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:
Ralph Fiennes (The Grand Budapest Hotel)
Michael Keaton (Birdman)
Bill Murray (St. Vincent)
Joaquin Phoenix (Inherent Vice)
Christoph Waltz (Big Eyes)

Some take issue with his placement here, but Matt Damon (The Martian) is the surest thing this category has. After him, it’s anyone’s guess. Awards favorites like Al Pacino (Danny Collins), Robert DeNiro (The Intern), and Bill Murray (Rock the Kasbah) seem like good bets. Paul Rudd (Ant-Man), Bill Hader (Trainwreck), Bradley Cooper (Burnt) could show up, and might join Damon’s only semi-serious rival, Steve Carell (The Big Short).

Current predictions:
Steve Carell (The Big Short)
Matt Damon (The Martian)
Robert DeNiro (The Intern)
Bill Murray (Rock the Kasbah)
Al Pacino (Danny Collins)