The Golden Globes is in the midst of a renaissance, attempting to shake off decades of controversy and inclusivity criticisms while refocusing on its original mission: celebrating the best in film and television. As part of this transformation, the organization has introduced a new category designed to recognize movies that achieve commercial success rather than solely artistic acclaim. This shift is reminiscent of the Academy Awards’ decision to introduce a “cheer-worthy moment” category, previously awarded to quirky fan-favorite scenes like “Flash Enters the Speed Force.”
The newly minted “Cinematic and Box Office Achievement” award was created to recognize films with exceptional box office performances, a nod to commercial hits like “Barbie” and “Poor Things” that might not fare well in traditional award categories. However, not all studio giants embraced this opportunity. Warner Bros. Pictures, the powerhouse behind “Dune: Part Two,” opted not to submit the film for this category, despite meeting the qualification criteria of grossing over $150 million worldwide, with at least $100 million from the U.S. market. This non-participation raises eyebrows considering “Dune: Part Two” falls in line with the category’s intent. According to Golden Globes voter Cláudio Alves, the oversight was due to a lack of submission, as only 16 films were entered by their respective distributors for consideration.
“Dune: Part Two,” a sequel that continues its predecessor’s expansive storyline, reunites director Denis Villeneuve with a star-studded cast including Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and Rebecca Ferguson. The film dives deeper into the mythical and political layers of Frank Herbert’s universe. Despite its significant box office success and critical anticipation, the film’s absence from the Globes’ new category clears the path for other commercial juggernauts. Contenders include “Alien: Romulus,” “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” “Gladiator II,” “Inside Out 2,” “Twisters,” and “Wicked,” alongside the anomaly “The Wild Robot,” a rare original film among heavyweight franchises.
Interestingly, “The Wild Robot” underscores a broader industry trend: the dominance of sequels and established IPs. It also hints at the industry’s reluctance to champion originality in commercially successful films.
Another notable controversy surrounds Hans Zimmer’s score for “Dune: Part Two.” The Academy disqualified it from consideration, prompting Warner Bros. to submit it for the Oscars regardless. Zimmer’s score, a pivotal component of the film’s atmospheric depth, has sparked discussions on award criteria and eligibility standards in film scoring.
Closing Credits
As the Golden Globes seeks to redefine itself amidst the myriad challenges, it continues to grapple with balancing artistic recognition and commercial viability. The introduction of the “Cinematic and Box Office Achievement” award reflects a strategic pivot, perhaps intended to draw viewers’ attention back to the spectacle of award shows. Future award seasons will reveal whether this gamble pays off and whether Warner Bros. will reconsider submitting their top-grossing titles. As the debate over originality and commercialism rages on, one thing is certain: the Golden Globes is once again a stage for the industry’s dynamic and evolving landscape.
