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

• Frontrunner: Oppenheimer
• Potential nominees: Killers of the Flower Moon, Maestro, Rustin, Past Lives, Saltburn

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 grossed a whopping $950 million worldwide, making it the third-highest-grossing film of 2023. Definitely sounds worthy of a Golden Globe win.

• Frontrunner: Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer)
• Potential nominees: Bradley Cooper (Maestro), Leonardo DiCaprio (Killers of the Flower Moon), Colman Domingo (Rustin), Andrew Scott (All of Us Strangers), Barry Keoghan (Saltburn)

Carrying a three-hour film is no easy feat, but Murphy makes it look easy. While he's likely to go up against some strong contenders, he's got 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

• Frontrunner: Lily Gladstone (Killers of the Flower Moon)
• Potential nominees: Carey Mulligan (Maestro), Helen Mirren (Golda), Sandra Hüller (Anatomy of a Fall), Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (Origin)

No offense to Leonardo DiCaprio, but 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 called her the “the wounded heart of the movie.”

FYI, it’s worth noting that if Gladstone gets nominated, she’ll make history as the first Native American to get a Golden Globes nod in this category, so we’ll be rooting for her.

Best Motion Picture: Comedy or Musical

• Frontrunner: Barbie
• Potential nominees: The Color Purple, Asteroid City, Poor Things, American Fiction, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret

We’ve been living in Barbie’s world ever since she graced the big screen in July, and we’re definitely 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, it would come as no surprise if Barbie takes the win. In his 5-star review, Joel Calfee, Associate Editor of News and Entertainment, 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

• Frontrunner: Paul Giamatti (The Holdovers)
• Potential nominees: Matt Damon (Air), Jeffrey Wright (American Fiction), Jesse Garcia (Flamin’ Hot), Nicolas Cage (Dream Scenario), Ryan Gosling (Barbie)

The Holdovers may feel like a modernized version of It's a Wonderful Life, but it packs a punch, thanks in part to Giamatti's portrayal of Paul, 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

• Frontrunner: Margot Robbie (Barbie)
• Potential nominees: Natalie Portman (May December), Emma Stone (Poor Things), Emily Blunt (Pain Hustlers), Halle Bailey (The Little Mermaid), Ayo Edebiri (Bottoms)

Need we explain ourselves? 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

• Frontrunner: Beef
• Potential nominees: Lessons in Chemistry, All the Light We Cannot See, Daisy Jones and the Six, Black Mirror, Fellow Travelers

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 to see Beef take the win.

Best TV Series: Drama

• Frontrunner: Succession
• Potential nominees: The Last of Us, The Gilded Age, The Crown, The Morning Show, 1923

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 has all the elements fans could hope for, "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

• Frontrunner: Kieran Culkin (Succession)
• Potential nominees: Jeremy Strong (Succession), Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us), Harrison Ford (1923), Dominic West (The Crown), Idris Elba (Hijack)

Sarah Snook, Brian Cox and Jeremy Strong have all scored trophies for their phenomenal work in the series, and now, it's 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

• Frontrunner: Jennifer Aniston (The Morning Show)
• Potential nominees: Sarah Snook (Succession), Bella Ramsey (The Last of Us), Keri Russell (The Diplomat), Carrie Coon (The Gilded Age), Rosario Dawson (Ahsoka)

We know, we know. There will likely be some stiff competition in this category, but let's not forget that Aniston already has two well-deserved Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress under her belt. Or that critics have been raving about her standout performance as Alex, an ambitious co-anchor who deals with the pressures of being a woman in the public eye. The Friends alum may be known for her comedy roles, but she adds plenty of depth to this character—and something tells us she'll be recognized for it.

Best TV Series: Musical or Comedy

• Frontrunner: Abbott Elementary
• Potential nominees: Ted Lasso, The Bear, Jury Duty, Only Murders in the Building, Poker Face

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 smart, funny take on the education system, it's easy to see why the series is generating constant buzz. (And of course, why it deserves another Golden Globes victory.)

Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy Series

• Frontrunner: Jeremy Allen White (The Bear)
• Potential nominees: Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso), Kelsey Grammer (Frasier), Steve Martin (Only Murders in the Building), Martin Short (Only Murders in the Building), Jharrel Jerome (I’m a Virgo)

Fun fact: The Bear actually broke viewership records and became the most-watched comedy series in FX's history. And as of now, the show boasts an impressive 99 percent score on the Tomatometer. That's because the show's 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 very likely the actor will win a second year in a row.

Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy Series

• Frontrunner: Natasha Lyonne (Poker Face)
• Potential nominees: Ayo Edebiri (The Bear), Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary), Rache, Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Selena Gomez (Only Murders in the Building), Bridget Everett (Somebody Somewhere)

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 Lyonne's career. And several critics have taken notice. For instance, NPR's Linda Holmes went as far as to call 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 get a Golden Globes nod (and possible statue) for her unforgettable performance.