What Does The Golden Globes Results Mean For The Oscars?

This past Sunday, the 71st edition of the Golden Globes Awards was highlighted by several surprises and memorable moments. “American Hustle” was the big winner of the night, “12 Years a Slave” won Best Picture and Alfonso Cuarón made ​​history by becoming the first Latin American to win the award for Best Director for “Gravity“. Ultimately, it is my opinion that the Globes erred in some of the selections which the Oscars will hopefully correct this Thursday, Jan. 16th with its nominations.

Nevertheless, what importance do these results carry and how will they influence the Academy Awards on March 2? Historically, the Globes have been the best predictor of the Oscars, but in the last decade, those odds have decreased. Let’s consider the ramifications of the outcomes from Sunday:

Best Picture: While “12 Years a Slave” was silenced most of the night in many categories of magnitude, it was its triumph in the Best Picture category that tells us more about what will happen at the Oscars. The film has all the tones and historical dimensions that the committee of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences like in their winners. “Gravity” meanwhile, is considered commercial and a technological experience rather than a remarkable narrative. That is why “12 Years a Slave” is now the favorite to win the grand prize at the Oscars 2014.

Best Director: Almost no one can make a convincing argument stating that Steve McQueen was a better director than Alfonso Cuarón in 2013. With “Gravity”, Cuarón advanced the film industry years into the future through new technologies and renewed the interest in 3D with viewers once again as well as critics. Arguably, “Gravity” is one of the best films ever directed. McQueen embodied a magnificent and moving story, but other than creating an excellent film, his contribution to the development of film as art did not surpass Cuarón’s efforts.

Best Actor: This is perhaps the toughest category of the season. Matthew McConaughey was chosen as the dramatic winner last night while Chiwetel Ejiofor from “12 Years a Slave,” who was the favorite, left empty-handed. Interesting was the triumph of Leonardo DiCaprio in the Comedy category because it puts himback in the thick of things entering the Oscar nominations this Thursday. When the Oscars pick their five, whom I think will be: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Matthew McConaughey, Tom Hanks, Leonardo DiCaprio and Bruce Dern, the favorite one at that point will be unknown. You can really see anyone of them winning. There is no clear cut champ. They all deserve it, but if I had to really choose, the physical transformation McConaughey went through – he lost 45lbs. for his role in Dallas Buyers Club – gives him an edge.

Best Actress: With “American Hustle” actress Amy Adams beating the best actress in history, Meryl Streep in Comedy/Musical, we can deduce that not everyone is thrilled with the notion of Streep winning another award. It is also expected that other awards continue with the same trend, including the Oscars. No matter who is nominated, no one will take the award from Cate Blanchett for “Blue Jasmine”, including Meryl Streep herself.

Best Supporting Actress: Another favorite who lost last night was the Mexican born actress, Lupita Nyong’o from “12 Years a Slave” to the ubiquitous Jennifer Lawrence of “American Hustle.” I disagree with this choice because although Lawrence made the most of her scenes with Christian Bale, she has not proven to be able to plunge into deep visceral emotional roles like Nyong’o did in hers. It can be deduced that the Globes prefers stars and not newcomers. I’m from the logic that the Oscars will correct this decision in their ceremony.

On January 16th, the day of the Oscar nominations, all will reveal itself, but even then we might be in for more surprises that’ll sure send this award season as one of the more entertaining ones in recent memory.