The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, that obscure collection of film journalists who have gained ever-greater significance in recent years because their awards show is the most fun party around, will announce its Golden Globe nominees in film and TV on Tuesday morning.
Who's going to be nominated? Just look at the year-end film lists from three groups in the last week, and you will see that a trend is developing.
New York Film Critics
Best picture: The Hurt Locker
Best actor: George Clooney, "Up in the Air"
Best actress: Meryl Streep, "Julie & Julia"
Best supporting actor: Christoph Waltz, "Inglourious Basterds"
Best supporting actress: Mo'Nique, "Precious"
Best director: Kathryn Bigelow, "The Hurt Locker"
Best animated film: Fantastic Mr. Fox
Los Angeles Film Critics
Best picture: The Hurt Locker
Best actor: Jeff Bridges, "Crazy Heart"
Best actress: Yolande Moreau, "Seraphine"
Best supporting actor: Christoph Waltz, "Inglourious Basterds"
Best supporting actress: Mo'Nique, "Precious"
Best director: Kathryn Bigelow, "The Hurt Locker"
Best animated film: Fantastic Mr. Fox
National Board of Review
Best picture: Up in the Air
Best actor: George Clooney, "Up in the Air"
Best actress: Carey Mulligan, "An Education"
Best supporting actor: Woody Harrelson, "The Messenger"
Best supporting actress: Anna Kendrick, "Up in the Air"
Best director: Clint Eastwood, "Invictus"
Best animated film: Up
When it comes to the Golden Globes, and later the Academy Awards, Waltz and Mo'Nique may be unbeatable in the supporting roles. Best actor is increasingly shaping up to be Clooney, with Bridges trailing. Best actress is anybody's guess, director may be assured for Bigelow (she would be the first woman awarded) and the excellent "Fantastic Mr. Fox" might, but probably won't, give "Up" a run for its money in the animated category.
