GOLDEN GLOBE PREDICTIONS 2014!

Well, my nomination predictions weren't too hot, but the Globes do tend to switch up genres without notice. ("Before Midnight" a comedy? "Llewyn Davis" a comedy/musical?) But now that it's been established, watch as  I attempt to navigate the major awards wins this Sunday. A list of all the nominees are HERE.

DRAMA:

• ACTOR: There's no weak link here, but Ejiofor is expected to blow everyone out of the water for his performance of an unjustly kidnapped slave. But points for the Globes' originality: Idris Elba's Mandela was a left-field choice.
• ACTRESS: British modern legends dominate this category, and if it was up to me the prize would be Blanchett's for her arresting, spot-on American, whiny performance, but I see Hollywood rewarding Bullock for her turn as a panting astronaut (I'm kidding, she was great, too).
• FILM: If "Gravity" wasn't released this year, it would be a "12 Years" landslide, but the visual wonder has split voters between a horribly realistic portrayal of American slavery and the scariness of outer space. Despite "Gravity's" pros, I think they'll still recognize "12 Years a Slave's" brilliance.

COMEDY:

• ACTOR: Believe it or not this is an even tighter race, Isaac particularly becoming a pretty big Oscar front runner, but I believe the Globes will give the edge to either Bale or DiCaprio for their incredible accents. Gun to my head, I'd go with DiCaprio for the sheer insanity factor.  
• ACTRESS: Streep has eight globes. EIGHT. But her performance has predictably been given raves. I think the voters however will reward Adams for her layered, deceptive role in "American Hustle." 
• FILM: Even though I find it overrated, I think "American Hustle's" star power will get it the win. Personally I'll be howling for "The Wolf" to pull an upset.

THE REST:

• SUPPORTING ACTOR: I'm very pleased to see Fassbender and newcomer Abdi in the mix, but it's Leto's for the taking, no doubt about it. 
• SUPPORTING ACTRESS: I'm displeased Jennifer Lawrence has been getting so much buzz for her role. Of course everyone's in love with her as an actress, and her role as a spitfire housewife was great, but Lupita Nyong'o is simply the stronger player here. Her Patsey is devastating. I believe the breakthrough actress will take it.
• DIRECTOR: Even with "12 Years" inevitable winning best drama, this award has to go to Cuaron, for having such a huge role in creating a world we admire but are so unfamiliar with. 
• ANIMATED: With "The Wind Rises" shoved to the foreign film category, it's "Frozen" that'll come out on top.
• SCREENPLAY: Even with "Slave's" elegant antebellum-era language, "Her's" buzz comes very strongly from its highly original premise, and Spike Jonze may go on to win the Oscar. "Her" will surely win this prize.