Elvis (Warner Bros.) The Fabelmans (Universal Pictures) Tár (Focus Features) Top Gun: Maverick (Paramount Pictures) — Winner Although admittedly, at the time of writing this, I’ve yet to see Avatar: The Way of Water, I must admit that Top Gun: Maverick seems to be the one film that not only unexpectedly made a billion dollars at the box office, but also delivered a story that some might’ve felt was twenty plus years too late. Tom Cruise delivered a story that was not only gripping but straight-up entertaining with a cast who was just as game to train for this amazing fighter pilot movie. It was the unexpected blockbuster film no one thought would achieve what it did, including having a bunch of dudes now sporting the pilot’s mustache. The Banshees of Inisherin (Searchlight Pictures) Everything Everywhere All at Once (A24) — Winner Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (Netflix) Triangle of Sadness (Neon) This is a film that dives into the multiverse in a way that makes Dr. Strange and The Multiverse of Madness seem like child’s play. Michelle Yeoh’s performance, combined with her castmates Stephanie Hsu and Ke Huy Quan, make for a thrilling and trippy dramedy adventure that everyone should watch over and over again to catch all the nuances of the film. I will never look at an everything bagel the same again. Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert (Everything Everywhere All at Once) Baz Luhrmann (Elvis) Martin McDonagh (The Banshees of Inisherin) Steven Spielberg (The Fabelmans) With such a great selection of directors, I believe James Cameron will pull out the victory. Although I have yet to see Avatar: The Way of Water, critics are already raving about the film being better than the last and commenting on how visually stunning and immersive the film is. Seeing that the first Avatar didn’t earn him the win, I can see this year is different for the Titanic director. Brendan Fraser (The Whale) — Winner Hugh Jackman (The Son) Bill Nighy (Living) Jeremy Pope (The Inspection) Brendan Fraser has made one hell of a comeback, though many have already been impressed with his portrayal of Cliff Steele in Doom Patrol. His latest performance as Charlie, the optimistic, reclusive English teacher trying to reconnect with his teenage daughter, has had Hollywood singing his praises. If his standing ovation at the London Film Festival wasn’t enough of an indicator of how deserving he is of this award, then watch the film and try to walk away with a dry eye. Olivia Colman (Empire of Light) Viola Davis (The Woman King) - Winner Ana de Armas (Blonde) Michelle Williams (The Fabelmans) I’ll be honest about my bias, everybody on this list had outstanding performances, I am picking Viola not only because I think it would be great for her to finally get a Golden Globe in this category, but her character is the only one that kicks major ass. Now I know the voters probably have more of an artistic logic on why they pick a winner, but hey, I’m a simple man with simple tastes. Margot Robbie (Babylon) Anya Taylor-Joy (The Menu) Emma Thompson (Good Luck to You, Leo Grande) Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once) — Winner Michelle Yeoh’s performance as Evelyn Wang is something I have yet to see from the Crazy Rich Asians actor. Her performance during this acid trip of an adventure shows her incredible range as we see her in some familiar badass action scenes as well as tender moments with her daughter, which give the film some gravitas to balance the incredible mind-bending story. Daniel Craig (Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery) Adam Driver (White Noise) Colin Farrell (The Banshees of Inisherin) — Winner Ralph Fiennes (The Menu) The Banshees of Inisherin tells a tale of a collapsed friendship that leads to comedy and tragedy, which leaves some characters without beloved pets and others without fingers. Colin’s portrayal of Pádraic, the dull, kind-natured townie whose friend has left him abandoned, is the type of character you empathize with but also understand why someone might want to distance themselves. His arc throughout the film helps Colin deliver one of his best performances and is why he is my pick for this year’s winner. Barry Keoghan (The Banshees of Inisherin) Brad Pitt (Babylon) Ke Huy Quan (Everything Everywhere All at Once) Eddie Redmayne (The Good Nurse) Yes, this year I have the incredible duo of Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson winning Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor as this tandem gives this film the authenticity in their friendship that we also saw in In Bruges. Brendan’s performance as Colm, the grumpy musician who has ended his comradery with his long-time drinking buddy, shows us why he is the perfect person to play such a role. His ability to be at the same level as Colin in every scene they together show why director Martin McDonagh first came to these two actors with the script years ago and changed the script from more action to let these two characters be the focal point of the story, and I for one, am glad he did. Kerry Condon (The Banshees of Inisherin) Jamie Lee Curtis (Everything Everywhere All at Once) Dolly De Leon (Triangle of Sadness) Carey Mulligan (She Said) What is there to say about Angela’s performance that critics and audiences haven’t said already? With the loss of Chadwick Boseman, this film showed us not only characters grieving for their Black Panther but also allowed the actors to be vulnerable onscreen as well. No one delivered on that more than Angela in this film and gave us a Ramonda with the fierceness only a mother can have. Although so many of the nominees on this list delivered great performances, none stand out as much to me as Mrs. Bassett. The Crown (Netflix) House of the Dragon (HBO) Ozark (Netflix) Severance (Apple TV+) With Better Call Saul and Ozark having seemingly delivered on some of the best series finales, it was hard for me to pick between the two, but seeing Bob Odenkirk and crew deliver on such a satisfying end to an incredible series, on the same level of Breaking Bad gave it the slight edge. It has been a rollercoaster of a ride for Jimmy throughout the show, and as Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould do so well, we weren’t exactly sure how he would land this plan, and man, did it land perfectly. If you have never dived into this incredible show and want any reason to do so, hopefully, the Golden Globe award will give you the motivation to open up Netflix and do some binging. The Bear (FX) — Winner Hacks (HBO Max) Only Murders in the Building (Hulu) Wednesday (Netflix) The Bear was 2022’s surprise show of the year and gave us a dramedy that I wasn’t sure about watching until I got COVID and figured, eh, let me give this a chance. I was more than pleasantly surprised, not only by Jeremy Allen Whites’ performance but the overall cast, who gave this little family restaurant the heart that makes this show great. The idea of this renowned chef having to come back home to try and save a deeply in debt restaurant his brother had left for him after his passing is intriguing enough, then when you see how the show is shot, it will keep you immersed as if you are also on that kitchen line trying to pump out orders and saying “Yes, Chef!” Kevin Costner (Yellowstone) Diego Luna (Andor) Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul) — Winner Adam Scott (Severance) It’s a shame that Bob Odenkirk hasn’t received an Emmy or Golden Globe for his incredible performance as Saul Goodman/Jimmy McGill. Bob’s performance as the sleazy lawyer with the silver tongue has kept us on the edge of our seat season after season. Though the incredible writing has obviously made the show what it’s been, Bob Odenkirk’s portrayal of Jimmy has kept the show soaring. Clearly, others have recognized it with the countless nominations he’s garnered. I think it’s about time he finally goes home with an award after an amazing series finale. Laura Linney (Ozark) Imelda Staunton (The Crown) Hilary Swank (Alaska Daily) Zendaya (Euphoria) — Winner Though Zendaya has already won two Emmys for her performance as Rue Bennett, this last season reminded us again why she is so deserving of those awards. We get to see Rue at her absolute lowest, and Zendaya conveyed that onto the screen in a way that had my jaw on the floor in amazement. Rue’s tragic tale, paired with Zendaya’s grade-A acting, makes for TV greatness and is why I believe she will be called onstage for her award. Kaley Cuoco (The Flight Attendant) Selena Gomez (Only Murders in the Building) Jenna Ortega (Wednesday) Jean Smart (Hacks) Quinta Brunson has already been recognized for her incredible writing this year, so it’s only fitting she is also recognized for her performance as Janine Teague. She has brought the same energy that made her a youtube star with her shorts all those years ago to TV, with characters and a concept that has been needed. There’s a reason Sheryl Lee Ralph was able to get an Emmy for her amazing performance in the show, and it’s partly due to Quinta’s great writing. Though it might be hard to focus on who is best with such an ensemble as in Abbott Elementary, it’s clear that Quinta has risen as a star, and this year, she should be awarded as such. Bill Hader (Barry) Steve Martin (Only Murders in the Building) Martin Short (Only Murders in the Building) Jeremy Allen White (The Bear) — Winner I never got around to watching Shameless, though I had always heard that multiple cast members delivered amazing performances. Though I can’t speak on his previous show, Jeremy’s captivating performance in The Bear now has me ready to binge his other stuff to see how he got to this point. He plays Carmy Berzatto as someone who is trying to grieve the recent passing of his drug-addict older brother while simultaneously learning how to make the family restaurant his brother dumped on him afloat in the midst of debt and a work culture that isn’t conducive to success. His monologue at a support group is one of the greatest monologues I’ve seen on TV in a long time and am just excited to see what this show has in store for this incredible actor who will most likely win more awards in the future. Jonathan Pryce (The Crown) John Turturro (Severance) Tyler James Williams (Abbott Elementary) Henry Winkler (Barry) — Winner After winning an Emmy back in 2018, Henry has been nominated for both Emmys and Golden Globes, showing recognition of his consistent performance over the years. Though this list of nominees all has great performances to match Henry’s, there’s something about how Henry plays Gene that feels different. He is the mentor that finally sees Barry for who he is, and that season finale showed just how much Gene has changed and how the show will change from here on out. Hannah Einbinder (Hacks) Julia Garner (Ozark) — Winner Janelle James (Abbott Elementary) Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary) This was another list that had me going crazy for who I should pick, but overall I think I enjoyed Julia’s portrayal of Ruth the most as she has had a great arc throughout the series, and that is why she has been recognized by being awarded three Emmys for her performance. With the series wrapping in this last season, we got to see Julia showing her acting prowess by giving us a Ruth who, til the end, was as hardcore as they come. Though as great as Julia has been, if Sheryl Lee Ralph were to win in this category, I wouldn’t be surprised either. Sorry for hedging my bets.
