Hollywood is set to unveil the Golden Globe nominations Thursday, after dark comedy "Birdman" got an early pre-Oscars boost as Tinseltown's annual awards race gets into high gear.
All eyes will be on the Beverly Hilton hotel at 5:30 am (0130 GMT) Thursday, when the Golden Globe shortlists are announced by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA).
The 72nd Golden Globes show will be held on January 11.
"Birdman" -- the tale of a washed-up superhero movie star (former "Batman" Michael Keaton) trying to resurrect his career -- scored four nominations from the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), which were announced Wednesday.
Coming-of-age drama "Boyhood," the Stephen Hawking biopic "The Theory of Everything" and "The Imitation Game," the story of World War II codebreaker Alan Turing, each won three SAGs nods.
All four films were nominated for best overall cast, along with quirky comedy "The Grand Budapest Hotel."
The SAG nominations are the first major awards announcement of Hollywood's annual race for trophies and glory -- a clutch of red-carpet ceremonies that climaxes with the Academy Awards on February 22.
'Oscars indicators'
The SAG awards -- which will be given out in Los Angeles on January 25 -- are often an early indication of Oscars hopes, as members of the actors union represent some 20 percent of the 6,000-odd voting members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Although more high-profile than the SAGs, the Golden Globes are seen as less of an indicator of Oscars glory, as a relatively small group of non-US journalists chooses the winners, rather than the industry itself.
"Birdman" -- which has won rave reviews for Keaton -- scored SAG nominations for best actor, best supporting actor and best supporting actress, along with a nod for best ensemble.
The movie also topped nominations for the Independent Spirit awards announced last month with six nods.
'Snubs at SAGs'
Among those snubbed by SAG voters were Bradley Cooper in Clint Eastwood's "American Sniper," Jessica Chastain in "A Most Violent Year," and the well-reviewed Martin Luther King historical drama "Selma."
All of those movies are set for release later this month.
For best actor at the SAGs, Keaton is up against Cumberbatch ("The Imitation Game"), Steve Carell ("Foxcatcher"), Eddie Redmayne ("The Theory of Everything"), and Jake Gyllenhaal for "Nightcrawler."
"The Theory of Everything" also scored a best actress nod for Felicity Jones as Hawking's wife Jane in the tale of the groundbreaking physicist's early life and descent into disability with motor neuron disease.
She faces fellow nominees Jennifer Aniston ("Cake"), Julianne Moore ("Still Alice"), Rosamund Pike ("Gone Girl") and Reese Witherspoon ("Wild").
In the best supporting actor category, "Boyhood" co-star Ethan Hawke is up against veteran Robert Duvall ("The Judge"), Mark Ruffalo ("Foxcatcher"), J.K. Simmons ("Whiplash") and Edward Norton ("Birdman").
For best supporting actress, Patricia Arquette ("Boyhood") is up against Keira Knightley ("The Imitation Game"), Meryl Streep ("Into the Woods"), Naomi Watts ("St Vincent") and Emma Stone ("Birdman").
AFP
Thu Dec 11 2014
The 72nd Golden Globes show will be held on January 11.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.