The 82nd Golden Globe Awards, celebrating Hollywood’s finest, are upon us. However, as is often the case, several notable snubs have left film and television fans feeling disgruntled. While this year boasts an impressive array of cinematic and television achievements, the sheer volume of exceptional content has inevitably resulted in some deserving performances being overlooked. This year’s list of surprising omissions highlights the competitive landscape of the entertainment industry.
Lady Gaga – *Joker: Folie à Deux*
High expectations surrounded the sequel to the 2019 hit *Joker*. However, unlike its predecessor, *Joker: Folie à Deux* underperformed at the box office. Despite delivering a compelling performance, particularly in the film’s musical numbers, Lady Gaga, along with Joaquin Phoenix and director Todd Phillips, were completely bypassed by the Golden Globes. The film’s shutout across all categories underscores a disappointing outcome for a project plagued by setbacks from its inception.
Ryan Reynolds – *Deadpool 3*
Superhero films rarely garner significant awards recognition, yet Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool has bucked that trend in the past. His 2016 portrayal earned him a Golden Globe nomination. However, this time, despite *Deadpool 3*’s massive box office success, both Reynolds and Hugh Jackman were overlooked. The film only received a single nomination, for Best Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, a new category designed to honor popular films. While hundreds of millions in box office revenue might seem sufficient reward, the Globes apparently felt otherwise.
Meryl Streep – *Only Murders in the Building*
A three-time Oscar winner, three-time Emmy winner, and nine-time Golden Globe recipient, Meryl Streep’s absence from the nominations is surprising, not for the lack of awards, but for the missed opportunity to acknowledge her superb comedic performance in *Only Murders in the Building*. Her masterful work in this role deserved recognition, even for a performer with an already overflowing trophy case.
Jonathan Bailey – *Wicked*
The critically acclaimed *Wicked* received several Golden Globe nominations, including Best Musical or Comedy, but notable omissions include director Jon M. Chu and Jonathan Bailey, whose portrayal of Fiyero Tigelaar captivated audiences. Bailey, known for his role in *Bridgerton*, delivered a standout performance, yet the incredibly competitive field of acting talent this year likely contributed to this snub.
Saoirse Ronan – *Blitz* and *The Outrun*
Saoirse Ronan faced a double snub, missing out on nominations for her roles in both *Blitz* and *The Outrun*. While the roles themselves – a mother enduring the London Blitz and a recovering alcoholic finding redemption – appear tailor-made for awards consideration, the films’ limited critical success likely impacted their chances.
Michael Keaton – *Goodrich* and *Beetlejuice 2*
Rounding out the list is another double snub for Michael Keaton, whose exceptional performances in both the indie drama *Goodrich* and the highly anticipated sequel *Beetlejuice 2* went unrewarded. Keaton’s stellar year seemingly fell victim to the intense competition within this year’s acting pool.
Hosted by Nikki Glaser, the 82nd Golden Globe Awards will air tonight on CBS. While the ceremony celebrates Hollywood’s achievements, the notable snubs serve as a reminder of the subjective nature of awards and the often-unpredictable nature of the voting process.