Golden Globe Musings: Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama

Golden Globe nominations for this year will be announced shortly, 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:
Glenn Close (The Wife)
Lady Gaga (A Star is Born)
Nicole Kidman (Destroyer)
Melissa McCarthy (Can You Ever Forgive Me?)
Rosamund Pike (A Private War)

The surest thing in this category is Renee Zellweger (Judy). Next up: Scarlett Johansson (Marriage Story), who has been nominated four times in the past and shouldn’t have a problem returning, and Charlize Theron (Bombshell), who should show up even if her movie doesn’t. It’s less certain that Cynthia Erivo (Harriet) will be included, but she’s a good bet. Saiorse Ronan (Little Women) will probably make the cut too. After that, Alfre Woodard (Clemency) and Lupita Nyong'o (Us) are serious threats. Other distant possibilities include Helen Mirren (The Good Liar), Julianne Moore (Gloria Bell), Jodie Turner-Smith (Queen and Slim), and Elisabeth Moss (Her Smell).

Current predictions:
Cynthia Erivo (Harriet)
Scarlett Johansson (Marriage Story)
Saiorse Ronan (Little Women)
Charlize Theron (Bombshell)
Renee Zellweger (Judy)