Golden Globe Musings: Best Actress 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 anyone 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:
REBECCA HALL, VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA
SALLY HAWKINS, HAPPY-GO-LUCKY
FRANCES MCDORMAND, BURN AFTER READING
MERYL STREEP, MAMMA MIA!
EMMA THOMPSON, LAST CHANCE HARVEY

This year’s pool:
A double nominee last year is likely to be a double nominee again this year, with two very likely nods in the same category. It’s happened before, recently with Leonardo DiCaprio in 2006 for “Blood Diamond” and “The Departed” and Tim Robbins in 1992 for “Bob Roberts” and “The Player,” and Robbins even won for the latter performance. 23-time nominee Meryl Streep (Julie & Julia, It’s Complicated) has one critically-acclaimed impersonation from the summer already under her belt, and an upcoming role in a comedy from the familiar Nora Ephron which should net her another nod. Her costar in the first film, Amy Adams (Julie & Julia), might also turn up, and she even has a second movie (Sunshine Cleaning) that could earn her a nomination, though it’s unlikely. Sandra Bullock (The Proposal)’s latest movie is exactly the kind of film that won her two previous nominations. Rob Marshall’s musical could find a leading female in Marion Cotillard (Nine), but she might also end up being indistinguishable from the many other ladies and classified as supporting. Rising stars Zooey Deschanel (500 Days of Summer) and Katherine Heigl (The Ugly Truth) have yet to make their mark with movie awards, but this could be their start. Michelle Pfeiffer (Cheri), who earned six straight nominations from 1988 to 1993, could see a comeback for her part in the relatively unseen summer period piece. A most recent nominee, Ellen Page (Whip It), could be back if voters don’t feel her performance is too similar (unless they consider that a good thing). If viewers are feeling independent, Rachel Weisz (The Brothers Bloom) and Maya Rudolph (Away We Go) could pop up, but don’t count on it.

Predicted nominees:
AMY ADAMS, JULIE & JULIA
SANDRA BULLOCK, THE PROPOSAL
MARION COTILLARD, NINE
MERYL STREEP, IT’S COMPLICATED
MERYL STREEP, JULIA & JULIA