The Golden Globes organization breathed a sigh of relief as the annual gala received approval to move forward, envisioned as a star-studded celebration that will be hosted by a broad cross-section of film industry personalities. This moment also reflects the ongoing challenge for the ceremony to restore prestige after the 2021 upheaval, while still recognizing the films, actors, and directors who sometimes slip through the cracks in the yearly academic ballots. Even beloved titles like The Banshees of Inisherin or Avatar: The Way of Water sit alongside a wider slate of works that deserve broader attention. Behind the glitz, nominations illuminate a landscape where directors and performers often battle for equal recognition, with figures like Sarah Polley for Women Talking and Chinonye Chukwu for Till emblematic of a broader push for inclusive storytelling and fair consideration.
Alcarràs don’t cut
The Catalan-language feature Alcarràs, directed by Carla Simón, faced the demanding constraint of fitting within the Academy’s short list for consideration. The film stands out as one of fifteen features shortlisted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, underscoring the global reach of the Globes. Shot entirely in Catalan, Alcarràs has already earned the Golden Bear at a major European festival, reinforcing Simón’s rising stature as a filmmaker who blends intimate human stories with expansive cultural resonance. This is Simón’s second feature, and her excitement about the work remains visible. She has spoken of devoting immense time, care, and compassion to her evolving career as she navigates the demanding path of international cinema.
Forgotten Supporting Actress
In conversations about the ceremony, performers like Sadie Sink from Stranger Things and Rhea Seehorn from Better Call Saul have been noted for their compelling work, yet they did not participate in the 2023 Golden Globes lineup. Sink’s portrayal in the acclaimed Netflix series demonstrated a range of dramatic responsibility that captivated audiences, while Seehorn’s nuanced performance in the Breaking Bad universe spin-off highlighted a strong, steady presence on screen. The Globes, with their tradition of spotlighting television and film, sometimes sees deserving performances bypass the final ballot, a reality that reflects the intense competition and the diverse pool of talent emerging from North American productions.
without Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise, known for reinvigorating classic franchises, delivered a standout box office performance with Top Gun: Maverick, which marked one of the strongest openings in recent cinema history and grossed hundreds of millions worldwide. Despite this blockbuster success, Cruise did not receive a nomination in the best actor category for that film. The discussion around Top Gun: Maverick also sits alongside other high-profile openings, including Spider-Man: No Way Home, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and Batman, which dominated the box office and captivated audiences across the United States and Canada. The juxtaposition of commercial triumph and award recognition highlights the nuanced landscape of modern awards, where audience appeal and critical nods do not always align.