, are very likely given the popularity of the staged musical. Next up are Sacha Baron Cohen (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm), Andy Samberg (Palm Springs), and Pete Davidson (The King of Staten Island). I’m not sure if Dev Patel (The Personal History of David Copperfield) will be embraced by this group or not since his film is more fantasy than outright comedy. Watch out for also for Mads Mikkelsen (Another Round), whose film is a lock for a Best Foreign Film nomination, or it could be one or two nominations for Will Ferrell (Eurovision Song Contest) or Will Ferrell (Downhill).

Current predictions:
Sacha Baron Cohen (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm)
Pete Davidson (The King of Staten Island)
Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton)
Leslie Odom Jr. (Hamilton)
Andy Samberg (Palm Springs)

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

The competition:
Daniel Craig (Knives Out) plays private investigator Benoit Blanc. This is Craig’s first Globe nomination. He is joined by costar Ana de Armas, and his film contends for Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical.

Roman Griffin Davis (Jojo Rabbit) plays young Nazi Jojo Betzler. This is Davis’ first nomination. His film contends for Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical.

Leonardo DiCaprio (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) plays fading actor Rick Dalton. He has eleven previous nominations, with wins for “The Aviator,” “The Wolf of Wall Street,” and “The Revenant.” His film is nominated in several other categories, including Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical.

Taron Egerton (Rocketman) plays famed musician Elton John. This is his first Globe nomination. His film also contends for an original song and for Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical.

Eddie Murphy (Dolemite Is My Name) plays comedian Rudy Ray Moore. He won a Globe in 2006 for “Dreamgirls” and was previously nominated for “48 Hrs,” “Trading Places,” “Beverly Hills Cop,” and “The Nutty Professor.”

Additional notes: DiCaprio and Egerton are both nominated for individual SAG Awards, and DiCaprio and Davis contend as part of their ensembles. The winner of this category sometimes goes on to be nominated for an Oscar, and two victors – Jean Dujardin and Jamie Foxx – have actually won the Oscar.
Who should win? This is far from DiCaprio’s best performance, in my opinion, and I also wasn’t astounded by Egerton as I expected to be. Craig surprised me in an unusual turn so unlike most of what he’s done before. I’d be very happy if Davis got the recognition he deserves for a fantastic effort. The deserving winner here, however, is Murphy, who was terrific in a comic role that still felt like something completely new for him.
Who will win? It’s a three-way race between DiCaprio, who I’m picking, Egerton, and Murphy, who I’d like to see win.

Golden Globe Nominees: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

My predictions: 5/5
Who’s missing? Shia LaBeouf (The Peanut Butter Falcon)

This category wasn’t a surprise to me after Adam Sandler switched to drama and I subbed Daniel Craig (Knives Out), the one nominee I haven’t seen, in for him. Interestingly, all five of these men have their films nominated for the top prize. I’m most excited about Roman Griffin Davis (Jojo Rabbit) and Eddie Murphy (Dolemite Is My Name) making the cut, and they’re joined by Leonardo DiCaprio (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) and Taron Egerton (Rocketman). I don’t have much more to say about this category until I see Craig’s performance.

Who will win? It will be probably be DiCaprio, but I’m going to bet on Murphy.

Golden Globe Musings: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be announced shortly, so here’s a survey of the contenders and the most likely predictions at this time. Weigh in with your thoughts, and let me know if I’ve left off anything important. A reminder that the Globes are wildly unpredictable and that it is still a bit early to gauge the reception or awards potential of a number of the so-called “contenders” at this point.

Last year’s nominees:
Christian Bale (Vice)
Lin-Manuel Miranda (Mary Poppins Returns)
Viggo Mortensen (Green Book)
Robert Redford (The Old Man and the Gun)
John C. Reilly (Stan and Ollie)

This category has some heavyweights competing here who should almost definitely be included. Leonardo DiCaprio (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) is one, and Eddie Murphy (Dolemite Is My Name) is another. Taron Egerton (Rocketman), while not as well-known, will likely be here too, and hopefully child actor Roman Griffin Davis (Jojo Rabbit) will earn enough votes to merit a nomination. Adam Sandler (Uncut Gems) should be able to score a lot for his latest effort and, beyond that, it’s anyone’s guess. Daniel Craig (Knives Out) might be able to stand out from his ensemble, or maybe Antonio Banderas (The Laundromat) and Gary Oldman (The Laundromat) can impress voters. Shia LaBeouf (The Peanut Butter Falcon) might also contend, though probably for his supporting role in a different film, and someone like Seth Rogen (Long Shot), while deserving in this prognosticator’s mind, is likely too silly a choice for Globe voters.

