As The Golden Globes continues to reinvent the awards show post-scandal, it’s looking to the 2024 event to return the show to prominence on the awards calendar. On Monday, nominations for the 81st Annual Golden Globes were announced, and for some Black stars, things are looking the same. Yes, 2023-24 awards season favorites “American Fiction,” Jeffrey Wright, Colman Domingo, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Quinta Brunson and “Abbott Elementary” all received nods. But the incredible focus on “Barbie,” “Succession” and “Oppenheimer,” left some notable Black artists and projects off the list.
‘The Color Purple’
We’ve got to start with the biggest Black movie of the year, “The Color Purple.” While Fantasia Barrino is nominated for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical/Comedy and Danielle Brooks is recognized for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture, the film itself and most of its cast were not nominated. Where’s the love for Domingo, Taraji P. Henson or Corey Hawkins? And how do you have a category that specifically honors musicals and not give “The Color Purple” a nod? This isn’t a knock against any of the nominees, but this seems like a no-brainer.
‘Rustin’
Once again, a well-reviewed, impactful Black film was left out of the proceedings. Domingo was nominated for his unforgettable, masterful performance as civil rights leader Bayard Rustin, but neither the film or its stellar cast got nods. This is one of those instances where the organization feels like recognizing the movie’s star is enough applause for the entire project. As outstanding as Colman is, there’s no way this movie isn’t one of the best dramas of the year.
‘The Little Mermaid’
I understand that this was a longshot, but this show was really the only chance for the movie or Halle Bailey to get awards recognition. This is the only major awards show that specifically prioritizes musicals, so this was the breakout star and the movie’s big chance to shine.
Viola Davis
So you nominated “Air” for Best Motion Picture - Musical/Comedy and Matt Damon for Leading Actor, but not Viola Davis? She was the highlight of the film as Michael Jordan’s mother, Deloris. In case you don’t know the rules Golden Globes, Viola gets nominated every time, no matter how much screen time she gets. If she shows up for two minutes, she gets nominated. That’s how it works.
Dominique Fishback and ‘Swarm’
In the entertainment industry, it’s hard to get critics and experts to agree on anything. However, the one thing we all agreed on in 2023 was that Dominique Fishback delivered an absolute tour de force in Prime Video’s “Swarm.” She was heart-breaking, scary and hilarious throughout the series. Sometimes she brilliantly gave us all those emotions in the same scene. Since they all have different standards, rules and timelines, you can’t really compare awards. But if the series and Dominique are both nominated for Emmys, how do they not make the cut for the Golden Globes? This is by far, the most egregious snub of this year’s show.
Even though some of our favorites didn’t get nods, if you’re a fan of “Barbie,” “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” or “Ted Lasso,” you can still watch the 81st Annual Golden Globes air live Sunday, Jan. 7 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS and Paramount+.