The 2019 Golden Globes will be held on January 7th at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, and will honor the best in film and television. The nominees are proudly displayed on the Golden Globe website, creating a sort of party list for the big night. While the stars and their dresses are eagerly anticipated, it’s not hard to get in the mood for a film festival when the films and TV shows are featured on the front page. Here’s a look at the nominees for the 2019 Golden Globes, along with a few exciting rumors about some of the films and stars.
Film
The Incredibles 2 (2018) – This superhero sequel continues the story of the Parr family, who are back for another helping of funny, heroic antics. The cast is loaded with cameos from famous faces, and even more famous voices, so it’s a must-see for comedy fans. The film also features Bob’s Burgers’ John Belushi as the voice of El Supremo, an evil robot bent on world domination. It will be interesting to see how his performance compares to the real Belushi’s work on the animated series. The movie also marks a reunion for the writing team of Incredibles director Brad Bird and screenwriter Rick Jaffa, who collaborated on the 2013 film, Tomorrowland. Bird and Jaffa reunite with actor/director Michael Peña for another exciting adventure on film.
The Favourite (2018) – A triumph of period costume and rich production values, the 18th century has never looked so chic as it does in The Favourite. The costumes alone would make this a time capsule to relive any era – from the delicate muskauges (petticoats worn under dresses to keep them clean) to the voluminous yards of colorful caftans and bodices. The film also features a few celebrity cameos, including Olivia Colman, who plays the role of Queen Anne, and Jack Whitehall, who portrays King George III. While we wait for the nominations to be announced, the film’s gorgeous costumes are a sight to behold.
A Beautiful Day (2018) – This romantic comedy from the creators of Horrible Bosses was a modest hit in the US, and a critical darling in its native UK. Its popularity may have something to do with the fact that it features a near-perfect match of actress Emily Mortimer and actor Stanley Tucci. They play a married couple whose estrangement is caused by Mortimer’s demanding, overbearing mother (played by the inimitable Mary Tyler Moore). But as the movie progresses, you realize that the root of their problems goes back many years. A Beautiful Day is a nostalgic look at marriage and parenthood in the 80s. Though the story focuses on an American couple, the production design and costuming are such that you’ll feel yourself transported away to a simpler time and place. In fact, it’s hard to tell whether you’re watching an American movie or a British one.
Late Night (2018) – Another British comedy starring Tucci and Moore (along with a cameo from his The Handmaid’s Tale co-star Jess Smith), Late Night sees the retired couple visit a glamorous yet isolated Swedish resort. The film was actually shot in Spain, and is a breezy, funny adventure about a retired London couple’s quest to have fun and make the most of their remaining years. Moore is fantastic as ever, and the two actresses bring their A-game, even as they age gracefully. While the story isn’t particularly original (the trailer even borrows a joke from The Handmaid’s Tale), it’s so well-acted, well-written, and well-directed that you’ll have a hard time keeping track of all the jokes. In the spirit of the original Saturday Night Live, Late Night is worth watching just for the costumes.
Vice (2018) – This biopic dramatizes the tumultuous career of US vice-presidential candidate Dick Cheney, focusing on his time as George W. Bush’s right-hand man and overseer of the War on Terror. After a screening at the Toronto Film Festival, the film gathered quite the following, and landed a number of high-profile celebrity cameos, including Hilary Swank, Liam Neeson, and the aforementioned Whitehall. The supporting cast is full of familiar faces as well, including Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, and the great Bob Hoskins. Though he hasn’t been seen onscreen in a while, you’ll surely recognize John Cleese in a special guest appearance as Michael Palin’s goofy father, Al, makes an appearance. You’ll also want to check out the hilarious, fashion forward costumes by Michael Clarke Quay.
Tv
The Handmaid’s Tale (2018) – The story behind the making of The Handmaid’s Tale is almost as interesting as the show itself. The series was originally commissioned for television, but the streaming service, Hulu, opted to make the film instead. It was shot in Canada and Croatia, with the latter serving as the filming location for the stunning and extravagant palace. Though the drama is set in a dystopian future, the costumes are steeped in anachronistic trends from the 50s and 60s, giving the show a decidedly nostalgic feel. The trailers for the series are filled with cameos from famous faces, including Carole Lombard, John Wayne, and Marjorie Merriweather Post. But the biggest surprise is British funnyman Stephen Fry, who plays the role of Offred’s attorney, Mr. Linton. The actor is known for his work in the comedy series, A Million Little Things, so it’s great to see him back on the big screen. Though not as well-known as some of the other A-list celebs featured in the series, Fry’s Underdog-style personality will delight fans of the popular animated series – the actor is listed as one of the voices of the main canine character, Spots.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2018) – This Amazon show – which you can watch on the platform — follows the life of housewife and fashion designer Miriam “Midge” Maisel (played by Grammy winner Diana Ross), who decides to go back to her college days and launch her own fashion line. What makes this series so special is its combination of live-action filming and practical effects – the costumes and scenery are actual garments and locations that were built from the ground up with the help of a talented craftspeople. The writing is sharp, the directing is dynamic, and the costumes are fabulous. You’ll see characters in a variety of historical periods, from the 30s to the 50s – all impeccably dressed. Ross’ portrayal of the designer is nothing short of extraordinary; she creates a rich tapestry of wardrobe options that allow the actress to believably portray multiple distinct personalities.
Murder on the Orient Express (2018) – This adaptation of Agatha Christie’s beloved classic detective story stars Dame Judy Dench as Hercule Poirot, with Albert Finney, Olivia Colman, and Michael Palin also starring. The legendary detective solves a series of murders aboard the luxurious Orient Express train. The film was shot in India and on location in Paris, and the gorgeous costumes are another highlight. Though the film’s premiere at the Toronto Film Festival was met with some skepticism (mainly due to the negative reviews of its predecessor, Death on the Nile), it’s been receiving rave reviews since its theatrical release, especially for its costumes. At the very least, you’ll want to check out these handsome outfits.
Digital
The French directorial debut, Louvre: L’Amitié Triste (The Friend), earned unanimous praise for its sumptuous visuals and fashion-forward styles. The movie chronicles the turbulent friendship between painter Pablo Picasso (Liev Schreiber) and writer/actor Gertrude Stein (Parker Soto) in the early 20th century. While Stein is known for her sharp wit and literary allusions, it’s Schreiber’s portrayal of the iconic figures that will make you stop and pay attention. From his dark curls to his impeccable suits, Schreiber brings the likeness of these two literary greats to life with aplomb.
The trailer for At Eternity’s Gate, the upcoming HBO Max series adaptation of the Agatha Christie suspense novel of the same name, is filled with cameo appearances from famous faces. You’ll see stars like Dame Judi Dench, Alec Baldwin, and Michael Palin, as well as comedians Rob Corddry, Jason Jones, and more. The series follows the famous English detective’s investigation into a strange series of deaths that occur in a townhouse owned by the Duchess of Windsor. The costumes for this limited series are spectacular, and will give you a glimpse at some of the celebrities that Christie’s timeless tales have attracted over the years.