Current predictions:
Roman Griffin Davis (Jojo Rabbit)
Leonardo DiCaprio (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood)
Taron Egerton(Rocketman)
Eddie Murphy (Dolemite Is My Name)
Adam Sandler (Uncut Gems)

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

The competition:
Christian Bale (Vice) plays former Vice President Dick Cheney. His film is the nominations leader, contending for Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical. Bale won a Globe in 2010 for “The Fighter” and was also nominated for his performances in “American Hustle” and “The Big Short.”

Lin-Manuel Miranda (Mary Poppins Returns) plays lamplighter Jack. His film is nominated for Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical. He was nominated in 2016 for his work on a song from “Moana.”

Viggo Mortensen (Green Book) plays driver Tony Vallelonga. His film is nominated for Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical. He was previously nominated for his performances in “Captain Fantastic,” “A Dangerous Method,” and “Eastern Promises.”

Robert Redford (The Old Man and the Gun) plays older criminal Forrest Tucker. He is the lone nominee from his film. He actually only has one acting bid, for 2013’s “All is Lost,” but he won the Most Promising Newcomer – Male award in 1965, the World Film Favorite – Male prize three times in the 1970s, the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1993, and the first of his four Best Director bids in 1980 for “Ordinary People.”

John C. Reilly (Stan and Ollie) plays legendary comic Oliver Hardy. He is the lone nominee from his film. He was nominated for his performance and songwriting in “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story” and for his supporting role in “Chicago.”

Additional notes: Bale and Mortensen are both nominated for individual SAG Awards. The winner of this category sometimes goes on to be nominated for an Oscar, and two victors – Jean Dujardin and Jamie Foxx – have actually won the Oscar.
Who should win? I didn’t find Miranda to be the best part of his film, and Reilly was fun but not spectacular. I can appreciate Bale’s immersion in his character. I thought Redford was terrific, and I’d choose him or the almost effortlessly great Mortensen.
Who will win? This shouldn’t be much of a challenge for Bale, though Mortensen triumphing would be an intriguing surprise.

Golden Globe Nominees: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

My predictions: 4/5, missing Reilly
Who’s missing? Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool 2), Lakeith Stanfield (Sorry to Bother You), Steve Coogan (Stan and Ollie)

I was scared off by a misconception that his film was considered a drama, but I think I would have predicted Coogan over costar John C. Reilly (Stan and Ollie) had I included one of them. Reilly is in a handful of films this year, so it’s good to see him honored for something. I’m particularly pleased that Robert Redford (The Old Man and the Gun) didn’t get snubbed since his film has been all but forgotten. Lin-Manuel Miranda (Mary Poppins Returns) stars in the one film here I haven’t seen but look forward to given its positive reception. Christian Bale (Vice) and Viggo Mortensen (Green Book) both have reason for celebration as their films did just as well as expected, if not better, across the board.

Who will win? It’s a competitive field, but I think Bale takes it.

Golden Globe Musings: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be announced in just a few weeks, so here’s a survey of the contenders and the most likely predictions at this time. Weigh in with your thoughts, and let me know if I’ve left off anything important. A reminder that the Globes are wildly unpredictable and that it is still a bit early to gauge the reception or awards potential of a number of the so-called “contenders” at this point.

Last year’s nominees:
Steve Carell (Battle of the Sexes)
Ansel Elgort (Baby Driver)
James Franco (The Disaster Artist)
Hugh Jackman (The Greatest Showman)
Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out)

After last year saw Kumail Nanjiani and his film entirely shut out, it’s hard to be certain of anything. With Bradley Cooper and Rami Malek entered in drama, the frontrunners here are Viggo Mortensen (Green Book) and Christian Bale (Vice). Robert Redford (The Old Man and the Gun) seems like a good bet too. Beyond that, it’s anyone’s guess, with a number of possibilities out there and surely more like Jonah Hill from “War Dogs” and Ewan McGregor from “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen” in past years waiting to surprise. Steve Coogan (Stan and Ollie) and John C. Reilly (Stan and Ollie) seem to be listed in drama for some reason, but either of them showing up here wouldn’t surprise me. Other possibilities include Lakeith Stanfield (Sorry to Bother You), Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool 2), Nick Robinson (Love, Simon), and Lin-Manuel Miranda (Mary Poppins Returns).

