Golden Globes: Who Will Win

In a year when all five nominees here come from cable TV (Boardwalk Empire, Game of Thrones, Boss, and American Horror Story are the others), this was the new show that broke through for the novelty of its concept and the quality of its acting. —Ken Tucker

Unless Madeleine Stowe wins for doing what awards voters sometimes like a lot (a movie star shifting to a campy TV series). —Ken Tucker

He benefits not only from the fact that this was Bad's best season yet, but he's also the only Bad representative: Shockingly, no nom for the show itself or for Aaron Paul! —Ken Tucker

Right now, this excellent sitcom is a rarity of the kind that the Globes like to reward: A quality product that has huge mass appeal, unlike other good 'uns such as Parks and Recreation or 30 Rock. —Ken Tucker

Granted, I'm rooting for a ratings underdog — Enlightened hasn't been HBO's biggest launch — but, like Edie Falco in Nurse Jackie, Dern could prove a popular nominee for this tricky comedy-drama. —Ken Tucker

Congrats to the Globes for not forgetting about Episodes, the fine vehicle for a LeBlanc comeback; he's shown himself to be clever and self-aware. —Ken Tucker

How can the Globes not award what is not only one of the year's best miniseries, but a rare big-audience draw for PBS? —Ken Tucker

While Mildred Pierce frequently suffered from logy pacing, Winslet's performance as a long-suffering Great Depression mother was impeccably measured and effective. —Ken Tucker

In this British-made series, West made a big post-Wire impact in a strikingly different role: a handsome but hollow news anchor in the early days of the television industry. —Ken Tucker

The evening's biggest category has six nominees and no clear front-runner. Without a directing nod, Moneyball, War Horse, and The Help are at the back of the pack. The Hollywood Foreign Press members love The Ides of March (as they should) but may not want to give their prize to a film that's faded in the overall race. So look for Alexander Payne's Hawaii-set family drama to top Hugo. —Dave Karger

In a race between heartthrobs (George! Brad! Ryan! Leo! Fassy!), Clooney has the edge over Moneyball lead Brad Pitt. Consider his win a combo prize for The Descendants and The Ides of March. —Dave Karger

Can you believe Meryl Streep ONLY has seven Golden Globes? What a travesty! Thank goodness the HFPA will make up for that shocking oversight and give her trophy No. 8. —Dave Karger

It's quite a strong category this year, with Midnight in Paris, Bridesmaids, 50/50, and My Week With Marilyn also in the mix. But with the most nominations of any film this year, The Artist has this one in a walk. —Dave Karger

If there's a spoiler, it's Ryan Gosling for Crazy, Stupid, Love. But Dujardin was such a discovery this year that he's bound to benefit from an Artist sweep. —Dave Karger

Was Michelle Williams a laugh riot like Bridesmaids' Kristen Wiig? No, but as evidenced by past winners like La Vie en Rose's Marion Cotillard, you don't have to be funny to win this award. And Williams' take on Marilyn Monroe was nothing short of brilliant. —Dave Karger

With Pixar's entry, Cars 2, widely considered a disappointment, this race is fairly wide open. