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:
Viola Davis (Fences)
Naomie Harris (Moonlight)
Nicole Kidman (Lion)
Octavia Spencer (Hidden Figures)
Michelle Williams (Manchester by the Sea)

Playing a memorable mother seems to be the key to this race this year, with the three frontrunners - Laurie Metcalf (Lady Bird), Allison Janney (I, Tonya) and Holly Hunter (The Big Sick) – all fitting that bill. At this point, Melissa Leo (Novitiate) and Octavia Spencer (The Shape of Water) seem like the best bets to join them. Other contenders include Mary J. Blige (Mudbound), Kristin Scott Thomas (Darkest Hour), Michelle Pfeiffer (Mother!), Hong Chau (Downsizing), and Catherine Keener (Get Out).

Current predictions:
Holly Hunter (The Big Sick)
Allison Janney (I, Tonya)
Melissa Leo (Novitiate)
Laurie Metcalf (Lady Bird)
Octavia Spencer (The Shape of Water)