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- Feb 3, 2021
- 8 min read

2021 Golden Globe Nominations Are Here! Check Out The Nominees, Snubs & Surprises and More!

Updated: Feb 4, 2021

It’s finally (almost) award season! Despite Award Season being delayed, usually running January – March, the Golden Globe Nominations were announced this morning, signaling the start of another bright and exciting season. Well, maybe. The Golden Globe nominations are controlled by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) which has become synonymous with controversial and star-studded nominations over, say, talent? This year proves no different. With far more snubs and surprises than celebrations, let’s break down our nominees.

A reminder, the Golden Globes celebrate television and movies. The Film Categories are different compared to most Award Shows. Instead of honoring altogether, The Golden Globes break up film categories into Music/Comedy and Drama separately. (Remember in 2016 when “The Martian” was nominated in Best Musical/Comedy? Yeah, they don’t always make sense).

In a year of shocking twists and turns, the Globes also decided to make headlines with its first ever Bi-Costal Show, with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler returning to host. Some might remember Fey and Poehler signed a 3-Year contract to host the Golden Globes back in 2013, hosting the 2013, 2014 and 2015 Award Shows consecutively. The dynamic duo saw incredibly high ratings and the HFPA asked them back, only it will be a little different this year. They won’t be in the same room together.

Tina Fey will be broadcasting from The Rainbow Room in New York City while Amy Poehler will be hosting from The Beverly Hills Hilton in Los Angeles. This will be the first time the Show will be filmed in multiple locations. Fingers crossed the jokes still hit the same!

The Golden Globe Nominations have always been met with criticisms and accusations that the HFPA nominates stars to fill seats – meaning, they tend to choose the most “star-power” celebrities to attend their Award Show to boost ratings. I didn’t see much of a different this year.

But nevertheless, the nominations are here and the announcement paves the way for fellow Award ceremonies like the SAG (Screen Actors Guild Awards) and the Oscars (Academy Awards). The Golden Globes always kick off the season and even though things are delayed this year, it’s no different. The Globes usually premiere the first weekend in January, this year they will be on Sunday, February 28th.

Here Are My Snubs & Surprises!

SNUBs:

Paul Mescal “Normal People”

Although “Normal People” was nominated for Golden Globes in Limited Series and with Daisy Edgar-Jones in Best Actress in a Limited Series, I was a bit shocked to see Paul Mescal missing from the mix. He was nominated for an Emmy in the Fall of 2020 and although lost, he was nominated above Daisy. They seemed to have flipped roles in the 2021 Golden Globes. Best Actor in a Limited Series was a pretty stacked category, but thought the trend would at least continue into a nomination. A Snub for me.

Da 5 Bloods “Best Drama Motion Picture”

This was a huge shock. Not only did Delroy Lindo get shut out from Best Actor in a Drama Motion Picture, but the film had absolutely no representation in any of the nomination categories. I would have loved to see Lindo for Best Actor, Spike Lee for Best Director and Chadwick Boseman for Best Supporting. Although the film came out almost 9 months ago now, it was warmly received and campaigned for.

Meryl Streep “Let Them Talk” “Prom”

I am not necessarily disappointed that Meryl did not get nominated, I mean she already has 30 Golden Globe nominations throughout the year, its just odd that she didn’t. Award Shows love to reward Meryl Streep and people love to see her. With two films released this year, it is a bit of a shock to not see her represented in this space. Instead, James Corden takes the spot…more on that later in surprises.

Zendaya “Malcolm & Marie”

A huge surprise since Zendaya has the backing and star power that the Golden Globes usually love. Coming off her historic Emmy win with “Euphoria” I was not only surprised to see Zendaya missing from Best Actor in a Drama Motion Picture, but I was shocked to see “Malcolm & Marie” completely missing in all categories, especially since early reviews indicate memorable performances from both Zendaya and John David Washington.

Lakeith Stanfield “Judas & The Black Messiah”

Noticeably missing from the Best Actor in a Drama Motion Picture was Lakeith who is the central character in the upcoming drama “Judas & The Black Messiah.” Although his co-star Daniel Kalyuua is nominated in Best Supporting Actor category, I would have thought there would be much more love for the film, which has been received in the highest praise.

