Golden Globe Musings: Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture

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:
Patricia Arquette (Boyhood)
Jessica Chastain (A Most Violent Year)
Keira Knightley (The Imitation Game)
Emma Stone (Birdman)
Meryl Streep (Into the Woods)

There’s no doubt that Kate Winslet (Steve Jobs) is a frontrunner in this race, because it’s hard to know if this year’s supposed contenders will actually make the cut. At the top of the list are Jane Fonda (Youth) and Jennifer Jason Leigh (The Hateful Eight). After seeing their films, I’m less optimistic about the chances for Rachel McAdams (Spotlight) and Julie Walters (Brooklyn), though they could easily ride the coattails of their films to nominations. Helen Mirren (Trumbo) seems like a good bet with this group, and Ellen Page (Freeheld) could show up if she’s categorized here. Elizabeth Banks (Love and Mercy) and Joan Allen (Room) might show up too, though I’m banking on another actress altogether: Kristen Stewart (Clouds of Sils Maria).

Current predictions:
Jane Fonda (Youth)
Jennifer Jason Leigh (The Hateful Eight)
Helen Mirren (Trumbo)
Kristen Stewart (Clouds of Sils Maria)
Kate Winslet (Steve Jobs)