Golden Globes gold rush: Barbenheimer’s big bet on domination.

The 81st Golden Globe Awards, slated for January 7, 2024, are gearing up to be a star-studded affair, with four standout films emerging as strong contenders for top honours. As the anticipation builds, the spotlight falls on Barbie and Oppenheimer with both set to dominate the night with nine and eight nominations respectively. However, there could be a few surprises in store too with Killers of the Flower Moon and Poor Things, both weighing in with seven nominations each.

With competition looking fierce this year we break down the ones to watch:

Barbie

Best Director - Motion Picture: Greta Gerwig, Barbie

Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy

Best Original Song - Motion Picture:

“Dance the Night” - Mark Ronson, Andrew Wyatt, Dua Lipa, Caroline Ailin

“I’m Just Ken” - Mark Ronson, Andrew Wyatt

“What Was I Made For?” - Billie Eilish, Finneas O’Connell

Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy: Margot Robbie, Barbie

Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture: Ryan Gosling, Barbie

Best Screenplay - Motion Picture: Greta Gerwig, Noah Baumbach, Barbie

Cinematic and Box Office Achievement

Greta Gerwig's imaginative take on the iconic doll, Barbie, has caught the industry's attention with an impressive nine nominations. Starring the talented Margot Robbie, this feature is more than just a children's movie. Gerwig's directorial finesse coupled with Robbie's charismatic performance could catapult Barbie into the limelight, challenging preconceptions about animated films and earning it a top spot at the Golden Globes.

Oppenheimer

Best Director - Motion Picture: Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer

Best Motion Picture - Drama

Best Original Score - Motion Picture: Ludwig Göransson, Oppenheimer

Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture: Emily Blunt, Oppenheimer

Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama: Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer

Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture: Robert Downey Jr., Oppenheimer

Best Screenplay - Motion Picture: Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer

Cinematic and Box Office Achievement

Christopher Nolan's epic historical drama, Oppenheimer, follows closely with eight nominations, affirming the filmmaker's reputation for delivering visually stunning and thought-provoking cinema. With a cast that includes industry heavyweight Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer explores the complexities of history and the moral dilemmas faced by its titular character. Expectations are high for Nolan to once again make a profound impact on the awards circuit with this cinematic masterpiece.

Killers of the Flower Moon

Best Director - Motion Picture: Martin Scorsese, Killers of the Flower Moon

Best Motion Picture - Drama

Best Original Score - Motion Picture: Robbie Robertson, Killers of the Flower Moon

Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama: Lily Gladstone, Killers of the Flower Moon

Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama: Leonardo DiCaprio, Killers of the Flower Moon

Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture: Robert De Niro, Killers of the Flower Moon

Best Screenplay - Motion Picture: Eric Roth, Martin Scorsese, Killers of the Flower Moon

Martin Scorsese's crime thriller, Killers of the Flower Moon, enters the race with seven nominations, promising a gripping narrative intertwined with historical intrigue. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, the film delves into a dark chapter of American history, and Scorsese's directorial prowess ensures it stands out in a crowded field. With its compelling storyline and powerhouse performances, Killers of the Flower Moon is a strong contender for Golden Globe success.

Poor Things

Best Director - Motion Picture: Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things

Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy

Best Original Score - Motion Picture: Jerskin Fendrix, Poor Things

Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy: Emma Stone, Poor Things

Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture:

Mark Ruffalo, Poor Things

Willem Dafoe, Poor Things

Best Screenplay - Motion Picture: Tony McNamara, Poor Things

Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things adds a touch of dark humour to the awards lineup, securing seven nominations. The film, featuring a stellar cast, including Emma Stone and Willem Dafoe, promises a unique blend of satire and drama. Lanthimos, known for his distinct directorial style, may just surprise audiences and the industry alike, making Poor Things a dark horse in the Golden Globes race.