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:
Amy Adams (Arrival)
Jessica Chastain (Miss Sloane)
Isabelle Huppert (Elle)
Ruth Negga (Loving)
Natalie Portman (Jackie)

At the forefront of this race are Frances McDormand (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri), Sally Hawkins (The Shape of Water), and, unless the film completely bombs, Meryl Streep (The Post). I would have thought the film would be considered a comedy, but apparently Kate Winslet (Wonder Wheel) will instead be placed here for Woody Allen’s latest. Though I’m not sure she’s destined for another Oscar nomination this year, Jessica Chastain (Molly’s Game) is a good bet here. The two Globe-loved actresses who might knock out any of those five are Annette Bening (Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool) and Jennifer Lawrence (Mother!). I know that Gal Gadot (Wonder Women) is being championed by many, but I think a breakthrough at the Oscars is more likely.

Current predictions:
Jessica Chastain (Molly’s Game)
Sally Hawkins (The Shape of Water)
Frances McDormand (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri)
Meryl Streep (The Post)
Kate Winslet (Wonder Wheel)