Golden Globe Musings: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama

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:
George Clooney (The Descendants)
Leonardo DiCaprio (J. Edgar)
Michael Fassbender (Shame)
Ryan Gosling (The Ides of March)
Brad Pitt (Moneyball)

This category seems like perhaps the most locked of all, with a solid five contenders who shouldn’t have much trouble getting nominated. First we have Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln), a sure thing, followed closely by Joaquin Phoenix (The Master) with his career comeback. Denzel Washington (Flight) has plenty of buzz, and John Hawkes (The Sessions) is a good bet as well. Anthony Hopkins (Hitchcock) may not earn an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of the famed director, but he shouldn’t have much trouble getting in here. Also in the running are Richard Gere (Arbitrage) and Ben Affleck (Argo).

Current predictions:
Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln)
John Hawkes (The Sessions)
Anthony Hopkins (Hitchcock)
Joaquin Phoenix (The Master)
Denzel Washington (Flight)