SURPRISES:

Jared Leto “The Little Things”

Let’s address the largest elephant in the room…Jared Leto was nominated in Best Supporting Actor in a Drama. This nomination means that his, questionable, cheesy, over-the-top, performance beat out many other qualified supporting actors. Absolutely hilarious and a garbage nomination. Leto has become almost a laughing stock in Hollywood over these past few years, taking his “method” acting to unnecessary and comical lengths. This nomination should have never happened. And that’s all I need to say about that.

James Corden “The Prom”

No, not even close. The Netflix Musical Adaptation didn’t even perform well. On top of that, you choose James Corden over Meryl Streep to award. Just stop.

Emerald Fennell, Chloe Zhao and Regina King

It was a great surprise this morning to hear that 3/5 Best Director nominees were women! Emerald Fennell was nominated for "Promising Young Woman," Chloe Zhao was nominated for "Nomadland" and Regina King was nominated for "One Night in Miami." A real cause for celebration! Although I don't want to admit that it is a surprise, based on Awards track record, is most definitely is.

From left to Right: Fennell, King and Zhao

Lily Collins, “Emily in Paris”

“Emily in Paris” in General

Emily in F****** Paris. I had to wake up this morning to read that the garbage, un-original Netflix series “Emily in Paris” was nominated over “Insecure” or “I May Destroy You.” This is unacceptable and I hate that we live in a world where we have to read that “Emily in Paris” is a Golden Globe nominee. Shameful and it makes my heart hurt. Do Better.

“The Undoing”

While “The Undoing” was met with outstanding ratings (I’m not going to say it’s because of Nicole Kidman’s coat wardrobe, but I’m not saying it’s not), the series didn’t scream Awards material to me. Was it entertaining? Yes. Would I watch again? Absolutely. However, the cast seemed to sweep in major categories including Nicole Kidman as Best Actress in a Limited Series (boring, been there done that), Hugh Grant in Best Actor in a Limited Series (unoriginal, would have preferred Paul Mescal) and Donald Sutherland in Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series (he barely was in it!) Although I take this as a surprise, the material and cast does scream Golden Globes bait, I just had higher hopes.

Ryan Murphy “Ratched”

Is Ryan Murphy throwing something down that I am not picking up? I am continuously dumbfounded that every single series he produces, gets nominated. It doesn’t even have to be good. Murphy’s Limited Series “Hollywood” was nominated at the 2020 Emmy’s and now his series “Ratched” has been nominated as well. Just so we are clear, “Ratched” tells the origin story of asylum nurse Mildred Ratched who arrives Northern California to seek employment at a leading psychiatric hospital where new and unsettling experiments have begun on the human mind. Huh? If I am missing something, please tell me but Murphy’s work continuously feel like play/pretend with over the top make-up and costumes.

Andra Day “The United States v. Billie Holiday”

This was a huge surprise considering the film, released last week on Hulu, was met with average to poor reviews and ratings. However, the common thread during the discourse was that although the plot was poorly constructed, it was kept afloat by Andra Day's performance in the titular role. This to me feels very similar to Cynthia Erivo’s nomination in “Harriet” last year. Great performance, terrible movie.

So that’s a wrap on the major snubs and surprises, from my end. Agree/disagree – let me know! And let’s get excited for Award Season, it’s almost here!

And that’s the sitch.

Full List of Golden Globe Nominations:

TELEVISION

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series -- Musical or Comedy

Don Cheadle - "Black Monday"

Nicholas Hoult - "The Great"

Eugene Levy - "Schitt's Creek"

Jason Sudekis - "Ted Lasso"

Ramy Youssef - "Ramy"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series -- Musical or Comedy

Lily Collins - "Emily in Paris"

Kaley Cuoco - "The Flight Attendant"

Elle Fanning - "The Great"

Jane Levy - "Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist"

Catherine O'Hara - "Schitt's Creek"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series -- Drama

Jason Bateman - "Ozark"

Josh O'Connor - "The Crown"

Bob Odenkirk - "Better Call Saul"

Al Pacino - "Hunters"

Matthew Rhys - "Perry Mason"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series -- Drama

Olivia Colman - "The Crown"

Jodie Comer - "Killing Eve"

Emma Corrin - "The Crown"

