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:
Steve Carell (Foxcatcher)
Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game)
Jake Gyllenhaal (Nightcrawler)
David Oyelowo (Selma)
Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything)

Count on one of last year’s nominees to return, and that’s winner Eddie Redmayne (The Danish Girl), who could well triumph again. Michael Fassbender (Steve Jobs) is a lock, as is Leonardo DiCaprio (The Revenant). After that, things are less secure. Johnny Depp (Black Mass) feels like a good bet with this group, while Michael Caine (Youth) might have to wait for the Oscars to be recognized. Tom Hanks (Bridge of Spies) should have no trouble making the cut, and he might be joined by Will Smith (Concussion). Last year’s nominee Jake Gyllenhaal (Southpaw) could show up, as could Samuel L. Jackson (The Hateful Eight). I would have bet on Idris Elba (Beasts of No Nation) as a spoiler here rather than in supporting, but maybe his Independent Spirit Award-nominated costar Abraham Attah (Beasts of No Nation) will show up instead.

Current predictions:
Johnny Depp (Black Mass)
Leonardo DiCaprio (The Revenant)
Michael Fassbender (Steve Jobs)
Tom Hanks (Bridge of Spies)
Eddie Redmayne (The Danish Girl)