The Golden Globes are in the books, and although the annual ceremony provides many surprises and questionable decisions, it still offers insight into what to look for heading into the Academy Awards. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at the winners of some of the most important categories and see if we can predict what’s to come for this year’s Oscars. 

Best Motion Picture – Drama

WINNER – “Nomadland”

Heading into the ceremony, it seemed like the only competitor to this film was “The Trial of the Chicago 7” because of its political relevance and showmanship. But even with all its craftiness and bravado, nothing compares to the beauty and intimacy of “Nomadland.” This film is going to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy

WINNER – “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”  

This was Borat’s category to lose. The win almost certainly guarantees a Best Picture nomination for the film, but don’t expect it to make much noise come Oscar night. The Academy always shuns comedy and horror. 

Best Director – Motion Picture

WINNER – Chloé Zhao

The “Nomadland” filmmaker looks poised to make history at the Academy Awards. Not only would Zhao become the second female ever to win the directing award, but she would also be the first Asian-American woman to win. All signs point to a victory, and I honestly don’t think it’s close.

Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama

WINNER – Chadwick Boseman

The late actor won for his performance in the film, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” The posthumous win was the most emotional part of the ceremony, and there’s a good chance it will be again. The race is tight, with performances from Riz Ahmed and Sacha Baron Cohen also in the mix, but it seems only right to award Boseman for his inspiring presence on screen. 

Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama

WINNER – Andra Day

This was hands-down the most surprising victory of the night. Not to say that it wasn’t deserving, but the film itself, “The United States vs. Billie Holiday,” hasn’t received great reviews. Going into the night, I would have pegged Frances McDormand and Carey Mulligan as the clear frontrunners. I would even say Day was the last person I’d have expected to win because of the lack of noise the film has been getting. 

This win may shake up the entire discussion heading into the Oscars, and it almost certainly gives Day a nomination. But, with all that said, I still find it unlikely that she will take home the top prize at the Academy Awards. I’ll put my money on McDormand. 

Best Actor and Actress in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture

WINNERS – Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Foster

When it comes to Kaluuya, he’s a lock for the Oscar. But with Foster, things get interesting. The only thing working against her is that the film, “The Mauritanian,” continues to lack buzz. She’s going to have to do a lot of promotion and press work in order to keep the momentum her way. The win is a great start in securing a nomination, but I still think even that may be a long shot. The film just isn’t being talked about. 

Well, there it is. With the Oscars just under two months away, (April 25) I look forward to seeing if any of my insight pays off. But then again, I’m not part of the Academy, so don’t yell at me if your pick doesn’t take home an award.