On Sunday, February 28th, NBC will air the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards. Mark your calendars because this year, there’s so much for us to celebrate.
Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy
Hamilton
Disney+ won the bidding war to bring Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking Broadway smash hip-hopera into our living rooms. Hamilton debuted on Disney+ in the wake of George Floyd’s murder—just as we all needed a lesson on how to start a revolution.
Best Director, Motion Picture
Regina King – One Night In Miami…
Another stage play—this one transformed for the big screen—is a groundbreaking nomination. Regina King does an amazing job in her directorial debut, breathing life into icons on an historical evening (see our review One Night in Miami… – #BlackManILoveYou – InClub Magazine).
Best Actress in a Motion Picture
Viola Davis – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Yet another stage-play-to-the-big-screen nod. Viola Davis is absolutely the best at making even the subtlest things mean so much. Her Ma Rainey conveys more with a side eye than a whole page of dialogue (see our review Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom-Oscars-Here-We-Come).
Andra Day – The United States vs. Billie Holiday
Hulu won the streaming rights war for this original motion picture, directed by Lee Daniels, depicting the true story of legendary Blues singer Billie Holiday’s battle with addiction and the U.S. government. Grammy nominated singer Andra Day, embodies not just Billie Holiday’s voice, but her strength and vulnerability as she uses her platform to shine a light on injustice. A must watch, beginning February 26th.
Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama
Chadwick Boseman – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
In what would be his swan song performance, Chadwick Boseman left it all on the stage. There aren’t many actors who could match Viola Davis’ extraordinary intensity, but Chad not only held his own, he commanded the spotlight through most of the movie (see our review Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom-Oscars-Here-We-Come).
Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy
Lin-Manuel Miranda – Hamilton
This phenomenal writer and creator of one of the biggest plays in Broadway history, also shines his bright star as the revolutionary Alexander Hamilton. Lin-Manuel’s performance is so compelling and engaging, you almost expect to see his face on the $10 bill.
Best Supporting Actor, Drama
Daniel Kaluuya – Judas and the Black Messiah
In theatres and streaming exclusively on HBO MAX beginning February 12th, Daniel Kaluuya portrays Fred Hampton, head of the Illinois Black Panther Party. The movie chronicles the FBI infiltration of the Black Panthers by informant William O’Neal. Based on Daniel’s performances in Get Out, Queen and Slim and Black Panther, Judas and the Black Messiah is a must see.
Leslie Odom Jr. – One Night in Miami…
As a legendary singer, songwriter, entrepreneur and activist, the multi-faceted Sam Cooke was a complicated personality. Leslie Odom, Jr. tackled every aspect of Sam’s character with perfection and conviction (see our review One Night in Miami… – #BlackManILoveYou – InClub Magazine).
Best Original Song, Motion Picture
“Fight for You” – Judas and the Black Messiah
Performed by, H.E.R. – with lyrics like:
“All the smoke in the air/Feel the hate when they stare/All the pain that we bare /Oh you Better beware,” H.E.R. sings. “Their guns don’t play fair/All we got is a prayer/It was all in their plans/Wash the blood from your hands.”
This isn’t just a perfect anthem for the movie, it’s an anthem for right now.
“Hear My Voice” – The Trial of the Chicago 7
Performed by Celeste – a perfect blend of melody, music and scene placement.
“Speak Now” – One Night in Miami…
Performed by Leslie Odom, Jr.—yes, that Leslie Odom, Jr., who apparently channeled Sam Cooke’s songwriting ability as well.
“Tigress & Tweed” – The United States vs. Billie Holiday
Performed by Andra Day- a song so hauntingly incredible it’s like listening to Lady Day herself.
Best Motion Picture, Animated
Soul
Disney’s astounding animated motion picture, Soul is the first Pixar film to feature a Black lead character, voiced by Jamie Foxx. The animation is also noted for accurately depicting us as characters, not caricatures.
Best Television Series
Lovecraft Country
A hybrid amalgamation of horror, science fiction, fantasy, supernatural, biblical, adventure and Black history wrapped in a love story, Lovecraft Country is ALL THAT.
While telling a compelling story, Lovecraft Country also epitomizes Black excellence, both in front of and behind the camera. The show, developed and written by Misha Green, who also serves as Executive Producer along with J.J. Abrams and Jordan Peele. In front of the camera, Jurnee Smollett, Jonathan Majors, Courtney B. Vance and Michael K. Williams, lead a laundry list of standout performances by a stellar cast.
Best Actor in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy
Don Cheadle – Black Monday
This Showtime original series is in its 2nd season, with the extremely talented and often underrated Don Cheadle at the helm as Maurice Monroe. This is Don’s first nomination for Black Monday, but this isn’t his first rodeo. Don previously won a Golden Globe for his leading role in the Showtime original series, House of Lies.