Laura Linney - "Ozark"

Sarah Paulson - "Ratched"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

Bryan Cranston - "Your Honor"

Jeff Daniels - "The Comey Rule"

Hugh Grant - "The Undoing"

Mark Ruffalo - "I Know This Much is True"

Ethan Hawke - "The Good Lord Bird"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

Cate Blanchett - "Mrs. America"

Daisy Edgar-Jones - "Normal People"

Shira Haas - "Unorthodox"

Nicole Kidman - "The Undoing"

Anya Taylor-Joy - "The Queen's Gambit"

Best Television Series Drama

"The Crown"

"Lovecraft Country"

"The Mandalorian"

"Ozark"

"Ratched"

Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

"Normal People"

"The Queen's Gambit"

"Small Axe"

"The Undoing"

"Unorthodox"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

Helena Bonham Carter - "The Crown"

Julia Garner - "Ozark"

Annie Murphy - "Schitt's Creek"

Cynthia Nixon - "Ratched"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

John Boyega - "Small Axe"

Brendan Gleeson - "The Comey Rule"

Daniel Levy - "Schitt's Creek"

Jim Parsons - "Hollywood"

Donald Southerland - "The Undoing"

Best Television Series -- Musical or Comedy

"Emily in Paris"

"The Flight Attendant"

"Schitt's Creek"

"The Great"

"Ted Lasso"

FILM

Best Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy

"Borat Subsequent Moviefilm"

"Hamilton"

"Music"

"Palm Springs"

"The Prom"

Best Motion Picture -- Drama

"The Father"

"Mank"

"Nomadland"

"Promising Young Woman"

"The Trial of the Chicago 7"

Best Motion Picture -- Foreign Language

"Another Round," Denmark

"La Llorona," Guatamela/France

"The Life Ahead," Italy

"Minari," USA

"Two of Us," France/USA

Best Screenplay -- Motion Picture

Emerald Fennell - "Promising Young Woman"

Jack Fincher - "Mank"

Aaron Sorkin - "The Trial of the Chicago 7"

Florian Zeller, Christopher Hampton - "The Father"

Chloe Zhao - "Nomadland"

Best Original Song -- Motion Picture

"Fight for You" - "Judas and the Black Messiah"

"Hear My Voice" - "The Trial of the Chicago 7"

"IO SI (Seen)" - "The Life Ahead"

"Speak Now" - "One Night in Miami"

"Tigers & Tweed" - "The United States vs. Billie Holiday"

Best Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture

Sacha Baron Cohen - "The Trial of the Chicago 7"

Daniel Kaluuya - "Judas and the Black Messiah"

Jared Leto - "The Little Things"

Bill Murray - "On the Rocks"

Leslie Odom, Jr. - "One Night in Miami"

Best Actress in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture

Glenn Close - "Hillbilly Elegy"

Olivia Colman - "The Father"

Jodie Foster - "The Mauritanian"

Amanda Seyfried - "Mank"

Helena Zengel - "News of the World"

Best Actor in a Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy

Sacha Baron Cohen - "Borat Subsequent Moviefilm"

James Corden - "The Prom"

Lin-Manuel Miranda - "Hamilton"

Dev Patel - "The Personal History of David Copperfield"

Andy Samberg - "Palm Springs"

Best Motion Picture -- Animated

"The Croods: A New Age"

"Onward"

"Over the Moon"

"Soul"

"Wolfwalkers"

Best Actor in a Motion Picture -- Drama

Chadwick Boseman, - "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"

Riz Ahmed - "The Sound of Metal"

Anthony Hopkins - "The Father"

Gary Oldman - "Mank"

Tahar Rahim - "The Mauritanian"

Best Actress in a Motion Picture -- Drama

Viola Davis - "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"

Andra Day - "The United States vs. Billie Holiday"

Vanessa Kirby - "Pieces of a Woman"

Frances McDormand - "Nomadland"

Carey Mulligan - "Promising Young Woman

Best Actress in a Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy

Maria Bakalova - "Borat Subsequent Moviefilm"

Kate Hudson - "Music"

Michelle Pfeiffer - "French Exit"

Rosamund Pike - "I Care A Lot"

Anya Taylor-Joy - "Emma"