Golden Globes shockeroo: It's Leo vs. Leo & Matt vs. Matt
The Golden Globes just tripped up the major acting races big time.
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has revealed to The Envelope exclusively the final verdicts of its eligibility committee determining category placement of top award contenders. The biggest surprise: Leo DiCaprio's and Matt Damon's roles in "The Departed" are lead even though Warner Bros. bills them as supporting in "For Your Consideration" ads appearing in industry tradepapers.
Kudos campaigners don't want Leo to compete against his obvious lead part in "Blood Diamond" and Matt to clash with his starring role in "The Good Shepherd," but now a Leo vs. Leo vs. Matt vs. Matt smackdown is inevitable. Meantime, "Departed" costar Jack Nicholson has been placed in the supporting race.
Some other eligibility decrees were also surprising. As is awards protocol with children regardless of the size of their role, Fox Searchlight is campaigning 10-year-old Abigail Breslin ("Little Miss Sunshine") in the supporting slot, but HFPA put her in lead.
"Flags of Our Fathers" FYC ads cite Ryan Phillippe as lead actor and costars Adam Beach and Jesse Bradford as supporting, but the Globes salute all three soldiers as lead.
Award-watchers have been buzzing about what HFPA will do with Jennifer Hudson, who's considered to be the early Oscar frontrunner for supporting actress for her bravura diva turn in "Dreamgirls." But her role is such a standout that it might be classified as lead. Kudos seers don't believe she has much of a chance to prevail there, though, so Hudson fans feared HFPA might unintentionally derail her Oscar hopes by causing category confusion. However, the Globes have agreed with DreamWorks/Paramount's recommendation that Hudson should be placed in supporting and costar Beyonce Knowles in lead.
Peter O'Toole looks like the early fave to win the Oscar best-actor race, but he may need to demonstrate that he's a real winner at the Globes first. Initially, his handlers planned to enter him in the comedy/musical lineup, but switched him to drama when "Borat" became a breakout smash. Kudos campaigners for "Venus" were nervous about HFPA rubber-stamping the decision, but the org did so.
Other notable category classifications:
"Miss Potter" has been deemed a comedy despite early reports that it may be labeled drama.
"Babel" — Brad Pitt has been placed in the supporting slot even though he's the film's top-billed star.
"Hollywodland" — Diane Lane is campaigning for lead and Ben Affleck was voted best actor at the Venice film fest, but they're both supporting stars, according to HFPA.
Among the TV races:
"Brothers and Sisters" — Sally Field, Rachel Griffiths, Calista Flockhart all classified as lead.
"Ugly Betty" — comedy series.
"Studio 60" — drama series. Stars Matthew Perry, Bradley Whitford and Amanda Peet are all lead performers.
"30 Rock" — Alec Baldwin is lead actor in the comedy series.
See blog item below for more category news. Or CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!
Photo: Leo and Matt are not only battling themselves, but each other!
(warner Bros.)
No Ryan Gosling? But DiCaprio gets 2 nominations for best leading actor? Wow, I thought the GG´s were a joke before but this just tops it. DiCaprio might be ok but Goslings got more talent in his index finger. Half nelson is an independent movie with out all the Hollywood gloss and it´s not a commercial success so that adds up to no nominations or rewards. I doubt that the Oscar Academy have the guts to notice Goslings brilliant performance.
Hmm... Well this is what you get when rewards are given to "stars" and "commercial successes".
Posted by: Ben Arjanmaa | December 14, 2006 at 09:51 AM
I honestly don't know why people make sucha big deal of the Golden Globe Awards...it's a meaningless award...a popularity contest that is voted on my some foreign movie reviewers no one has ever heard of.... There was once a TV special on who the Hollywood Foreign Press really is and the majority of the voters didn't know who half the nominees were...there's a reason Pia Zadora and Madonna have acting awards and the reason isn't talent....gimme a break...
Posted by: Heidi | December 01, 2006 at 10:33 AM
What about Ryan Gosling and Half Nelson...it is burning up the other awards.
JR
Posted by: jr | December 01, 2006 at 05:47 AM
i think we need a complete rundown of all Golden Globe race consideration, lead, supporting, all the buzzed films, etc. This is comfusing.
Posted by: sam coffey | November 23, 2006 at 08:59 PM
I'm glad that they are promoting DIANE LANE.
She was stunning as Toni in "HOLLYWOODLAND". As good as Affleck was to be honest!
Go Diane!
Posted by: Naomi | November 23, 2006 at 06:46 AM
What about Streep? Are they considering her for lead or supporting?
Posted by: DonB | November 22, 2006 at 06:47 PM
What about Bobby? Is Bobby def. out?
Posted by: Seth | November 22, 2006 at 06:45 PM
is this the first time the same actor has been nominated in the same category (lead)? i've seen splitting the vote scenarios before but this seems odd. it could help to sabotage him too...on the other hand, if he deserves both noms in lead, what do you do?
Posted by: teri | November 22, 2006 at 03:56 PM