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:
Jodie Foster (Carnage)
Charlize Theron (Young Adult)
Kristen Wiig (Bridesmaids)
Michelle Williams (My Week with Marilyn)
Kate Winslet (Carnage)

This category tends to like established actresses, and they should make up the majority of the list this year. Three veterans - Judi Dench (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), Maggie Smith (Quartet), and Meryl Streep (Hope Springs) – are the frontrunners, and recent young nominee Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook) is a good bet too. Laura Linney (Hyde Park on Hudson) has had success here before, and Julia Roberts (Mirror Mirror) is a Globe favorite, so she could easily get nominated for anything. If voters are feeling especially nostalgic, Barbra Streisand (The Guilt Trip) could show up here.

Current predictions:
Judi Dench (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel)
Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook)
Laura Linney (Hyde Park on Hudson)
Maggie Smith (Quartet)
Meryl Streep (Hope Springs)