Nominations for the 63rd annual Golden Globes are out, and if this year's list is an indication for the Academy Awards, it's looking like it may be a good year to be a cowboy in love. Ang Lee's Brokeback Mountain tops the list, with seven awards, including nods for best direction and actor — but only one in the latter category. Heath Ledger was a shoo-in for his role as the conflicted Ennis del Mar, but many expected co-star Jake Gyllenhaal to be nominated as well for his performance as del Mar's tense lover Jack Twist. Ledger's real life girlfriend Michelle Williams picked up a nod in the supporting actress category, however.
But Gyllenhaal's absence was not the only surprise — the critically acclaimed Crash, lauded by some as the film of the year, was conspicuously absent here, picking up only one nomination. The film may have suffered from an early release, but expect a lot of speculation about the ensemble cast's chances for Oscar recognition.
In television, Desperate Housewives again piles up the nominations, despite a marked drop in critical acclaim for the primetime soap this year. Unsurprisingly, the new show My Name is Earl picked up a couple of nominations, including a nod for lead Jason Lee, who is long overdue accolades for his comedic ability. Lee's will be duking it out with the Housewives for a chance at the award for best comedy (or musical) series.
The list of nominees was announced Tuesday at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles by actress Kate Beckinsale and actors Mark Wahlberg and Steve Carell. The Golden Globes will be televised on January 16, 2006.
Full list of nominees:
Best motion picture - Drama
Brokeback Mountain
The Constant Gardener
A History of Violence
Match Point
Good Night, and Good Luck
Best performance by an actress in a motion picture - drama
Maria Bello - A History of Violence
Felicity Huffman - Transamerica
Gwyneth Paltrow - Proof
Charlize Theron - North Country
Ziyi Zhang - Memoirs of a Geisha
Best performance by an actor in a motion picture - Drama
Russell Crowe - Cinderella Man
Philip Seymour Hoffman - Capote
Terrence Howard - Hustle and Flow
Heath Ledger - Brokeback Mountain
David Strathairn - Good Night and Good Luck
Best motion picture - Musical Or Comedy
Mrs Henderson Presents
Pride & Prejudice
The Producers
The Squid and the Whale
Walk the Line
Article comments
1 - Matthew T. Sussman
Color me childish but I preferred the Fark headline:
"Brokeback Mountain up to its ass in Golden Globe nominations"
2 - Jenifer Gonzales
The biggest surprise for me was not seeing any Shopgirl recognition. I thought Claire Danes was fabulous. Maybe the film was released too early and it wasn't on the forefront of the voters' minds anymore, after all the initial critical praise it received.
Good to see The Squid and the Whale get some recognition. That was a great film with even greater performances all around.
Regarding Desperate Housewives ... I just don't get it.
3 - Alisha Karabinus
You're right, Suss... that headline blows me... er... y'know, there are just too many traps there. I'm gonna let it go while I still have a little grace. I do have grace, right?
Jenifer, I don't get it either. But then, I've NEVER gotten Teri Hatcher (she scares me) or primetime soaps!
4 - NancyGail
I have to wonder if the people choosing the nomineees simply picked the actors and productions that everyone else is raving about.
5 - tommyd
"Brokeback Mountain" has made Cowboy/Western movie history, you know.
Yes, Brokeback is the first Cowboy/Western film in history where the good guys get it in the end.
Gotcha!
6 - Chris Evans
You don't get what? Do you watch the show?