Current predictions:
Christian Bale (Vice)
Lin-Manuel Miranda (Mary Poppins Returns)
Viggo Mortensen (Green Book)
Robert Redford (The Old Man and the Gun)
Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool 2)

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

The competition: Steve Carell’s chauvinistic tennis player (Battle of the Sexes), Ansel Elgort’s smooth getaway driver (Baby Driver), James Franco’s eccentric filmmaker (The Disaster Artist), Hugh Jackman’s circus creator (The Greatest Showman), and Daniel Kaluuya’s freaked-out boyfriend (Get Out).

For your information: Jackman won this award in 2012 for “Les Miserables” and was nominated previously for “Kate and Leopold.” Franco has two past film nominations and a win for the TV movie “James Dean.” Carell has two previous film nominations and five bids for “The Office,” one of which he won. This is the first nomination for both Elgort and Kaluuya. Franco, Jackman, and Kaluuya have their films nominated for the top prize.

Who should win? I’d give this to Franco though Carell and Kaluuya were very good too.

Who will win? I’m going to predict Franco though it could just as easily be Kaluuya.

Golden Globe Nominees: Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy/Musical

My predictions: 3/5, picking Nanjiani and Sandler over Elgort and Jackman
Who’s missing? Kumail Nanjiani, Adam Sandler, Matt Damon

Now this is egregious. I was shocked when I realized that “The Big Sick” didn’t earn a single nomination despite being locked in three categories and possible in two more. I hope that’s just a fluke which is corrected by the Oscars, but sadly Nanjiani isn’t here. Instead, we got Hugh Jackman (The Greatest Show on Earth), whose film earned two other bids, representing musicals, and Ansel Elgort (Baby Driver), a surprising choice for a film that I just saw which didn’t end up making the top race. Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out) is one of just two bids for his beloved film which I’m not as fond of, and James Franco (The Disaster Artist) also saw his film earn a best picture bid. Steve Carell (Battle of the Sexes) is a fortunate inclusion whose film missed the top race but earned his costar a nomination too. I’m pleased to say that this is one of two categories where I’ve seen all the films, and aside from Nanjiani’s omission (I’d swap Jackman out for him), this is a good list.

Who will win? I’d give the edge to Franco since it’s the more clearly comedic performance, but Kaluuya might win too.

Golden Globe Musings: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be announced in just a few weeks, so here’s a survey of the contenders and the most likely predictions at this time. Weigh in with your thoughts, and let me know if I’ve left off anything important. A reminder that the Globes are wildly unpredictable and that it is still a bit early to gauge the reception or awards potential of a number of the so-called “contenders” at this point.

Last year’s nominees:
Colin Farrell (The Lobster)
Ryan Gosling (La La Land)
Hugh Grant (Florence Foster Jenkins)
Jonah Hill (War Dogs)
Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool)

This category has a whole bunch of contenders, some of which have been out for a long time and others that have yet to be seen by a wide audience. Kumail Nanjiani (The Big Sick) and Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out) are the stars of two very different early releases expected to do well and both are likely to show up here. Steve Carell (Battle of the Sexes) is a good bet, though he could also contend for a much less impressive performance in “Last Flag Flying.” James Franco (The Disaster Artist), Matt Damon (Downsizing), Hugh Jackman (The Greatest Showman on Earth) are high-profile contenders whose films will also likely do well. Adam Sandler (The Meyerowitz Stories) and Sam Elliott (The Hero) are sure to garner votes and could easily break through too.

Current predictions:
Steve Carell (Battle of the Sexes)
James Franco (The Disaster Artist)
Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out)
Kumail Nanjiani (The Big Sick)
Adam Sandler (The Meyerowitz Stories)

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

The competition: Colin Farrell’s single romantic (The Lobster), Ryan Gosling’s struggling pianist (La La Land), Hugh Grant’s entertainer (Florence Foster Jenkins), Jonah Hill’s arms dealer (War Dogs), and Ryan Reynolds’ crude superhero (Deadpool).

For your information: Farrell won this award in 2008 for “In Bruges.” Grant won in 1995 for “Four Weddings and a Funeral” and has been nominated twice more since then. This is Gosling’s fifth nomination and Hill’s second, with Reynolds as the lone newbie in the race. “Deadpool,” “Florence Foster Jenkins,” and “La La Land” are all nominated for Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical.

Who should win? These are all great choices – I’d vote for Gosling.

Who will win? It’s hard to know. It should be Gosling but I have a feeling it could end up being any of the rest except Hill, with Reynolds as the likeliest spoiler.

