The M1nd of MrENTERTA1NMENT

The musings of my m1nd converge in 1 place. Enjoy the r1de...@MrEnterta1nment

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Bring On The Bling: 2018 Grammy Award Winners

Here are the winners in the major categories from the 60th annual Grammy Awards.

Album of the Year: 24K Magic, Bruno Mars

Record of the Year: “24K Magic,” Bruno Mars

Song of the Year: “That’s What I Like,” Bruno Mars

Best New Artist: Alessia Cara (pictured above)

Pop Vocal Album: Divide, Ed Sheeran

Pop Solo Performance: “Shape of You,” Ed Sheeran

Urban Contemporary Album: Starboy, The Weeknd

R&B Album: 24K Magic, Bruno Mars

R&B Performance: “Thats What I Like,” Bruno Mars

Rap Album: DAMN, Kendrick Lamar

Rap Solo Performance: “HUMBLE,” Kendrick Lamar

Rap/Sung Collaboration: “LOYALTY,” Kendrick Lamar & Rihanna

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M1ndful Predictions: 2018 Grammys Album of the Year

The biggest prize at the Grammy Awards is arguably Album of the Year.  It’s certainly the most sought after prize by artists in every genre as it serves as the official accolade celebrating one’s body of work.  While the category has traditionally focused on older, more conservative artists, this year’s roster is culturally relevant and heavily influential - they represent the “new class” (even though one of the artists has been in the game for two decades....but is a first time nominee in the category.)

Here are my thoughts:

Album of the Year Awaken, My Love!, Childish Gambino 4:44, JAY-Z Damn, Kendrick Lamar Melodrama, Lorde 24K Magic, Bruno Mars

Imagine the faces of everyone when Childish Gambino (aka Donald Glover, the guy who dominated the 2017 Primetime Emmy Awards for his hit show, Atlanta) was announced as a nominee.  While his album certainly scored with critics, it wasn’t a massive hit and wasn’t expected to break into any of the general field categories. His nomination will suffice as his “win.”  JAY-Z, after twelve previous albums, finally scored a nod in this category for his groundbreaking opus that had absolutely everyone raving when it dropped last year.  He seems completely overdue and, as the nominations leader, has to be the favorite to win.  However, there’s that rap bias that the Recording Academy usually displays....as well as heavy competition from fellow rapper Kendrick Lamar, whose been revered as one of music’s brightest stars.  I anticipate that voters will not be able to choose between the duo.  That leaves Lorde, the sole female in the category, and Bruno Mars (pictured above,) whose riding a very popular wave right now.  Lorde’s long-awaited sophomore project didn’t resonate much with audiences but critics loved it and it topped many year end lists last year.  Bruno’s album, while not his strongest work, has commercial AND critical acclaim though and seems like the option that won’t alienate anyone should he win.  I’m going with him. 

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#ThrowbackThursday to the 2008 Grammy Awards #KanyeWest #AliciaKeys #JohnMayer #Beyonce #TinaTurner #AmyWinehouse

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M1ndful Predictions: 2018 Grammys Record & Song of the Year Categories

The Grammys for Record and Song of the Year represent some of the toughest face-offs in music every year.  It’s usually where the majority of the year’s biggest hits compete against each other for the industry’s highest honor.  Understandably, the winning songs typically result in heated debates about who really should’ve gotten the prize.  

Here are my thoughts on both categories:

Record of the Year “Redbone,” Childish Gambino “Despacito,” Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber “The Story of O.J.,” JAY-Z “HUMBLE.” Kendrick Lamar “24K Magic,” Bruno Mars  

Based on the Billboard charts, Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee had the year’s biggest hit as “Despacito” scored a record-tying sixteen week streak at the summit of the Hot 100.  It’s danceable, fun and light and could go all the way...but it won’t.  “Redbone,” while a solid production, lacks the notoriety and ubiquity of its peers which significantly hurts its chances of winning.  I would say JAY-Z and Kendrick (pictured above) will cancel each other out but “HUMBLE” is the superior rap record in this category and stands the best chance of the pair.  However, the Grammys have been faced with the opportunity to reward groundbreaking singles before and have shied away from it.  I suspect they’ll continue that unfortunate tradition and choose the song that won’t cause too much controversy if it wins because everyone loves it AND the artist. Congrats in advance to Bruno Mars.

