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:
Jean Dujardin (The Artist)
Brendan Gleeson (The Guard)
Joseph Gordon-Levitt (50/50)
Ryan Gosling (Crazy Stupid Love)
Owen Wilson (Midnight in Paris)

Last year, Dujardin had this category locked, and this year, that position will probably be held by Hugh Jackman (Les Miserables). Other good bets include past winner
Bill Murray (Hyde Park on Hudson), past nominee Jack Black (Bernie), and first-timer Bradley Cooper (Silver Linings Playbook). Globe voters should be very fond of Tommy Lee Jones (Hope Springs), who should also show up in the supporting category. Channing Tatum (Magic Mike) may pop up here too if his film proves popular.

Current predictions:
Jack Black (Bernie)
Bradley Cooper (Silver Linings Playbook)
Hugh Jackman (Les Miserables)
Tommy Lee Jones (Hope Springs)
Bill Murray (Hyde Park on Hudson)