Golden Globe Nominees: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

My predictions: 3/5, picking Cheadle and Mortensen over Hill and Reynolds
Who’s missing? Don Cheadle, Robert De Niro, Michael Keaton

He got up at 5:15am to announce the nominees, but Cheadle didn’t make the cut here. Instead, we got two bizarre nominees, one predicted by others - Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool) – and the other a bit more shocking, Jonah Hill (War Dogs). I’ll have to see both films to judge those performances. Viggo Mortensen ended up in the drama race, and we got three nominees that most expected. Colin Farrell (The Lobster) made it in even though his film didn’t, while Hugh Grant (Florence Foster Jenkins) was one of the four mentions for his movie, and Ryan Gosling (La La Land) saw his film clean up very nicely.

Who will win? I think Gosling is the frontrunner in a big way.

Golden Globe Musings: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be announced very soon, so here’s a survey of the contenders and the most likely predictions at this time. Weigh in with your thoughts, and let me know if I’ve left off anything important. A reminder that the Globes are wildly unpredictable and that it is still a bit early to gauge the reception or awards potential of a number of the so-called “contenders” at this point.

Last year’s nominees:
Christian Bale (The Big Short)
Steve Carell (The Big Short)
Matt Damon (The Martian)
Al Pacino (Danny Collins)
Mark Ruffalo (Infinitely Polar Bear)

One of the most positively-reviewed films of awards season has a top contender and past nominee here, in the form of Ryan Gosling (La La Land). He’ll likely be joined by Viggo Mortensen (Captain Fantastic). For his first notable performance in years, Hugh Grant (Florence Foster Jenkins) is a probable inclusion, unless he ends up in the supporting race. After that, it’s really anyone’s guess, but there are a few people at the head of the pack. Don Cheadle (Miles Ahead) fits the latter bill of this category, which may give him an advantage. Robert De Niro (The Comedian) is always popular, but I predicted him to get in last year and then he didn’t. Colin Farrell (The Lobster) is a past winner in this category and would be a fun choice. I’ve seen predictions for Warren Beatty (Rules Don’t Apply), Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool), and Michael Keaton (The Founder), all of which are possible. If people actually saw the film, both Kevin Spacey (Elvis and Nixon) and the omnipresent Michael Shannon (Elvis and Nixon) could easily make it in.

Current predictions:
Don Cheadle (Miles Ahead)
Colin Farrell (The Lobster)
Ryan Gosling (La La Land)
Hugh Grant (Florence Foster Jenkins)
Viggo Mortensen (Captain Fantastic)

Golden Globe Winner Predictions: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

The competition: Christian Bale’s brilliant numbers guy (The Big Short), Steve Carell’s temperamental moneyman (The Big Short), Matt Damon’s stranded astronaut (The Martian), Al Pacino’s aging musician (Danny Collins), and Mark Ruffalo’s manic-depressive father (Infinitely Polar Bear).

For your information: This is the seventeenth career nomination for Pacino, and the last time he was nominated for film work – back in 1992 – he won, one of four lifetime trophies. Damon has been nominated five times for acting and won once for screenwriting. This is Carell’s eighth overall nomination and his second consecutive bid for film work. He won in 2005 for “The Office.” Bale has been nominated twice before, winning once for “The Fighter.” Ruffalo earned his two previous Globe nominations last year. “The Big Short” and “The Martian” are nominated for Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical. Interestingly, in this category, the last two times that two performers were nominated for the same film, one ended up taking home the award, which might help Bale or Carell.

Who should win? I liked Ruffalo a lot in his film, but I’d still go with Damon.

Who will win? The only serious Oscar contender in this category is also the one likeliest to win: Damon.

Golden Globe Nominees: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

My predictions: 3/5, picking De Niro and Murray over Bale and Ruffalo
Who’s missing? Robert De Niro, Bill Murray, Bill Hader

After yesterday’s shocking SAG snub, Matt Damon (The Martian) is officially back in the race. A surprising SAG inclusion in the supporting race, Christian Bale (The Big Short), showed up here alongside costar Steve Carell (The Big Short), suggesting that Oscar chances are mixed if his category classification is uncertain. Al Pacino (Danny Collins) showed up as expected for a film that came out way back at the beginning of the year. Most exciting is the inclusion of an actor who wasn’t even on my radar for this performance: Mark Ruffalo (Infinitely Polar Bear). I liked him a lot in that sweet film I saw at Sundance almost two years ago, and it’s a better performance than the one for which he was snubbed, “Spotlight.”

Who will win? I’ll go with Damon.