Song of the Year “Despacito,” Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber “4:44,″ JAY-Z “Issues,” Julia Michaels “1-800-273-8255,” Logic featuring Alessia Cara & Khalid “That’s What I Like,” Bruno Mars

Kudos to JAY-Z for even breaking into this category because, by far, this has been the most difficult category for rap to garner recognition.  The title track from his latest album has solid support but I doubt it has enough for the win.  Logic’s song was a welcome and relevant inclusion, resonating strongly with the industry for its positive message; however, I can’t recall the last time a “message” song triumphed here.  “Despacito” was more of a production hit as opposed to a songwriting accomplishment (remember, this award is for song writing!) so its chances are pretty slim.  This boils down to a showdown between Michaels and Mars.  I’m sensing Mars is going to have a great night on Sunday but Michaels is my pick.  Her songwriting is impressive and I’m thinking the Recording Academy will pull an Alicia Keys and give her Song of the Year to match her Best New Artist trophy.

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M1ndful Predictions: 2018 Grammys Best New Artist

Best New Artist Alessia Cara Khalid Lil Uzi Vert Julia Michaels SZA

So this is the strongest group of Best New Artist nominees since 2005, when Maroon 5 beat the likes of Kanye West, Gretchen Wilson, Los Lonely Boys and Joss Stone. This year’s class is pretty mainstream, with both name recognition and talent. Cara’s inclusion is questionable - she’s been listed as a frontrunner to win this for the past two years but somehow was snubbed.  I don’t know if voters will feel like she’s “overdue” or if her "newness” has expired. Michaels (pictured above) and SZA had breakthrough years, with both achieving commercial success and critical acclaim.  Vert’s inclusion is a welcome nod to the ever-evolving field of hip-hop.  However, that genre hasn’t had the best luck in this category and, after Chance the Rapper’s win last year, I don’t foresee them choosing a hip-hop winner in consecutive years. That leaves Khalid. Best New Artist has traditionally favored solo female singers but he does stand a credible shot of winning based on his voice alone (Sam Smith’s triumph in 2015 doesn’t hurt either.)  

With all of that said, I’m predicting a win for Michaels.  She’s not my favorite of the bunch but I think voters will choose the fresher pop entry here (sorry, Alessia.)  Her presence in the Song of the Year category doesn’t hurt either. Yes, I know Khalid and Cara are in the Song of the Year category as well but Michaels has also written hits for big names like Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez and is respected throughout the industry.

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5 Mus1ngs on the 2018 Academy Award Nominations

Oscar buzz reached its climax this morning when the nominees were announced.  After weeks of warm-up awards and constant debates about whose names would be called, this morning’s list did not disappoint. Expectedly, there were some jaw drops (both welcome and unwelcome) but the Academy is consistent with being unpredictable.

Here are my 5 biggest thoughts on this morning’s announcement:

1. Where did Phantom Thread come from?! The underrated film scored six noms, including bids for Picture, Director (Paul Thomas Anderson,) Actor (Daniel Day-Lewis,) and Supporting Actress (Lesley Manville.)  Mind you, Anderson and Day-Lewis are typically well-received by the Academy so we shouldn’t have been that surprised.  However, the film hadn’t really made an impact at any of the lead up awards, hence the astonishment. Manville’s inclusion was probably the biggest shock of all of the acting categories. 

2. New directors were well received.  Jordan Peele (Get Out) and Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird) directed two of 2017′s most well-received films but many hesitated when putting them on their final prediction lists.  The Director category is a hard one to crack and both celebrated milestones when their names were called: Peele becoming just the fifth African American nominee and Gerwig is the fifth woman to earn a bid.  No African American has won the category and only one woman has won (Kathryn Bigelow for 2009′s The Hurt Locker.)

3. Big names didn’t guarantee noms. While The Post scored a record-breaking nomination for Meryl Streep, her co-star Tom Hanks and director Steven Spielberg, two of Hollywood’s biggest and most celebrated names, got snubbed. Ditto for The Disaster Artist’s James Franco (probably due to those sexual misconduct allegations,) The Big Sick’s Holly Hunter, Molly’s Game’s Jessica Chastain and the summer blockbuster, Wonder Woman (including its director Patty Jenkins and superstar Gal Gadot.)

4. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri loses its momentum.  Though it scored bids for Picture, Actress (Frances McDormand) and Supporting Actor (Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell,) the film failed to reap a bid for its director, Martin McDonagh.  While the Academy hasn’t necessarily stuck to its tradition of matching the Picture and Director categories as of late, this does knock the sails out of the film’s Best Picture chances.  On the other hand, McDormand and Rockwell’s victories seem almost guaranteed after they sailed through the precursor awards. 

