2024 Golden Globes Predictions: Who We Think Will Win, from 'Barbenheimer' to 'Abbott Elementary'

• PureWow predicts: Oppenheimer
• Last year's winner: The Fabelmans

Breathtaking visual effects, unconventional storytelling and the Barbenheimer phenomenon are just a few reasons we can see this biopic coming out on top. Easily one of Christopher Nolan's best works, it explores relevant themes like the abuse of power and the development of science, making it, as director Paul Schrader put it, the "best, most important film of this century." Oppenheimer was met with rave reviews and earned a whopping $950 million worldwide, making it the third highest-grossing film of 2023. Definitely sounds worthy of a Golden Globe win.

• PureWow predicts: Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer)
• Last year's winner: Austin Butler (Elvis)

Carrying a three-hour film is no easy feat, but Cillian Murphy makes it look like child's play. While he's up against some strong contenders, he has the edge because he truly embodies the troubled genius, J. Robert Oppenheimer. Murphy's ability to convey messy emotions with subtle facial expressions is incredible, and his captivating performance lingers with viewers long after the credits roll.

Best Actress in a Motion Picture: Drama

• PureWow predicts: Lily Gladstone (Killers of the Flower Moon) 
• Last year's winner: Cate Blanchett (Tár) 

No offense to Leonardo DiCaprio, but Lily Gladstone is the real star of this Western epic, which documents the Osage Nation murders. The actress is mesmerizing as Mollie Kyle, commanding nearly every scene with her quiet, powerful presence. And we’re not the only ones who think this. Film critic Peter Bradshaw called her portrayal of Ernest’s wife a "performance of tragic force," while David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter labeled her the “the wounded heart of the movie.”

FYI, it’s worth noting that if Gladstone wins, she’ll make history as the first Native American to receive a Golden Globe in this category. (Yet another reason to root for her.)

Best Motion Picture: Comedy or Musical

• PureWow predicts: Barbie
• Last year's winner: Everything Everywhere All at Once

We’ve been living in Barbie’s world ever since she graced the big screen in July, and we’re not complaining. With its star-studded cast, thought-provoking themes and vibrant color palette, Greta Gerwig’s whimsical fantasy took the world by storm, garnering praise from critics and breaking major box-office records. So, So, we wouldn't be surprised if Barbie takes the win.

In his 5-star review, Editor Joel Calfee said, “Barbie feels like a classic from the first viewing. It borrows from beloved films about toys but offers a uniquely feminist perspective.”

Best Actor: Comedy or Musical

• PureWow predicts: Paul Giamatti (The Holdovers) 
• Last year's winner: Colin Farrell (The Banshees of Inisherin)

The Holdovers may feel like a modernized version of It's a Wonderful Life, but it packs a punch, thanks in part to Paul Giamatti's portrayal of a bitter boarding school teacher. While his dynamic with the main cast is especially fascinating to watch, the two-time Golden Globe winner's performance is next-level, thanks to his impressive comedic timing and his unforgettable one-liners. (“Snarling Visigoths!”)

Best Actress: Comedy or Musical

• PureWow predicts: Margot Robbie (Barbie)  
• Last year's winner: Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All At Once)

Need we explain ourselves? Margot Robbie captured the hearts of millions with her charming, yet nuanced portrayal of stereotypical Barbie (and of course, her doll-inspired red carpet looks). Not surprisingly, the star made headlines throughout the summer, and her performance was met with widespread acclaim. Critic Alison Willmore wrote in Vulture, "[Robbie is someone] capable of heartbreaking earnestness as humor, and who sometimes effortlessly achieved both at once."

Best Limited Series

• PureWow predicts: Beef 
• Last year's winner: The White Lotus

Powerhouse duo Steven Yeun and Ali Wong are at their best in Netflix's phenomenal dark comedy, Beef. Their chemistry alone is enough to captivate viewers throughout all ten episodes, but the laugh-out-loud dialogue and gasp-worthy plot twists are also icing on the cake. With so many glowing reviews and more than a dozen Emmy nominations under its belt, we wouldn't be surprised if Beef takes the win.

Best TV Series: Drama

• PureWow predicts: Succession
• Last year's winner: House of the Dragon

The final season of Succession delivers all the tension and jaw-dropping twists, complete with stellar performances, so we're expecting the series to land its third Golden Globe for Best Drama Series (and tenth overall). Per Philip Mutz, PureWow's VP of News and Entertainment, the fourth  season hits every fan-favorite element, "from Greg and Tom’s will-they-won’t-they bromance to Roman’s sexual disfunction to Kendall’s creepy, 'I’m not at all uncomfortable' smile."

Best Actor in a Drama Series

• PureWow predicts: Kieran Culkin (Succession)  
• Last year's winner: Kevin Costner (Yellowstone)

Sarah Snook, Brian Cox and Jeremy Strong have all scored trophies for their phenomenal work in the series, and now, it's Kieran Culkin's turn to get recognized. Throughout all four seasons, he masterfully portrayed the cruel and entitled COO, Roman Roy—a character we love to hate. Culkin plays the role with wit and charm, delivering the best one-liners for comic relief in the most intense scenes.

The actor told the Los Angeles Times, "It seems like a reality where there’s a reason he is always making cracks. He’s the kind of guy who makes himself comfortable in every situation: 'Oh, things are getting tense, instead of being nervous I’m going to crack a joke.' It’s a way to comfort himself."

Best Actress in a Drama Series

• PureWow predicts: Imelda Staunton (The Crown)
• Last year's winner: Zendaya (Euphoria)

While we enjoyed seeing Claire Foy and Olivia Colman bring the late Queen Elizabeth to life on The Crown, Imelda Staunton delivered a thoughtful, standout performance that was nuanced and contemplative. She also nailed all of the monarch's traits and mannerisms, from her stoic composure to her confident posture. Given all the positive responses from critics, we'd say she totally deserves the win.

Best TV Series: Musical or Comedy

• PureWow predicts: Abbott Elementary
• Last year's winner: Abbott Elementary

Abbott Elementary is the gift that keeps on giving. With two solid seasons and a third on the horizon, the ABC sitcom dominated the Musical or Comedy category last year, with Quinta Brunson winning the Golden Globe for Best Actress, Tyler James Williams winning for Best Actor and the show winning for Best Television Series (Musical or Comedy). Because of its charming cast and comical take on the education system, we can see why the series is generating constant buzz. (And why it deserves another Golden Globes victory.)

Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy Series

• PureWow predicts: Jeremy Allen White (The Bear)
• Last year's winner: Jeremy Allen White (The Bear)

Fun fact: The Bear actually broke viewership records and became the most-watched comedy series in FX's history. And currently, the show boasts an impressive 99 percent score on the Tomatometer. That's because the leading man, Jeremy Allen White, is seriously compelling as Carmy Berzatto, a flawed but genuine character you can't help but root for. In 2023, White won the Golden Globe for Best Television Actor in a Musical or Comedy Series, so it's likely the actor will win a second year in a row. 

Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy Series

• PureWow predicts: Natasha Lyonne (Poker Face) 
• Last year's winner: Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary)

You don't want to sleep on Peacock's Poker Face, because Charlie Cale—or shall we say, the modern-day Columbo—is easily one of the best roles of Natasha Lyonne's career. And several critics have taken notice. For instance, NPR's Linda Holmes went as far as labeling her the "Peter Falk of her generation," and ABC News's Peter Travers called her an "actor expert at comedy and drama who blends them both to sublime perfection." Surely, Lyonne will (hopefully) get a statue for her unforgettable performance.