Joaquin Phoenix, Eddie Murphy, Renee Zellweger Among Favorites in Opening Odds for Golden Globe Best Actor & Actress Awards

• Nominees are in for the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards
• The best performances in television and film have been nominated in Best Actor and Actress categories
• Which entertainers will walk away with top honors?

On January 5, 2020 the Golden Globe Awards will honor the best in film and television. With the nominees just announced, entertainment fans are curious as to who will receive the best in show for each category.

This year’s assortment of nominees combines legendary career performers alongside fresh talent. Given such an impressive variety of tenured actors. Let’s take a look at the nominees.

Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy Series Odds

*Odds taken December 11

By far, Bill Hader leads in Best Actor in a Comedy Series. His role in Barry already earned him an Emmy this fall, and he’s well on his way to continue cleaning up at the Globes.

Hader’s closest competition comes in the form of a show that wasn’t in the running during the Emmys since the program had not aired yet: The Politician. That show’s lead star, Ben Platt, is the closest option in dethroning Hader’s win.

Platt has impressed critics and fans on The Politician, but the impact is still so new that it’s unlikely he can sneak a win. Hader has gone above and beyond on Barry this season.

Pick: Bill Hader (Barry) (-150)

Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama Series Odds

Has there been a more talked about performance in recent memory than Billy Porter’s impressive work on Pose? Duh, the answer is a firm no.

That said, Succession has picked up a ton of steam and it’s the performance work of Brian Cox that’s led it to the top of everyone’s watch list. Porter may be well known in recent memory, but popularity does not snag a win. If that were the case, Rami Malek would have this one in the bag.

But Porter’s Pose performance is one for the ages. Vulnerable, gripping, and raw– it’s hard to picture anyone but him winning this trophy.
Pick: Billy Porter (Pose) (+300)

Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama Odds

After all the controversy, Joker ended up being an artistic smash. Joaquin Phoenix’s performance surprised many, and it’s been ages since a star broke through the barrier of comic book film into the critical nice list.

Rivaling Phoenix is a performance from the far off opposite end of the spectrum: Adam Driver in Marriage Story. The Netflix drama actually landed more Globe nominations this year than any other work. After becoming a film festival circuit darling, Marriage Story was a success even before its release.

But even so, Phoenix’s Joker stands out that much more. It’s an iconic performance paying homage to a timeless character.

Pick: Joaquin Phoenix (Joker) (-300)

Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy Odds

Many are calling it the comeback of the decade. Let’s be real, before the release of Dolemite Is My Name, Eddie Murphy was well off anyone’s radar. But 2019 saw him come back with a vengeance and this performance absolutely slayed.

The only reason Murphy may not win is that Dolemite was not nearly as promoted or visible as other films in this category. Rocketman was everywhere, but many considered the biopic a watered-down spin on last year’s Bohemian Rhapsody.

Leo DiCaprio’s appearance in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was certainly fine but far from a career-best. Considering this is Leo on a weak outing, it’s more likely to see Murphy snag the win.

Pick: Eddie Murphy (Dolemite Is My Name) (-200)

Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy Series Odds

She’s the awards season darling already, so let’s just call it here: Phoebe Waller-Bridge is definitely going to win for her role on Fleabag.

The next best thing would be Rachel Brosnahan, but the acclaim around The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel has really weaned since the first season.

Pick: Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag) (-500)

Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama Series Odds

It’s back, baby. The Crown returned and it’s bigger than ever. Who knew people loved royals this much?

Breakout star Olivia Colman has given The Crown its luster and the Globe judges will recognize that. Jennifer Aniston’s appearance on The Morning Show has been interesting to watch, but she doesn’t stand a chance. After coming back with full gusto this year, Colman will clean up.

Pick: Olivia Colman (The Crown) (-115)

Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama Odds

Okay, have you seen Judy? Goodness. Renee Zellweger absolutely stuns in the role of late film star Judy Garland. In fact, Zellweger completely loses herself in the performance and becomes her character.

Sure, Scarlett Johansson’s work in Marriage Story is definitely impressive, but there is nothing that could even come close to Zellweger’s all-consuming Garland performance. It’s just that good.

Pick: Renee Zellweger (Judy) (-300)

Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical/Comedy Odds

Perhaps not the most well-known film of the year, The Farewell  was one of the most thought-provoking. Awkwafina came out hard in this one, bringing her A-game to the table.

Most of the other performances in this category were certainly fine but not memorable or timeless. Booksmart and Late Night were nice little films but their impact won’t last for decades. The Farewell will.

Pick: Awkwafina (The Farewell) (-550)