5. Never count out Denzel Washington.  Fresh off his nomination for last year’s Fences, Washington landed a Best Actor bid for his work in Roman J. Israel, Esq.  While the film divided critics and audiences, Washington is quickly establishing himself as the male Meryl: if you put him in a film, he’s going to score a nomination. 

The Academy Awards air on Sunday, March 4, starting at 7pm EST.  I’ll start my predictions soon so make sure you come back to see them!

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M1ndful Predictions: 2018 Grammy Album Categories

The genre album categories were a mixed bag in terms of nominees.  It is typical for each genre to have representation in the catch-all Album of the Year category but Grammy voters went in a completely different direction this year, which should result in a few jaw-drops at Sunday’s telecast.  

Here are my thoughts:

Best Pop Vocal Album Joanne, Lady Gaga Evolve, Imagine Dragons Kaleidoscope EP, Coldplay Divide, Ed Sheeran Lust for Life, Lana Del Rey Rainbow, Kesha

As with the pop performance category, this one is a challenge to predict because none of the nominees landed in the Album of the Year group, which is rare.  This year’s trophy will play more like a consolation or runner-up prize and, for that reason alone, I’m going with Sheeran (pictured above.) 

Best Urban Contemporary Album Free 6LACK, 6LACK Awaken, My Love!, Childish Gambino American Teen, Khalid Ctrl, SZA Starboy, The Weeknd

Gambino boasts a nod in Album of the Year so he automatically plays the frontrunner role.  However, SZA’s album generated some of the best reviews of the year and most will admit it embodies the genre more accurately than Gambino’s.  I’m going with SZA for the upset....keep an eye on Khalid though who could play spoiler. 

Best R&B Album Freudian, Daniel Caesar Let Love Rule, Ledisi 24K Magic, Bruno Mars Gumbo, PJ Morton Feel The Real, Musiq Soulchild

This is one of the easiest picks for the night: Mars wins by a landslide.  

Best Rap Album Flower Boy, Tyler, the Creator Culture, Migos Laila’s Wisdom, Rapsody 4:44, JAY-Z Damn, Kendrick Lamar

Lamar’s body of work has generated stronger acclaim than JAY-Z’s which gives him the slight edge.  However, Hov has only won this category once and that was way back in 1999 so he is clearly overdue.  I say Hov triumphs and delivers a great speech to match. 

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Bring On The Bling: 2018 Academy Award Nominations

Here are the nominations in the major categories for the 80th annual Academy Awards.  My commentary will be up later today.

Best Picture Call Me By Your Name Darkest Hour Dunkirk Get Out Lady Bird Phantom Thread The Post The Shape of Water Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Director Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk Jordan Peele, Get Out Greta Gerwig, Lady Bird Paul Thomas Anderson, Phantom Thread Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water

Best Actor Timothee Chalamet, Call Me By Your Name Daniel Day-Lewis, Phantom Thread Daniel Kaluyya, Get Out Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel, Esq.

Best Actress Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Margot Robbie, I, Tonya Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird Meryl Streep, The Post

Best Supporting Actor Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project Woody Harrelson, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water Christopher Plummer, All The Money in the World Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Supporting Actress Mary J. Blige, Mudbound Allison Janney, I, Tonya Lesley Manville, Phantom Thread Laurie Metcalf, Lady Bird Octavia Spencer, The Shape of Water

Best Original Screenplay The Big Sick Get Out Lady Bird The Shape of Water Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Adapted Screenplay Call Me By Your Name The Disaster Artist Logan Molly’s Game Mudbound

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M1ndful Predictions: 2018 Grammys Performance Categories

While everyone has been focusing on the film industry for the past few weeks, the spotlight is about to (temporarily) transition to music as the 60th edition of the Grammy awards, air on Sunday.  This was quite the interesting year in music and the nominees are reflective of the diverse talent that permeated the airwaves throughout 2017 (and in late 2016 and early 2018.)  

I’ll start my predictions with the genre performance categories.

Best Pop Solo Performance “Love So Soft” - Kelly Clarkson “Praying” - Kesha “Million Reasons” - Lady Gaga “What About Us” - P!nk “Shape of You” - Ed Sheeran

As always, this category features some of the biggest names in music; shockingly, none of the nominees earned a bid in either Record or Song of the Year, making this a challenging race to predict. Sheeran’s failure to dominate the nominations as expected was a head-scratcher so a win here could be the Recording Academy’s way of making up for that; ditto for Gaga.  I’m thinking the Grammys will select Kesha, whose redemptive and transformative work was one of the highlights of 2017.   

