The Best Actor in a comedy is one of the most interesting races this year. The race includes five actors whose films are all nominated for Best Picture. Additionally, it includes three previous winners and one first-time nominee and one previous nominee. The five actors are also Oscar contenders and a win from the Hollywood Foreign Press could be fundamental for an Academy Award nomination.
Christian Bale - "American Hustle" - Bale won the Golden Globe in 2010 for his work in "The Fighter." This year the actor is nominated for another showy performance. At the moment in the awards race, "American Hustle" has garnered numerous nominations and Bale has been present in most major award organizations including the Critic's Choice Awards. However, his absence at the Screen Actors Guild demonstrates that the performance is not getting the attention that it deserves. "American Hustle" has nominations at the Globes and the fact that Globes nominated it for so many awards only shows the Hollywood Foreign Press' liking for the film. If Bale surprises in the category, he is likely to get an Oscar nomination.
Bruce Dern - "Nebraska" - Dern is receiving his third Globe nomination since 1978 when he was nominated for "Coming Home." His role in "Nebraska" has garnered universal acclaim and since his Cannes Film Festival victory Dern has been considered a front-runner. Out of the five actors nominated in this category he is the only Screen Actors Guild Nominee, making him the automatic front-runner to win the award. Additionally, "Nebraska" received five nominations, which shows the Globes' preference for the film. Having already won two precursor awards, Dern seems unstoppable in this category.
Leonardo DiCaprio - "The Wolf of Wall Street" - The nomination marks DiCaprio's 10th nomination at the Globes. He has previously been nominated for "Revolutionary Road," "J. Edgar," "Django Unchained" and "Blood Diamond." He previously won for "The Aviator" in 2004. This year DiCaprio has been left out of major awards races including the Critic's Choice awards and has yet to win a single precursor. Additionally, the Screen Actors Guild did not have a chance to see the movie and as a result it was completely ignored. The movie has also been part of many controversies because of its explicit content, which has hurt his campaign. If DiCaprio surprises and wins the award he will be one step closer to an Oscar nomination.
Oscar Isaac - "Inside Llewyn Davis" - If the race was not so crowded first-time nominee Isaac would be the winner in the category. However, his absence at the Critic's Choice and Screen Actors Guild awards signifies that he is not in the favor of any major awards organizations. While he has already won two precursor awards, expect Isaac to go home empty handed.
Joaquin Phoenix - "Her" - Having won in 2005 for "Walk the Line," Phoenix has shown numerous times that he is one of the greatest living actors working today. His performance in the critically-acclaimed "Her" shows the actor in a completely different facet. It is a more subtle and vulnerable performance and this alone hurts his chances. Awards organizations generally prefer showy work. As a result, it is unlikely that Phoenix will win the Globe.
Predictions: Dern will win the award without any problem. However, if the Globe's want to shake up the race, DiCaprio will win.
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