Golden Globe Shockers: A-List Snubs Hit Hard, Viola Davis, America Ferrera, Adam Driver Left In The Cold

Jimmy Henton
Dec 12, 2023
Dec 12, 2023

As the glittering curtain rises on this year's awards season, the Golden Globe nominations have once again stirred up a whirlwind of speculation and surprise. Amid the cheers for nominees, there's an echoing gasp for some notable exclusions. "The Color Purple," a cinematic spectacle hitting theaters on Christmas Day, found itself shockingly absent from the best musical/comedy category.

Despite securing well-deserved acting nods for stars Fantasia Barrino (of "American Idol" fame) and Danielle Brooks ("Orange Is the New Black"), the film's omission leaves fans and critics alike scratching their heads.

This stylized masterpiece, born from the creative tapestry of Oprah Winfrey's Broadway production, adapted from Steven Spielberg's iconic 1985 film and Alice Walker's revered 1982 book, stands as one of the most surprising snubs. As we anticipate the Golden Globe Awards on January 7, hosted on CBS and Paramount+ (8 p.m. ET/5 PT), the shockwaves of unexpected omissions reverberate, adding an extra layer of intrigue to Hollywood's glamorous celebration.

#1. Julia Louis-Dreyfus

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Julia Louis-Dreyfus, known for her role in "Veep," gives an outstanding performance in the often-overlooked gem, "You Hurt My Feelings." This sharp and witty comedy delves into themes of criticism, insecurity, and the little white lies we share with those we hold dear.

Despite delivering one of the year's standout performances, Louis-Dreyfus, with nine prior Globe nominations and a win for "Seinfeld," surprisingly found herself excluded from the best comedy actress category. It's a head-scratcher moment given her impressive track record, leaving fans to wonder about the mysteries of award-season choices.

#2. America Ferrera

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America Ferrera, renowned for her role in "Ugly Betty," has been actively promoting Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" on the campaign trail. In this film, she portrays a toy designer and a mother navigating the challenges of reconnecting with her daughter, played by Ariana Greenblatt. Ferrera delivers a compelling monologue, addressing the unrealistic standards imposed on women.

Despite this powerful performance, she faced disappointment as she was surprisingly bypassed for a nomination in the best supporting actress category. It's a notable omission given Ferrera's dedication to her role and the impactful message she brings to the screen about the complexities of womanhood in today's society.

#3. Viola Davis

Source: IMDb

Following a career-best performance in "The Woman King" that went unnoticed by the Oscars last year, it's disheartening to witness Viola Davis once again facing the cold shoulder from the Globes this season for her outstanding work in "Air." In the film, she portrays Deloris Jordan, the savvy mother of basketball legend Michael Jordan.

What adds an extra layer of bewilderment is the absence of Davis, especially when the Nike drama earned nominations for best musical/comedy and best comedy actor (Matt Damon). It's a puzzling omission that leaves fans and critics questioning the award season choices, given Davis's consistently remarkable contributions to the cinematic landscape.

#4. Adam Driver

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Adam Driver, typically known for his reserved nature with the press, has been actively engaged in the awards circuit to champion Michael Mann's "Ferrari." From notable appearances at the Venice and New York film festivals to a presence at last month's Gotham Awards, Driver has been putting in the effort.

However, despite his endeavors, he couldn't clinch the victory in the intense competition for the best actor category. Adding to the surprise, his co-star Penélope Cruz also faced disappointment, missing out on a nomination for best supporting actress. It's a testament to the fierce competition in this year's awards season, leaving fans to reflect on the unpredictable nature of recognition in the film industry.

#5. Taraji P. Henson

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The radiant performance of the "Empire" star in "The Color Purple" as Shug Avery, the alluring nightclub singer guiding Celie (Fantasia Barrino) towards self-discovery, is nothing short of luminous. Yet, despite the well-deserved acting nominations for Barrino and Danielle Brooks, who portrayed the bold Sofia, Taraji P.

Henson was notably absent from Monday's nominations. Henson's portrayal added a captivating layer to the film, making her omission from the list a notable surprise. The snub leaves fans and critics pondering the intricacies of award season choices and the sometimes perplexing oversights that occur in recognizing the talent within the industry.

#6. Zac Efron

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The former teen heartthrob takes on a challenging role in "The Iron Claw," delving into the poignant real-life narrative of the Von Erich family wrestling dynasty. Despite the movie's positive reception, it faced an unexpected knockout when the Golden Globe nominations were announced.

The film, along with its lead actor, was notably absent from all categories, including the highly competitive field of best actor. It's a surprising turn for a well-received production, leaving fans and critics speculating on the unpredictability of award-season recognition and the occasional oversight in acknowledging noteworthy performances.

#7. Dominic Sessa

Source: IMDb

In Alexander Payne's tender and nostalgic film "The Holdovers," a first-time actor proves his mettle alongside seasoned performers Paul Giamatti and Da'Vine Joy Randolph. The storyline weaves an unexpected bond between the trio, who find themselves stuck together at a boarding school over Christmas.

Despite the commendable performances from his co-stars being acknowledged, the Golden Globes delivered a surprising blow by overlooking Sessa for a Best Supporting Actor nomination. It's an apparent misstep in recognizing the ensemble's collective talent, leaving fans and industry watchers contemplating the nuances and occasional oversights that unfold during the awards season.

#8. 'Wonka'

Source: IMDb

Timothée Chalamet secures a well-deserved spot in the best comedy actor category for his enchanting performance in the movie musical "Wonka." The film, a sugar-sweet origin tale exploring Roald Dahl's eccentric chocolatier, showcases Chalamet's undeniable talent. However, the whimsical creation helmed by "Paddington" director Paul King faced an unexpected setback.

Despite its charm, "Wonka" found itself excluded from the best musical/comedy category, a space claimed by more provocative contenders like "May December" and "Poor Things." It's a twist in the tale of recognition, emphasizing the competition's unpredictability and the diverse choices that unfold during the Golden Globe nominations.

#9. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Source: IMDb

After an impressive nearly 30-year career in Hollywood, Ellis-Taylor celebrated her first Oscar nomination last year for her role in "King Richard" alongside Will Smith. Returning to the awards scene this season, she graces the screen in Ava DuVernay's highly anticipated "Origin," a thought-provoking drama exploring themes of race and class.

However, her awards campaign faced a setback on Monday when she was noticeably absent from the intensely competitive best drama actress category at the Golden Globes. It's a surprising turn for an actress gaining well-deserved recognition, sparking discussions about the intricate dynamics of award season selections and the challenges faced by even seasoned talents in the industry.

Golden Globe Shockers: A-List Snubs Hit Hard, Viola Davis, America Ferrera, Adam Driver Left In The Cold

#1. Julia Louis-Dreyfus

#2. America Ferrera

#3. Viola Davis

#4. Adam Driver

#5. Taraji P. Henson

#6. Zac Efron

#7. Dominic Sessa

#8. 'Wonka'

#9. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

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