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance “Something Just Like This” - The Chainsmokers & Coldplay “Despacito” - Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber “Thunder” - Imagine Dragons “Feel It Still” - Portugal. The Man “Stay” - Zedd & Alessia Cara

“Despacito” seems like the sensible choice because it’s up for Record of the Year.  Additionally, it was the longest running number one song of last year too which significantly aids its chances.  I’m going with that one.

Best R&B Performance “Get You” - Daniel Caesar featuring Kali Uchis “Distraction” - Kehlani “High” - Ledisi “That’s What I Like” - Bruno Mars “The Weekend” - SZA

The Grammys solidified SZA’s (pictured above) banner year by showering her with more nods than any other female artist (and rightfully so.)  Mars represents her biggest competition though, even if his placement in this category rings false.  Despite my personal preference, I’m picking Mars to win in what should be an incredible night for him.

Best Rap Performance “Bounce Back” - Big Sean “Bodak Yellow” - Cardi B “4:44″ - JAY-Z “HUMBLE.” - Kendrick Lamar “Bad And Boujee” - Migos featuring Lil Uzi Vert

Lamar and JAY-Z are facing off a lot this year and this is just one of their battles that everyone will be watching closely; the fact that both songs are up in the general categories further complicates matters. Breakout Cardi B could play spoiler, though.  How progressive would it be if the sole female nominee trumps two legends, especially with the gender climate we’re in right now. I give Hov the slight lead.

Best Rap/Sung Performance “PRBLMS” - 6LACK “Crew” - Goldlink featuring Brent Faiyaz & Shy Glizzy “Family Feud” - JAY-Z featuring Beyonce “LOYALTY.” - Kendrick Lamar featuring Rihanna “Love Galore” - SZA featuring Travis Scott

Another showdown between Lamar and JAY-Z - this time with female heavyweights Beyonce and Rihanna in the fray.  Beyonce’s Grammy clout should make a significant difference, giving her hubby another Grammy on his mantle.  Keep en eye on SZA though; if the two nominations leaders cancel each other out, that could pave the way for her name being called.

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Bring On The Bling: 2018 Screen Actors Guild Awards Winners

Here are the winners in the film and television categories from the 24th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Film

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Motion Picture Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (pictured above)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role Allison Janney, I, Tonya

Television

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Television Series (Drama) This Is Us (NBC)

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Television Series (Comedy) Veep (HBO)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Series (Drama) Sterling K. Brown, This Is Us

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series (Drama) Claire Foy, The Crown

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Series (Comedy) William H. Macy, Shameless

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series (Comedy) Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, Veep

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Limited Series or Made for Television Movie Alexander Skarsgard, Big Little Lies

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Limited Series or Made for Television Movie Nicole Kidman, Big Little Lies

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Winning a Screen Actors Guild award is epic.  Just ask Eddie Redmayne (2015's The Theory of Everything,) Brie Larson (2016's Room,) Idris Elba (2015's Luther and Beasts of No Nation) and Uzo Aduba (2015's Orange is the New Black)

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M1ndful Predictions: 2018 Screen Actors Guild Ensemble in a Motion Picture

Contrary to popular belief, the Screen Actors Guild Awards does not have an equivalent for the Academy Awards’ Best Picture.  SAGs top honor is the Best Ensemble trophy, which is designed to recognize the strongest cast versus the best production, which is a major difference.  The two victors add up every now and then - last year’s victor at SAG was Hidden Figures versus the Oscars picking Moonlight.  The last time the two categories mirrored each other was in 2015 with Spotlight.

Here’s my prediction on this year’s roster:

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Motion Picture The Big Sick Get Out Lady Bird  Mudbound Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Firstly, where the heck is The Shape of Water? That film had the strongest ensemble of the year, hands-down.  While these five contenders are strong films, there is no clear favorite. 

Lady Bird has garnered praise albeit for a film that has two real stars (speaking of that, where’s The Post?) The Big Sick wasn’t memorable enough to claim something this significant.  Mudbound seems too small to win - and not the small like Moonlight small (but that didn’t win either.) And I’m just not sold on Three Billboards.

I am going out on a limb and predicting that Get Out (pictured above) will take home the prize - this will begin the momentum that the genre-bending film rides on all the way to the Oscars. You heard it here, first. 

