Golden Globe Musings: Best Actress 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:
Cate Blanchett (Carol)
Brie Larson (Room)
Rooney Mara (Carol)
Saoirse Ronan (Brooklyn)
Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl)

The Best Actress race is very competitive this year, and this category should be a little less intense because a few contenders are in the comedy/musical field instead. The surest thing is Natalie Portman (Jackie), with Ruth Negga (Loving) and Viola Davis (Fences) as the other locks. Amy Adams (Arrival) might end up being here instead for “Nocturnal Animals,” and she could get mentioned for both also. Fighting for the other slots are Jessica Chastain (Miss Sloane), Emily Blunt (The Girl on the Train), Rachel Weisz (Denial), and Taraji P. Henson (Hidden Figures). She may end up having a better shot come Oscar time, but Isabelle Huppert (Elle) is a strong dark horse here.

Current predictions:
Amy Adams (Arrival)
Jessica Chastain (Miss Sloane)
Viola Davis (Fences)
Ruth Negga (Loving)
Natalie Portman (Jackie)