Golden Globes Snubs & Surprises: ‘I May Destroy You’ Shut Out, ‘Emily in Paris’ Gets In & More, Well, Choices
There are some, let’s say, surprising nominations for the 2021 Golden Globe Awards, and some that, for unknown reasons, are missing.
Yes, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association acknowledged some of the best TV of 2021, including The Queen’s Gambit, The Crown, and The Undoing, as well as (though in a much less loving way) critically acclaimed programs such as Lovecraft Country and Better Call Saul.
While it’s not surprising that streaming and premium programs dominate viewing lists, it is a little curious to see just how few shows on the big four networks popped up in this year’s list. One of the bright exceptions: Jane Levy, star of NBC’s Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, nominated for Best Actress — Television Series Musical or Comedy.
Below, a round up of this year’s biggest snubs and most shocking surprises.
2021 Golden Globe Awards, Sunday, February 28, 8/7c, NBC
SNUB: I May Destroy You
Despite being an early critical darling, HBO powerful drama I May Destroy You was shut out of this year’s ceremony. Worse, the amazing Michaela Coel was star, creator, writer, and director, giving the Hollywood Association plenty of chances to give her a nod.
SURPRISE: Emily in Paris
Some viewers love it and others love to hate it, but Netflix’s Emily in Paris managed to make an impression on the HFPA voters. While the show definitely was a hit among streamers, it was hardly a critical darling which has us wondering how the show itself and star Lily Collins got nominated. But hey, c’est la vie!
SNUB: Bridgerton
Netflix’s talk of the town series Bridgerton was nowhere in sight and, whut? While the frothy delight has a huge fan following, it appears that the Regency-era romantic drama from Shondaland didn’t do enough to charm voters.
SURPRISE: Al Pacino for Hunters
SNUB: Outlander's Caitriona Balfe
Well, it took the show’s fifth season to knock Outlander‘s Caitriona Balfe off of the Golden Globe nom list as best actress for her portrayal Claire Fraser. While she’s never won, we still think her riveting work deserved another go at the trophy.
SURPRISE: Jane Levy for Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist
Just when we were giving up hoping for any network nominations, our girl Jane Levy came through with a nom for star turn in NBC’s Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. Despite some tough competition, we’re excited to see the excellent show’s catching on.
SNUB: What We Do in the Shadows
While FX’s vampire roommate comedy broke through at the 2020 Emmys, What We Do in the Shadows was shut out of the Golden Globes. Surely one of TV’s funniest series, it’s inexplicable that it’s been ignored — especially with the nod given to Emily in Paris.
SURPRISE: Hamilton
Hamilton launched on Broadway in 2015, so it was a surprise that the 2020 taped film version and its lead star Lin-Manuel Miranda were in the running. But it’s clear that the voters are just as “Helpless” against the hit musical’s charms as we are.
SNUB: Better Call Saul's Rhea Seehorn
While Bob Odenkirk was recognized for his Better Call Saul Season 5 performance, the show and star Rhea Seehorn were absent from the nomination roster. We are far from alone on being on team Seehorn — someone, give her portrayal of Kim Wexler a major damn award already.
SURPRISE: Ted Lasso
We’re breaking out into a locker room dance over the recognition of Apple TV+’s comedy ,which earned nominations for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy, and a Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy nod for Jason Sudeikis. Considering this is one of the first awards shows that Ted Lasso qualifies for, we’re hoping it’s just the beginning for this winning comedy.
SNUB: Lovecraft Country
Misha Green‘s horror-drama hybrid series Lovecraft Country was nominated for Best Television Series – Drama, but considering all of the (deserved) attention HBO’s monster hit got, we would’ve expected more. Whether it was Jurnee Smollett‘s turn as Leti or Jonathan Majors‘ Tic, there were standout performances worthy of recognition.
SURPRISE: The Flight Attendant
We’re not surprised by star Kaley Cuoco‘s nod as Best Actress for HBO Max’s The Flight Attendant, but still, we just have to say, that’s not too shabby given that it’s the actress’s first big post-Big Bang Theory gig.
SNUB: Normal People's Paul Mescal
One of 2020’s most popular shows, Normal People received two nominations. But despite the show and star Daisy Edgar-Jones being recognized, Paul Mescal is not on list. The actor who earned an Emmy nomination gave just as good of a performance, if not better than Edgar-Jones, making his absence from the Globes totally perplexing.