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M1ndful Predictions: 2018 Screen Actors Guild Film Lead Categories

The lead acting categories are running over with amazing performances this year and it’s proven difficult to even land one of the five slots.  The SAG races are no different, even though some big names are inexcusably missing.  

Here are my thoughts:

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role Judi Dench, Victoria & Abdul Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Margot Robbie, I, Tonya Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird

No Meryl Streep for The Post? I can’t get past that fact alone.  McDormand has been on a roll lately and, as an industry vet and Streep being absent, I think she’ll take this one, too. How cool would it be if Robbie’s name got called, though? 

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role Timothee Chalamet, Call Me by Your Name James Franco, The Disaster Artist Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel, Esq.

No Tom Hanks for The Post?  That’s just criminal!  Despite that, the SAGs have the potential to shake up the lead actor race at the Oscars with this year’s crop of nominees. Alas, Franco’s recent sexual harassment allegations have probably destroyed his chances of pulling a major upset.  Oldman was widely considered the favorite at the start of awards season but Chalamet (pictured above) has been gaining momentum as of late.  The race is eerily reminiscent of 2014 when Birdman’s Michael Keaton was the presumptive favorite but The Theory of Everything’s won (Redmayne would also win the Oscar a few weeks later.)  I’m going with Chalamet. 

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M1ndful Predictions: 2018 Screen Actors Guild Film Supporting Categories

Many, including yours truly, were excited that this year’s acting races seemed wide-open which would translate into electric and exciting moments at the awards shows this year.  However, that hasn’t been the case. Frontrunners have quickly emerged and voting seems to be following a pattern.  

I’m not completely convinced that these races are locked up though.  Let’s take a look:

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role Mary J. Blige, Mudbound Hong Chau, Downsizing Holly Hunter, The Big Sick Allison Janney, I, Tonya Laurie Metcalfe, Lady Bird

Many assumed this would be a two horse race, with Janney (pictured above) and Metcalfe - who deliver stunning but very different performances - duking it out.  Metcalfe dominated the early critics awards, but the pendulum seems to be swinging in Janney’s direction as of late.  Both are respected actresses in the industry but I think the SAGs will slow down Janney’s ascent and give this one to Metcalfe.  If they can’t decide between the pair, Hunter could play spoiler.  

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role Steve Carrell, Battle of the Sexes Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project Woody Harrelson, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

I’m still shocked at Carrell’s nod here; not only had he previously been campaigning in the lead category but he was also not the best thing about this film. Rockwell has recently emerged as a frontrunner, scoring Golden Globes and Critics Choice wins. However, I think he and co-star Harrelson will cancel each other out, paving the way for Jenkins to win.  His performance in The Shape of Water has been cruelly overlooked and underappreciated, proving to be one of this season’s strangest occurrences. 

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M1ndful Predictions: 2018 Screen Actors Guild Limited Series Categories

The SAGs have a weird relationship with the limited series genre in that they have yet to introduce an ensemble prize, which is rather odd. However, they do acknowledge the incredible performances that these works typically produce.  

Here are my thoughts on the acting categories:

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series Benedict Cumberbatch, Sherlock: The Lying Detective Jeff Daniels, Godless Robert De Niro, The Wizard of Lies Geoffrey Rush, Genius Alexander Skarsgard, Big Little Lies

Hailed by absolutely audiences and critics alike as an actors showpiece, I’m going with Lies’ Skarsgard (pictured above.)  Since the SAGs don’t distinguish lead and supporting performances like their award counterparts, this marks his first time facing off with heavyweights like De Niro and Rush.  However, that shouldn’t make much of a difference and his win streak will continue. Side note: I’m very shocked that Fargo’s Ewan MacGregor, this year’s Golden Globe winner, didn’t make this list. 

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series Laura Dern, Big Little Lies Nicole Kidman, Big Little Lies Jessica Lange, Feud: Bette and Joan Susan Sarandon, Feud: Bette and Joan Reese Witherspoon, Big Little Lies

Like Skarsgard, this is Dern’s first time competing against these powerful lead performances.  Dern has swept the supporting category all season long; ditto her co-star Kidman albeit in the lead category.  I’m betting on Kidman to remain unbeaten: she is well respected amongst her peers and this hauntingly brilliant performance cannot be denied. 

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M1ndful Predictions: 2018 Screen Actors Guild TV Categories

My favorite time of year is heating up! The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards are the next major group to hand out prizes to the film and television worlds. Coming off the Golden Globes and the Critics Choice Awards, the SAGs represent the final chance for television shows to cap off a remarkable year until September’s Primetime Emmys.

