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 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:
Annette Bening (The Kids Are All Right)
Anne Hathaway (Love and Other Drugs)
Angelina Jolie (The Tourist)
Julianne Moore (The Kids Are All Right)
Emma Stone (Easy A)

This category seems fairly devoid of contenders, which means that there are sure to be some major surprises in store. Kristen Wiig (Bridesmaids) should earn her first Golden Globe nod for starring in one of this year’s most successful comedies. Julia Roberts (Larry Crowne) is a good bet since she’s well-liked by this organization and she has a fun role in Tom Hanks’ film. Nominees for “Black Swan” last year, Mila Kunis (Friends with Benefits) and Natalie Portman (No Strings Attached) are now facing off in the same category for similar roles in similar movies. Nominated in this category last year, Emma Stone (The Help) is hardly the most memorable actress from her film, but she could end up here, as could Viola Davis if she is classified as a lead rather than a supporting actress. Cameron Diaz (Bad Teacher) is a four-time past nominee, and Charlize Theron (Young Adult) will probably get nominated for her role in the forthcoming film penned by Diablo Cody of “Juno” fame. It’s hard to tell how it will be received and which categories its thespians will be placed in, but Jodie Foster (Carnage) has a good shot.

Current predictions:
Jodie Foster (Carnage)
Mila Kunis (Friends with Benefits)
Julia Roberts (Larry Crowne)
Charlize Theron (Young Adult)
Kristen Wiig (Bridesmaids)