Golden Globes snubs and surprises include “Wicked,” Selena Gomez and more

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Nominations for the 82nd Golden Globes were announced Monday. The ceremony, which will air on CBS and Paramount+ on Sunday, January 5, honors the best in film and television and is considered a reliable predictor of the Oscars.

“Emilia Perez,” the daring Netflix musical about a transgender drug lord, leads all titles with 10 nods, followed by the critically acclaimed but little-seen epic “The Brutalist” with seven. Box office hits like “Wicked,” “Dune: Part Two” and “Gladiator II” were also recognized, although they were conspicuously excluded from some major categories. This allowed some outsiders to sneak in with unexpected nominations.

Here are my top ten snubs and surprises.

Snub: “Saturday Night”

Jason Reitman’s chaotic and hilarious performance on the first Saturday Night Live took first place in my Critics Choice Awards poll, but only qualified for a single nomination.

Surprise: Pamela Anderson, “The Last Showgirl”

Pamela Anderson has described her role in Gia Coppola’s drama – about a Las Vegas showgirl whose show suddenly ends after a 30-year run – as an opportunity she’s been waiting for her entire career. Her patience paid off as the 57-year-old actress received her first major nomination always.

Snub: Denis Villeneuve, “Dune: Part Two”

Denis Villeneuve’s super sequel, a tragic Shakespearean love story disguised as a sweeping science fiction epic, is perhaps one of the best Part 2s in film history. But apparently Golden Globe voters – whoever they are – believe the film was made by a ghost.

Surprise: Selena Gomez, “Emilia Perez”

Because of her status as a pop star, Selena Gomez has long been unfairly dismissed as a serious actress. Combining this story with recent criticism of her Spanish (not her native language) in “Emilia Perez,” a nomination seemed unlikely.

Snub: Jon M. Chu, “Wicked”

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande defied gravity in director Jon M. Chu’s wildly entertaining, emotional and thrilling Journey to Oz – both actresses were nominated. But the visionary behind the film, which is now the most successful adaptation of a Broadway musical in film history? Nothing.

Surprise: Gabriel LaBelle, “Saturday Night”

If “The Fablemans” hasn’t already cemented his status as one of Hollywood’s hottest young actors, Gabriel LaBelle’s riveting performance as a young Lorne Michaels in the stress-inducing “Saturday Night” might be just the ticket.

Snub: “Sing Sing”

This inspiring drama about the theater program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility and featuring many real former inmates was considered an Oscar nominee for Best Picture. But now? The film only received a single award, and that was for the main actor Colman Domingo.

Surprise: Yura Burisov, “Anora”

Anora’s quiet savior in Sean Baker’s dark yet seductive version of “Pretty Woman” is just that: quiet. Igor doesn’t say much, but Yura Burisov’s humble and deceptively charming performance still made us fall in love with him.

Snub: “Industry”

This addictive HBO series about a group of young, sexy and ambitious investment bankers in London reached its creative peak in its third season but failed to secure a nomination. Make it make sense!