Here are my thoughts on the television categories:

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series The Crown (Netflix) Game of Thrones (HBO) The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu) Stranger Things (Netflix) This is Us (NBC)

This category is packed with an impressive roster of shows that have topped  most critics lists throughout the past year. However, one show has dominated this race and I expect that trend to continue: The Handmaid’s Tale will score its first ensemble prize over the more deserving This Is Us.

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series Millie Bobby Brown, Stranger Things Claire Foy, The Crown Laura Linney, Ozark Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaid’s Tale Robin Wright, House of Cards

Foy, last year’s winner, turned in another incredible performance in the Netflix hit, as did previous nominees Wright and Brown.  However, that won’t be enough to overcome the Moss wave.

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series Jason Bateman, Ozark Sterling K. Brown, This Is Us Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones David Harbour, Stranger Things Bob Odenkirk, Better Caul Saul

I’ve been on the Brown train the entire year and I’m not getting off now.  His second season performance is even better than the first season, which is speaks volumes about his impeccable talent.  I can’t see SAG voters going in any direction but his. 

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Black-ish (ABC) Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO) GLOW (Netflix) Orange is the New Black (Netflix) Veep (HBO)

Three time defending champ Orange is the New Black shouldn’t even be a contender coming off a ho-hum season like last year; however, that’s what I thought last year too.  Despite the presence of the perennially undervalued and underappreciated Black-ish, I say the Orange girls make it a four-peat.

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series Uzo Aduba, Orange is the New Black Alison Brie, GLOW Jane Fonda, Grace & Frankie Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, Veep Lily Tomlin, Grace & Frankie

Aduba and Louis-Dreyfuss have dominated this race for the past four years, with each winning two trophies.  However, I expect Louis-Dreyfuss to claim her third crown on Sunday night after turning in yet another hilarious performance.

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series Anthony Anderson, Black-ish Aziz Ansari, Master of None Larry David, Curb Your Enthusiasm Sean Hayes, Will & Grace William H. Macy, Shameless

Since the Globes didn’t do it, I’m hoping that SAG will award Anderson for his work on Black-ish.  Not only is his work incredible but he’s also the best bet in this somewhat hodgepodge race.  Ansari could play the role of spoiler though, like he did at the Globes a few weeks ago. 

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My 5 Mus1ngs from the 2018 Golden Globes

Hollywood’s most extravagant party was held last night and the 75th edition of the Golden Globes did not disappoint. Wildly considered the irreverent cousin to the more conservative Academy Awards, the Globes always manage to provide red-hot moments and stunning victories (not to mention boozy speeches.) Here are my 5 musings from this year’s ceremony:

1. Oprah’s speech was hands-down the best of the evening.  Ms. Winfrey never disappoints but this speech was one of her best. Spot-on, fearless and brutally honest, it made people feel empowered and invigorated. The speech was a true testament to her influence in the industry and proved that she is in a position where she doesn’t need to mince words to make the people around her feel comfortable. Her win also marks the first time an African American woman was awarded the prestigious Cecil B. Demille Lifetime Achievement award. Great job, Lady O!

2. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is a dark horse Best Picture contender. The film has been gaining traction lately and it ended up winning the most awards of the evening - Motion Picture - Drama, Actress in a Drama (Frances McDormand,) Supporting Actor (Sam Rockwell,) and Screenplay. I hope it’s not peaking too early but this is definitely the new frontrunner to win big at the Academy Awards in March. 

3. Big Little Lies can do no wrong. The HBO miniseries has been renewed for a second season and I cannot contain my excitement. Perfectly acted, written and directed, it represents the power of great television (with 4 wins, to boot!) Kudos to everyone, involved.

4. Seth Meyers’ monologue scored big time. I think everyone was a little wary to see how Meyers (pictured above) would tackle the Hollywood scandals of 2017 but he delivered in ways that surprised even his biggest fans. He was tactful, classy, funny and REAL.  Kudos to him for delivering and setting the tone for 2018′s award season. 

5. The women were empowered. It was awesome to see female stars of film and television be boldly brazen with their words. There was blatant talk of the gender pay gap. There was more than one mention of the lack of female inclusion in the Best Motion Picture Director category.  The sea of black gowns was a powerful sight to behold.  If this is any indication of the new day that Oprah mentioned, the world had better prepare itself: they are here to reclaim their time. 

As for my predictions, I did get 7 of the 11 television categories and just one correct in the motion picture categories.  Sigh....better luck next time, I guess.