RIGHT NOW WITH RUSSELL: ‘Barbie,’ ‘Succession’ lead Golden Globe nominations

The road to the Oscars has been paved for blockbuster “Barbie.”

Greta Gerwig’s charming, empowering summer hit leads the pack of film nominations for the 81st annual Golden Globe Awards announced Monday. The film’s nine nominations include Best Picture - Musical/Comedy, Best Actress - Musical or Comedy, Best Supporting Actor, and three nods for Best Song.

Christopher Nolan’s powerful “Oppenheimer” follows with eight. Martin Scorsese’s equally epic “Killers of the Flower Moon“ received seven.

This image released by HBO shows Sara Snook, left, and Brian Cox in a scene from "Succession." (Macall Polay/HBO via AP)

Credit: Macall Polay

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Credit: Macall Polay

As for TV honors, the stellar final season of HBO’s “Succession” garnered nine nominations. Also notable: FX’s “The Bear” received five, including a surprise nod for Abby Elliott’s supporting performance, and Netflix’s “The Crown” snagged four.

Here’s what else you should know right now about the Golden Globe nominations:

‘The Color Purple’ snubbed

The highly anticipated big screen adaptation of “The Color Purple” took a hit by missing out on a key nomination for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy. Fantasia Barrino and Danielle Brooks are nominated, but the film‘s Oscar prospects are still evolving.

‘Past Lives’ makes its mark

Celine Song’s quietly compelling, beautifully acted story of South Korean childhood friends reuniting 20 years later in New York City received five nominations: Best Motion Picture - Drama, Best Picture - Non-English Language, Best Director, Best Actress and Best Screenplay. It’s one of my favorites of 2023 and a hallmark of the high quality of independent, international films seen at The Neon.

‘Maestro’ gains momentum

Actor/director/screenwriter Bradley Cooper’s meticulous passion project about Leonard Bernstein receives a major boost. Cooper seemed a shoo-in for Best Actor, a nomination that would’ve been a favorable acknowledgment of his contributions overall, but additional nominations for Best Motion Picture Drama, Best Director and Best Actress (a sensational Carey Mulligan) are a plus since the movie is pure Oscar bait.

‘Saltburn’ surprise

I wondered if Emerald Fennel’s jaw-dropping, provocative spin on the upper class akin to ”The Talented Mr. Ripley” would be frowned upon by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, comprised of 300 members from over 30 countries who determine the Golden Globe nominees and winners annually. So, it’s great that Barry Keoghan’s masterfully manipulating performance was remembered along with Rosalind Pike’s striking portrayal of a mother completely unaware of the danger surrounding her.

Taylor Swift could win her first Golden Globe

Megastar Taylor Swift is among the nominees in the newly created Cinematic and Box Office Achievement category for her concert film of “The Eras Tour.” She‘s been previously nominated four times for Best Song but is in a prime spot to finally take home the gold.

The 81st annual Golden Globe Awards will be telecast at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024 on CBS. For a complete list of nominees, visit goldenglobes.com.

Right Now with Russell spotlights pop culture every Friday and as news arises. From the latest in film, music, books and TV to the buzz of awards season and other hot button topics, the goal is to fill you in on what’s new in order to satisfy your entertainment cravings. He can be reached at Russell.Florence@coxohio.com.

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