TV Article Golden Globe nods: Reaction to the movie categories By Dave Karger Dave Karger Senior Writer EW's editorial guidelines Updated on August 4, 2020 02:56PM EDT The Hollywood Foreign Press Association did its usual thing this morning, honoring prestige dramas (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon, Revolutionary Road, The Reader) while largely overlooking blockbusters (The Dark Knight) and grittier films (Milk). Here’s a rundown of the nominees in the major movie categories. (Also, check out Ken Tucker’s reaction to the TV noms.) Best Picture, DramaThe Curious Case of Benjamin ButtonFrost/NixonThe ReaderRevolutionary RoadSlumdog Millionaire I had heard that the HFPA loved The Reader, so its inclusion here isn’t a surprise. But the omission of Milk is odd given how well it’s done with the New York, L.A., and Broadcast critics. The big story here is Revolutionary Road, which came roaring back into the awards race with four big Globe nominations. I’d say Button is the one to beat. Best Actor, DramaLeonardo DiCaprio, Revolutionary RoadFrank Langella, Frost/NixonSean Penn, MilkBrad Pitt, The Curious Case of Benjamin ButtonMickey Rourke, The Wrestler There were six strong competitors going into this morning’s announcements, and one of them had to be left out. To my surprise, it was Clint Eastwood. At least he got two nominations in the music categories. Any of these five guys could win. Best Actress, DramaAnne Hathaway, Rachel Getting MarriedAngelina Jolie, ChangelingKristin Scott Thomas, I’ve Loved You So LongMeryl Streep, DoubtKate Winslet, Revolutionary Road The loser here is Cate Blanchett, who now must fight back for an Oscar slot. I actually think they made the right call with these five. It’s Meryl vs. Kate for the win. Best Picture, Comedy/MusicalBurn After ReadingHappy-Go-LuckyIn BrugesMamma Mia!Vicky Cristina Barcelona I’m sad about the omission of Last Chance Harvey, which seemed to me like a sure bet here. But the HFPA created an interesting list of hits (Mamma Mia!) and deserving indies (In Bruges). I’m thinking Vicky takes it home. Best Actor, Comedy/MusicalJavier Bardem, Vicky Cristina BarcelonaColin Farrell, In BrugesJames Franco, Pineapple ExpressBrendan Gleeson, In BrugesDustin Hoffman, Last Chance Harvey I expected James Franco to get a Globe nomination this morning…but for Milk, not Pineapple Express. I was worried this race would seem like filler this year, but it really doesn’t. Give the edge to Hoffman. Best Actress, Comedy/MusicalRebecca Hall, Vicky Cristina BarcelonaSally Hawkins, Happy-Go-LuckyFrances McDormand, Burn After ReadingMeryl Streep, Mamma Mia!Emma Thompson, Last Chance Harvey I’m still rubbing my eyes waiting for Sarah Jessica Parker‘s name to appear on this list for Sex and the City given all the Globe love she received while the TV series was on the air. This one’s between Hawkins and Streep, and I think the plucky Brit could win. Best Supporting ActorTom Cruise, Tropic ThunderRobert Downey Jr., Tropic ThunderRalph Fiennes, The DuchessPhilip Seymour Hoffman, DoubtHeath Ledger, The Dark Knight This category held the most surprises of any this year. Downey for Tropic Thunder, sure. But Tom Cruise? Over Revolutionary Road‘s unforgettable Michael Shannon and any of the Milk guys? The HFPA’s love of big stars got the better of them here. It’s a Hoffman/Ledger rematch at this point. Best Supporting ActressAmy Adams, DoubtPenelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina BarcelonaViola Davis, DoubtMarisa Tomei, The WrestlerKate Winslet, The Reader These are five worthy women, to be sure, but to leave out Button‘s Taraji P. Henson is to ignore one the most emotionally powerful performances of the year. Cruz and Winslet seem like the frontrunners. Best DirectorDanny Boyle, Slumdog MillionaireStephen Daldry, The ReaderDavid Fincher, The Curious Case of Benjamin ButtonRon Howard, Frost/NixonSam Mendes, Revolutionary Road Where are Gus Van Sant and Christopher Nolan, you might ask? Well, in a tight race, personality matters. And I guarantee Boyle, Daldry, and Mendes were much more charming to the HFPA than Van Sant and Nolan. My money’s on Fincher or Boyle. addCredit(“Merrick Morton”)