2018 Golden Globes: Nominations, Surprises and Snubs

Sandra Miska

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has announced its nominees for the 75th Golden Globe Awards, which will take place Jan. 7, and Guillermo del Toro’s Cold War fantasy romance “The Shape of Water” led the pack in the film category with seven nominations, while “The Post” and “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” trailing behind with six nods a piece. As for television, HBO dominated with a total of 12 nominations, with six of those going to “Big Little Lies.” Another female-driven limited series, FX’s “Feud: Bette and Joan,” also scored big with four nods.

There were no surprises in the category of Best Motion Picture, Drama, which included the three aforementioned films, as well as the World War II action film “Dunkirk” and the coming-of-age LGBT romance “Call Me by Your Name.” The latter also received a Best Actor nomination for its breakthrough star, Timothée Chalamet, with Armie Hammer being up for Best Supporting Actor. Also nominated for a supporting role was Christopher Plummer, despite having only been cast in “All the Money in the World” a month ago.

In the category of Best Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical, “Get Out,” the hit horror film that satirized race relations secured a spot, along with “Lady Bird,” “The Disaster Artist,” “The Greatest Showman,” and “I, Tonya.” “I, Tonya” star Margot Robbie also scored a nomination for her portrayal of the disgraced figure skater, while her onscreen mother, Allison Janney, was recognized in the Best Supporting Actress category. “Lady Bird” mother-daughter duo Laurie Metcalf and Saoirse Ronan also each scored nominations.

As for television, “The Handmaid’s Tale,” the dystopian drama that took home the top award at this year’s Emmys, has predictably secured a spot in the category of Best Television Series, Drama, along with last year’s winner, “The Crown,” as well as “Game of Thrones,” “Stranger Things” and “This Is Us.” Claire Foy of “The Crown” is set to reclaim the award for Best Actress in a TV Series, Drama, although Elisabeth Moss (“The Handmaid’s Tale”) may give her a run for her money.

As for television comedy, the big surprise here was “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” which is up for the top prize, despite only have been streaming for a few weeks. It’s star Rachel Brosnahan is also nominated for her portrayal of a 1950-housewife-turned-comic. The other newcomer in this category is “SMILF,” whose star and creator Frankie Shaw is also nominated for her role as a struggling single mother. Rounding out the category are “Blackish,” “Master of None” and “Will & Grace.”

Contending with “Big Little Lies” and “Feud” are fellow limited series “Fargo,” “The Sinner,” and “Top of the Lake: China Girl.” Crime drama “The Sinner” is the big surprise here, as is the nomination of its lead Jessica Biel, who sees herself pitted against “Big Little Lies” stars Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman, as well as the ladies of “Feud,” Jessica Lange and Susan Sarandon.

Along with the surprises came the snubs, including Kumail Nanjiani’s “The Big Sick,” which was thought to be a frontrunner in the best comedy film category, but was shut out all together. And while “Get Out” secured nomination for best comedy film, as well as one for lead actor Daniel Kaluuya, Jordan Peele was left out of the directing and screenwriting categories. It’s also worth mentioning that not a single woman was nominated for Best Director, the most glaring omission being Greta Gerwig (“Lady Bird”), although she was recognized for her screenplay. And while “Transparent” and it’s star Jeffrey Tambor received top awards in 2015 and nominations in 2016, the series was completely forgotten this year, although the recent sexual harassment allegations Tambor may have been a factor.

Seth Meyers is set to host the 2018 Golden Globes. As the Globes are the only major awards show where alcohol is served, there are sure to once again be plenty of entertaining moments. For a complete list of this year’s nominees, go here.

The 75th Golden Globe Awards will take place Jan. 7 at The Beverly Hilton and will air live on NBC, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.