This category was filled with powerhouse performances. Sterling K. Brown (This Is Us) had already won an Emmy and was widely expected to secure a Golden Globe nomination for his emotionally gripping role as Randall Pearson. Freddie Highmore (The Good Doctor) was another strong contender, having won over audiences with his nuanced portrayal of Dr. Shaun Murphy. Meanwhile, Kit Harington (Game of Thrones) was hoping to finally receive individual recognition for his portrayal of Jon Snow, after years of the show dominating the awards circuit. Liev Schreiber (Ray Donovan) and Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul) were also expected to return as nominees after delivering stellar performances in their respective shows.
Best Actress in a Drama Series
The drama category for leading actresses was just as competitive. Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale) was the frontrunner after her Emmy win, while Claire Foy (The Crown) remained a top contender for her regal performance as Queen Elizabeth II. Viola Davis (How to Get Away with Murder) and Evan Rachel Wood (Westworld) had also consistently impressed critics and were likely to receive nominations. Newcomers like Mandy Moore (This Is Us) and Katherine Langford (13 Reasons Why) were also on the radar for their emotionally charged performances.
Best Actor in a Comedy Series
In the comedy world, Donald Glover (Atlanta) was a strong favorite after winning an Emmy, and Aziz Ansari (Master of None) was expected to continue his awards season success. Anthony Anderson (Black-ish) had been nominated in previous years and was once again in the running. Meanwhile, veteran actors like William H. Macy (Shameless) and Jeffrey Tambor (Transparent) were also on the shortlist for potential nominations.
Best Actress in a Comedy Series
The battle for Best Actress in a Comedy Series was just as fierce. Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep) had long been a favorite in this category, but she faced competition from Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), whose breakout performance had taken the industry by storm. Allison Janney (Mom) and Tracee Ellis Ross (Black-ish) were also among the names expected to secure a nomination. Meanwhile, Issa Rae (Insecure) was gaining momentum as a rising star in comedy television.
Best Actor and Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie
With limited series becoming increasingly competitive, performances in this category were some of the most anticipated. Ewan McGregor (Fargo) and Robert De Niro (The Wizard of Lies) were standout contenders on the men’s side, while Jessica Lange (Feud: Bette and Joan) and Nicole Kidman (Big Little Lies) led the charge for Best Actress.
Conclusion
The 2018 Golden Globe nominations were shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent years. With a mix of established stars and fresh faces, this year’s lineup promised to be both exciting and reflective of television’s ever-evolving landscape. As the official nominations drew closer, fans eagerly awaited the announcement, hoping their favorite stars would finally receive the recognition they deserved.