The Golden Globes have rejected Lionsgate’s bid to enter “Michael” in the comedy or musical categories, which places the Michael Jackson biopic in the far more crowded drama field, Gold Derby first reported. The decision pits Jaafar Jackson, who plays his uncle, against likely lead actor nominees Matt Damon (“The Odyssey”), John Malkovich (“Wild Horse Nine”) and Andrew Scott (“Elsinore”). Supporting categories do not split by genre, so co-stars Colman Domingo and Nia Long are unaffected.
The committee’s reasoning rests on the Globes’ definition of a musical, which requires songs to carry the story forward alongside spoken dialogue. Members concluded that the concert sequences in “Michael” re-create Jackson’s famous performances and do not drive the plot, Variety reported. Lionsgate had submitted a letter from director Antoine Fuqua making the opposite case. The studio declined to comment.
Precedent offered little help. “Ray” and “Walk the Line” won in the comedy or musical categories in the mid-2000s. Later music biopics, including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Elvis” and “A Complete Unknown,” entered as dramas after the rules tightened.
Lionsgate can appeal before Oct. 31, the submission deadline, and the awards committee would review any challenge. Accounts differ on what the studio will do. Variety cited sources saying an appeal is unlikely, while other outlets reported the studio is weighing one.
Critics of the ruling point to inconsistency. The Globes accepted the horror film “Obsession” and “Tender Loving Care” as comedies, and one commentator noted that a frightening thriller cleared the comedy bar while the King of Pop’s story did not.
The category matters because “Michael” arrives with commercial momentum. Released April 24, it became the first biopic to gross $1 billion worldwide and is Lionsgate’s biggest release. It earned that success through negative reviews and a troubled production, though Jackson’s performance drew praise and a DGA screening reportedly ended in a standing ovation. In the drama race, the film faces blockbusters such as “The Odyssey” and “Dune: Part Three.” Nominations for the 84th Golden Globes come Dec. 7. Nikki Glaser hosts the ceremony Jan. 10 for the second consecutive year.
