Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another has emerged as the frontrunner in the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, securing a leading nine nominations. This development adds momentum to the film’s Oscar campaign while handing Warner Brothers a significant victory amid its acquisition deal with Netflix.
Among the Australian nominees, Jacob Elordi stands out with two nominations: one for best supporting male actor in a film for Frankenstein, and another for best male actor in a limited series for The Narrow Road to the Deep North. Sarah Snook also received recognition for her role in the limited series All Her Fault, filmed in Melbourne, while Joel Edgerton was nominated for best male actor in a drama for his performance in Train Dreams.
Warner Brothers and Netflix: A New Era in Hollywood
The Golden Globe nominations arrive amidst a potentially transformative period for the entertainment industry. On Friday, Netflix announced a $72 billion deal to acquire Warner Brothers Discovery. If approved, this merger could reshape Hollywood, placing one of its most storied studios under the control of the streaming giant.
Both companies are key players in this year’s awards season. Warner Brothers, alongside One Battle After Another, boasts nominations for Sinners, Ryan Coogler’s acclaimed vampire film, which received seven nods, including best actor for Michael B. Jordan and best director for Coogler.
Netflix’s contenders include Jay Kelly by Noah Baumbach, with nominations for George Clooney and Adam Sandler, Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein with five nominations, and the streaming sensation KPop Demon Hunters. The latter, despite Netflix’s usual limited theatrical releases, achieved a No. 1 box office weekend through singalong screenings.
Neon and the Rise of International Cinema
While Warner Brothers and Netflix dominated the nominations, indie film company Neon emerged as a significant force, especially in international cinema. Neon secured 21 nominations, including five of the six international film slots, reinforcing its reputation as a powerhouse in global film releases.
Neon’s success came partly at the expense of high-profile studio films. Wicked: For Good was nominated for five awards, including two for its songs and acting nods for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. However, it was notably absent from the best comedy or musical category, where One Battle After Another, Yorgos Lanthimos’ Bugonia, Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme, Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice, and two Richard Linklater films, Blue Moon and Nouvelle Vague, were nominated.
Industry Reactions and Future Implications
The proposed Warner Bros-Netflix deal has sparked industry-wide concerns about the future of theatrical releases. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has assured a commitment to theatrical releases for many Warner projects, but the leading trade group for exhibitors has labeled the deal an “unprecedented threat.”
Former President Donald Trump expressed concerns about the market dominance the merger could create, while Paramount has launched a hostile bid for Warner Bros. Meanwhile, Neon continues to thrive, particularly in the international film sector, underscoring the diverse landscape of the current film industry.
This year’s Golden Globes also mark a significant change with the introduction of a best podcast category. The inaugural nominees include Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, Call Her Daddy, and Good Hang with Amy Poehler, among others, reflecting the evolving nature of entertainment media.
As the Golden Globes aim to move beyond past controversies, the ceremony, hosted by Nikki Glaser, will air on January 11. Helen Mirren will be honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award, while Sarah Jessica Parker will receive the Carol Burnett Award, celebrating their contributions to the industry.
