The Golden Globes are this coming weekend, promising a return to glory for the awards show. The Globes are always notable for a party atmosphere with fun speeches and the kick off to the road to the Oscars. They're also interesting in how they spread out the nominations and often give some first-time nominees a shine.
That comes up this year as there are almost thirty first-time nominees in the acting and directing categories in movies and TV. Some are newcomers, but it's interesting to see veteran actors who, amazingly, are getting their first-ever Globes nod. To set up for the ceremony, here's a run down of the most prominent of the first-time Golden Globes nominees who hope to spark up this ceremony.
Lily Gladstone, Killers of the Flower Moon
Not only is Lily Gladstone a first-time nominee, but she's an early front-runner to take the Best Actress in a Drama prize for her turn in Killers of the Flower Moon. The actress has been hailed for her role as a woman whose husband plots to use her to gain control of her tribe's oil reserves. A win here could start a rush of awards for Gladstone in this stunning breakout role.
Colman Domingo, Rustin
While he has a meaty role in The Color Purple, Colman Domingo earned his first Golden Globe nod for the title role of Rustin. He plays Bayard Rustin, the hidden architect of the Civil Rights Movement who helped organize the famous March on Washington. However, besides the bigotry of his race, Rustin also had to handle secretly being gay. It's a bold turn and Domingo's nomination can aid him in his future awards shows.
Sandra Hüller, Anatomy of a Fall
Long a respected actress in Europe, Sandra Huller is finally getting her due for this acclaimed drama. She plays a woman accused of her husband's death and is fighting to prove her innocence. Huller's stunning performance has led to the movie being acclaimed as one of the best around and is likely to push her in the upcoming Oscar race.
Greta Lee, Past Lives
Past Lives has been a critical darling since it premiered, thanks to its wonderfully realistic story of two childhood sweethearts reconnecting decades later. Greta Lee has earned her first nomination for her turn in it, showing her character's growth over time and some bold new directions. Already known for her roles on The Morning Show, among others, this showcases Lee's terrific talent on a wider stage.
Cailee Spaeny, Priscilla
After turns in movies like Pacific Rim Uprising, Cailee Spaney has been boosted majorly taking on the role of Elvis Presley's wife in this biopic. Spaney captures Priscilla going from a wide-eyed teenager to a troubled wife in a moving performance with the real Priscilla praising it. That promises a good career ahead of her to go along with her first Globe nomination.
Fantasia Barrino and Danielle Brooks, The Color Purple
After years of being a successful singer, Fantasia Barrino is being boosted to success with her turn in The Color Purple. The new musical version of the novel/1985 film has done well at the box office, while Fantasia has won huge praise for her turn as a woman surviving the bigotry of the early 1900s South. She's matched by Danielle Brooks in the Supporting Actress category who has her own meaty scenes to make both top contenders.
Alma Pöysti, Fallen Leaves
A bit of a surprise, this Finnish film won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. Alma Poysti is an introverted woman who bonds with an alcoholic as they try to help each other break out of their shells. This is Poysti's biggest role so far as her nomination could pave the way for wider recognition in Hollywood.
Charles Melton, May December
Best known for his role on the CW's Riverdale, Charles Melton had a great big-screen breakout in the dramedy May December. He's a former high school student who was seduced by his teacher (Julianne Moore) and now lives with her. He bonds with Natalie Portman's actress, with Melton winning wide acclaim for his turn as a guy forced to grow up too fast and anchoring this daring movie that could earn him a Globe.
Da'Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers
Paul Giamatti may be getting the big attention in The Holdovers for his role as a cranky teacher forced to babysit a student. But Da'Vine Joy Randolph is being cited as a favorite for Best Supporting Actress for her turn as the sassy school cook still mourning her late husband. Her emotional breakdowns are tremendous and Randolph's role helps an already great movie be even better.
Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, The Last of Us
After becoming a blockbuster darling with turns on The Mandalorian and other projects, Pedro Pascal finally scored his first Golden Globe nomination for the HBO adaptation of the hit video game. His role as the troubled man guiding a young girl in a plague-ravaged world has been stunning in its complexity.
He's matched by Bella Ramsey, who imbues her character with a weight and strength beyond her years and some meaty material. The pair has made this show a smash success, and each is vying to get attention from the Globes.
Jason Segel, Shrinking
It seems amazing that with all his great movie and TV roles, Jason Segel has taken this long to get his first Golden Globe nomination. But he's earned it for his turn in the Apple TV+ show as a psychiatrist who's in desperate need of good therapy himself. Segel is terrific going from wild comedy to darker material and might finally earn himself long overdue awards recognition for his turn.
Ayo Edebiri, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Abby Elliott, The Bear
Jeremy Allan White scored his second Globe nomination for his turn in Hulu's acclaimed dramedy about a young man opening his own Chicago restaurant. But this year, his co-stars also got to join him. Ebon Moss-Bachrach already scored an Emmy nomination for his turn as the diner's feisty manager. Ayo Edebiri is up for her role as the chef with big dreams while Abby Elliott matches her as White's driven sister. It's great to see this cast shine to highlight one of television's best shows.
Natasha Lyonne, Poker Face
In a long career going back to the 1990s, Natasha Lyonne has specialized in quirky roles. That's paid off with her starring turn in Peacock's mystery series as Charlie Cale, a poker ace who somehow always knows when someone is lying. When she goes on the run from the mob, she lands in small towns and uses her skills to solve murders. Lyonne's lovely performance makes Charlie an unlikely heroine and great to see this veteran finally get her due.
James Marsden, Jury Duty
Another name that surprisingly has never earned a Golden Globe nomination before, James Marsden has done everything from the X-Men movies to musicals. So it's funny that his first nomination came by playing himself. On the Prime Video mockumentary, Marsden is part of a jury where his star power distracts everyone. The gimmick, of course, is that except for one juror, everyone else is an actor and Marsden is sending up his own image in a delightful turn.
Steven Yeun and Ali Wong, Beef
The delightful Netflix comedy has won acclaim for its daring storylines and delightful cast. The highlights are Steven Yeun and Ali Wong as strangers whose road rage incident escalates into a bizarre feud. Both actors have been veterans for a while now, getting their due with nominations, with each having a great chance of winning. Their chemistry is what made this so successful, and hopefully, it leads to a win at the Globes.
Alan Ruck and J. Smith Cameron, Succession
Another veteran performer who surprisingly never landed a Golden Globe nomination before, Alan Ruck has been turning in fun performances since Ferris Bueller's Day Off. He's finally earned a Globe nod for his turn on Succession as the son whose dreams of greatness outstrip his actual skills. Also, J. Smith Cameron earned her first nomination for her role as the family lawyer having to handle their mad antics. Each adds to Succession's power as one of the most nominated TV shows, ready for some wins for its final year.
Sam Claflin, Daisy Jones and the Six
The star of movies like The Hunger Games and Peaky Blinders, Sam Claflin got his big starring role in Prime Video's story of the rise and fall of a rock band. Claflin handled his character aging over the years and his wrestling with addictions and romance before a fine finale. While he may not be getting the buzz of other actors, Claflin may rock out to a Globe win.
Juno Temple, Fargo
While she's earned Emmy nominations, it's a bit surprising Juno Temple hasn't gotten a Globe nod for her turn in Ted Lasso. Instead, it's coming for her role on the FX drama's latest season where her seemingly quiet housewife has some big secrets. Temple is marvelous in the role, making you guess what's really going on and helping this be one of the best seasons yet for the show. It's a fun turn that could land her a Globe, just not for her more famous part.
The 2024 Golden Globes air Sunday, Jan. 7, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.