"Barbie" scores nine Golden Globe nominations at once

The year 2023 shines with some strong films. In terms of presence, however, there are two that stand out in particular: "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer". They are accordingly highly rated at the Golden Globes. A German actress could also receive an award.

The neologism "Barbenheimer" made headlines in July when the completely contrasting films "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" were released on the same day. Both became hits - and are now also the favorites at the Golden Globes. The garish satire "Barbie" by US director Greta Gerwig has nine nominations going into the race for the Golden Globes. Christopher Nolan's drama "Oppenheimer" about the inventor of the atomic bomb has eight chances of winning.

Martin Scorsese's historical thriller "Killers of the Flower Moon" and the quirky fairy tale "Poor Things" by director Giorgos Lanthimos follow with seven nominations each. Sandra Hüller is also up for the trophy in the form of a shiny gold globe. The German star has just won the European Film Award for Best Actress - and now she has her first Globe nomination. The actress from Thuringia, who already caused a sensation with "Toni Erdmann", is in the running with her role in the legal thriller "Anatomy of a Case".

In the drama by French director Justine Triet, she plays a successful writer suspected of murder. In the "Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama" category, Hüller is up against Globe veterans such as Annette Bening ("Nyad`") and Carey Mulligan ("Maestro"), as well as newcomers such as Lily Gladstone ("Killers of the Flower Moon"), Greta Lee ("Past Lives") and Cailee Spaeny ("Priscilla"). Hüller has long been considered an Oscar candidate in Hollywood.

Globe distributors have come up with new ideas

The German film "Das Lehrerzimmer" by director Ilker Çatak did not make it into the six nominees in the "Best non-English-language film" category. However, "Anatomy of a Case" (France) and "The Zone of Interest" (Great Britain) are among those nominated - both starring Hüller. In the comedy category, the favorite "Barbie" is up against "Poor Things", "The Holdovers" and "May December", among others. In the drama category, "Anatomy of a Case", "The Zone of Interest", "Oppenheimer", "Killers of the Flower Moon", "Maestro" and "Past Lives" are competing for the award for best film. In the men's category, actors such as Bradley Cooper ("Maestro"), Cillian Murphy ("Oppenheimer"), Leonardo DiCaprio ("Killers of the Flower Moon") and Timothée Chalamet ("Wonka") can hope to win a Globe.

The Globe organizers have come up with a few innovations for 2024. Instead of the usual five nominees per category, there are now six candidates in the running. There is also a new "Cinematic and Box Office Achievement" category in the film sector with eight blockbuster candidates, including "Barbie", "John Wick: Chapter 4" and "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1". The prerequisite is worldwide box office takings of at least 150 million dollars.

Robert De Niro also nominated

Pop star Taylor Swift (33), recently voted Person of the Year by US magazine "Time", also easily achieved this with the hit concert film about her "Eras Tour". Now she could become a Globe winner. Greta Gerwig should also have an acceptance speech ready after her first Globe nomination for directing. In the usually male-dominated directing category, the "Barbie" director is joined by South Korean-born Celine Song with her acclaimed debut "Past Lives". They are up against Bradley Cooper, Yorgos Lanthimos, Christopher Nolan and Martin Scorsese.

Former star Robert De Niro achieved his tenth Globe nomination with his villain supporting role in "Killers of the Flower Moon" - he only won the trophy once before for "Raging Bull" more than 40 years ago. Eight-time Globe winner Meryl Streep picked up her 33rd nomination - with a supporting TV role in the comedy series "Only Murders in the Building". Unlike the Oscars, the Globes also honor television productions.

The opulent family drama "Succession" is the big favorite for the TV and streaming categories with nine nominations. The restaurant series "The Bear" and "Only Murders in the Building" follow with five chances to win each. Around 300 journalists from all over the world will vote for the winners. The Globes are to be awarded on January 7, 2024 in Beverly Hills. The CBS channel plans to broadcast the 81st trophy ceremony live.