The 78th Annual Golden Globe nominations are still a few weeks away from being announced, and in preparation, Variety senior editors Michael Schneider and Danielle Turchiano turned their attention to drama series contenders in the latest Variety Awards Circuit video, presented by HBO.
Among the titles discussed are Netflix’s period pieces “Bridgerton,” which is Shondaland’s first scripted project for the streamer, and the fourth season of awards heavyweight “The Crown.” “Bridgerton” has the chance to be Shondaland’s first series since “Grey’s Anatomy” to nab a nomination in this category, while “The Crown” has been recognized for all three of its previous seasons already, winning once (in 2017). The present-day set “Ozark” is also in the mix, with the potential to score its first series nom at the Globes for its penultimate season.
Genre fare such as Disney Plus’ “The Mandalorian” and HBO’s “Lovecraft Country” are two more potentially new entries on this ballot. “The Mandalorian” was eligible last year and failed to break in then, but momentum from delivering a “Star Wars” fan favorite-filled second season hot on the heels of an Emmy nomination gives it a new edge. Meanwhile, Misha Green’s adaptation of Matt Ruff’s novel “Lovecraft Country” blended genre elements (monsters and magic) with grounded historical trauma, making it much-talked-about since it premiered over the summer, as well.
Both editors shouted out some more under-the-radar series worth giving a closer look as well, with Schneider selecting HBO’s “We Are Who We Are” from Luca Guadagnino, and Turchiano talking about Starz’s “P-Valley” from Katori Hall.
The Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. will announce the actual nominees on Feb. 3, with the 78th Annual Golden Globe ceremony to follow on Feb. 28. Watch the full video about drama series contenders above.