The nominations for the 2018 Golden Globes have arrived and as expected it was a list full of front runners but also plenty of snubs and surprises.
The Shape of Water and “Big Little Lies” led the way with the most nominations in the movie and TV categories, respectively. For TV, the comedy categories got quite a revamp with fresh blood entering the race while the movie categories saw many frontrunners falling just short. Here’s our list of the biggest snubs and surprises.
Snubs
The Big Sick: The film starring Kumail Nanjiani & Zoe Kazan based on Nanjiani’s real life story with his wife was beloved by critics and audiences alike. It seemed like a sure thing when it came to grabbing Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay & Best Supporting Actress (Holly Hunter) nominations but alas it was shut out by the HFPA all together.
Female Directors: The best director category was dominated by men this year and many were not too happy about that. Three amazing women directed phenomenal films this year – Greta Gerwig, Patty Jenkins & Dee Rees. Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut, Ladybird, is one of the best received films of the year but the HFPA failed to recognize the director herself. However, Gerwig did nab a nomination for best original screenplay so that will have to suffice for now. The film overall, Saoirse Ronan & Laurie Metcalf also were nominated for Golden Globes. Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins was also snubbed from the best directing category, which is a shame as was Mudbound’s Dee Rees.
Get Out: The film landed nods for Best Motion Picture Comedy or Musical & Best Actor for Daniel Kaluuya, but the HFPA failed to recognize Jordan Peele for his directing and original screenplay. This is a shock since Peele has landed both nominations and wins for those categories in many of the Film Critic circles.
Jake Gyllenhaal: Seriously, what does Jake Gyllenhaal have to do to get a nomination? (Ok, we know he has been nominated before but you know what we mean!) He turned in one of his best performances to date portraying Boston bombing survivor Jeff Bauman in Stronger and yet failed to receive a nomination from the HFPA.
Tiffany Haddish: True comedies are rarely recognized in the actual comedy or musical categories. Seriously, I wouldn’t call I, Tonya or Get Out comedies but they have to fit in somewhere. Occasionally there is a true comedic performance that breaks through much like Melissa McCarthy in Bridesmaids and that honor this year goes to Tiffany Haddish. She stole the show in Girls Trip and totally deserved a nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Comedy or Musical or even Best Supporting Actress.
Taylor Swift: Taylor Swift was nominated for Best Original Song in 2013 and 2014 and many thought the singer would land her third nomination for “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” from the Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack. She was edged out by Nick Jonas, Mariah Carey & more.
“Veep:” It’s weird to hear an awards show announce nominations that don’t include the hit HBO show “Veep.” Both Julia Louis-Dreyfus and the show were shut out.
“The Leftovers”: The HBO show ended its run and was not recognized by the HFPA despite it’s praise from critics.
Evan Peters: Some may argue that this latest season of “American Horror Story” but one thing we can all agree on is how amazing Evan Peters was in multiple roles.
“The Good Place”: The NBC show is beloved by critics and continues to deliver fresh twists and humor each week yet the show has failed to be recognized by the HFPA. At least the Critics Choice Awards gave the show some love.
“Stranger Things”: The hit Netflix show nabbed nominations for best TV drama and best supporting actor, but the HFPA failed to give Millie Bobby Brown & Wynona Ryder another individual nomination for their work. Also worthy of a nomination this year was Noah Schnapp.
Surprises
Nick Jonas: Nick Jonas & Golden Globes are probably not words you ever thought you’d hear together. Alas, the actor/singer snagged his first nomination for his song “Home” from the animated film Ferdinand. We’re hoping the Academy recognizes this song too because we’d love to see Nick perform onstage at the Oscars. Snubs in this category include Taylor Swift and Beauty & The Beast.
The Greatest Showman: The musical loosely based on the life of PT Barnum has yet to open but snagged nominations for Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, Hugh Jackman and best original song.
Helen Mirren: The veteran actress scored a nomination for Best Actress for The Leisure Seeker which is interesting since the film hasn’t generated much buzz this awards season.
All the Money in the World: The Ridley Scott helmed film made headlines when it quickly recast Kevin Spacey’s role with Christopher Plummer. The film was only just screened for the HFPA but it managed to impress as the film grabbed nominations for Best Picture, director, actress and supporting actor.
Denzel Washington: Just like Helen Mirren’s nomination, while we love Denzel, Roman J Israel Esq has not created much buzz this season.
Katherine Langford: We’re so happy to see so many young faces on the ballot this year including Timothee Chalamet, Saoirse Ronan, Nick Jonas and Katherine Langford. While “13 Reasons Why” was overlooked by the Emmys, the HFPA recognized Langford’s emotional turn as Hannah Baker and we’re so happy for her.
Comedy Categories: With heavyweights like VEEP getting snubbed, it paved the way for new shows to enter the mix including “SMILF,” “The Marvelous Mrs Maisel,” and “Better Things.” The Globes also see the return of “Will & Grace” however Debra Messing was overlooked.
What did you think the biggest snubs and surprises this year were? We’re sure there’s plenty more so let us know. The 2018 Golden Globes will air on NBC on January 7 hosted by Seth Meyers. See the full list of nominees here.
