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:
Jack Black (Bernie)
Bradley Cooper (Silver Linings Playbook)
Hugh Jackman (Les Miserables)
Ewan McGregor (Salmon Fishing in the Yemen)
Bill Murray (Hyde Park on Hudson)

This category is going to be an interesting one, with a number of high-profile contenders. Bruce Dern (Nebraska) and Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis) are likely to lead the field because their films should have strong Oscar buzz. Unless his film feels like it’s in the wrong category or peaks too late, Leonardo DiCaprio (The Wolf of Wall Street) should be here too. Next up is Joaquin Phoenix (Her), who was last here in 2005 for “Walk the Line.” After that, it’s anybody’s game. Ben Stiller (The Secret Life of Walter Mitty) or Adam Scott (A.C.O.D.) might score their first nominations. Ethan Hawke (Before Midnight) could finally be recognized for the final installment of a trilogy. Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Don Jon), a two-time nominee in the past five years in this race, will be here if voters aren’t put off by his film. I think the last spot is going to go to a sentimental choice, the late James Gandolfini (Enough Said), unless he ends up in the supporting race. As of very recently, Christian Bale (American Hustle) is now a contender in this race too.

Current predictions:
Bruce Dern (Nebraska)
Leonardo DiCaprio (The Wolf of Wall Street)
James Gandolfini (Enough Said)
Joaquin Phoenix (Her)
Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis)