GOLDEN GLOBE SPOTLIGHT:Best Actress (Musical/Comedy)

Time to spotlight the ladies of the musical/comedy category. Y'all know I love this category. And this year, it's wicked strong. I'd say all 8 of these women are EXTREMELY possible:

AMY ADAMS (Enchanted)

In her corner: Momentum and goodwill from Junebug a couple years back. And a possible big hit on her hands... could fill the requisite "mainstream" slot. Word is, she brings unexpected depth to her ditzy Disney princess role. And she sings, too.

But... the globes didn't nominate her for Junebug. Maybe they don't much like her? Also, her film is lightweight... and might not be as big a hit as it wants. Though early word is good, box office and critical reaction are still unclear.

NIKKI BLONSKY (Hairspray)

In her corner: Headlined a well-reviewed hit film... could fill the requisite "mainstream" slot. Both she and the film itself are easy to love. Her role is both comedic AND musical... a definite plus. And voters may want to reward her for a role she seemed born to play (and is unlikely to top).

But... the film is more of an ensemble piece. She's the lead, but just barely so... she's surrounded by much more famous co-stars. Plus, there's strong competition this year on both the "musical" and "mainstream" fronts.

HELENA BONHAM-CARTER (Sweeney Todd)

In her corner: Legendary role. If the film goes over well at all, she'll be in (and could easily win). She seems well cast, too, nepotism or no.

But... will the film go over well at all? No one knows. And even if it does, she might be overshadowed by Depp, who is the focus of the buzz. And if her role's been trimmed as much as people claim, she could end up in supporting. And how is her singing?

KATHERINE HEIGL (Knocked Up)

In her corner: She's got the title role (of sorts) in the biggest hit in the mix. She's also very hot right now in general, fresh off an Emmy win for Grey's Anatomy. If they really want mainstream, she's it.

But... she might be too mainstream (no chance of an oscar nom). That's usually not a problem in this category, but in this highly competitive year, it might be. And though her perf is good, her role is kinda generic (could have been played by anyone).

NICOLE KIDMAN
(Margot at the Wedding)

In her corner: She's Nicole Kidman, the HFPA's favorite actress. They nominate her even for difficult films (i.e. Birth). And she's getting Birth-level acclaim for her work in Margot.

But... the film as a whole is not so well-liked; reviews have been mixed at best. Plus, Nic's character is quite hateable. And though that usually doesn't deter the HFPA, in such a competitive year... it might.


LAURA LINNEY (The Savages)

In her corner: Strong performance in a prestige film. Dramedies do well in this category. Linney the actress is respected and overdue.

But... Linney the celebrity is less exciting. And this is the golden globe comedy category, not the oscars. Might this star and perf be too low-key for their tastes? She and Kidman are vying for the "talky indie" spot... and we know which of those two they like more. Maybe she should try for drama?

ELLEN PAGE (Juno)

In her corner: Her film is getting great buzz, as is her performance in the title role. Many are claiming she's a lock for an oscar nod, in which case she'd be more than lock here. She also has momentum from her acclaimed perf in last year's Hard Candy. And the globes have no problem with youth: note the love for Claire Danes, Keri Russell, Evan Rachel Wood, etc.

But... it's still all just buzz. Her film has yet to be released and reviewed. Will she (and it) live up to the hype?

KERI RUSSELL (Waitress)

In her corner: She's a former winner (for TV's Felicity), so we know they like her. And she now stars in a sweet little film that a lot of people like, in a role completely different from the one she won for. She and the film are easy (for most) to love.

But... they also have vocal (and loud) detractors. The film seems too sweet to be "divisive" and yet it is. Plus, it was released a long time ago. With no real pressure to honor her, might they just forget about it and look to other, fresher ladies?

That's 8 very strong contenders... and I'm not even counting the possible-but-not-very-likely people like Markéta Irglová (Once), the would-be-a-good-bet-if-their-films-were-ever-released people like Michelle Pfeiffer (I Could Never Be Your Woman), and the probably-too-good-for-this-category people like Marion Cotillard (La Vie En Rose). Counting NONE of those, there are still these 8 that I'd say would be locks in a lesser year.

In fact, I'd call several of them locks anyway, except that there are only 5 spots, which means 3 of them will have to be left out. Which 5 do you think will make it? Which 5 would you like to make it? Which, if any, women not listed here do you think have a shot? Discuss in the comments (please).

p.s. For the record, if you put a gun to my head, I guess I'd say the list would consist of Adams, Blonsky, Bonham-Carter, Linney and Page. BUT what I really think will happen is either Linney will go drama or HBC will go supporting, AND there'll be 6 nominees. Something's gotta give, and soon. Oh, and I think the win is headed to either Amy Adams, Ellen Page or Helena Bonham-Carter... unless Cotillard ends up competing here.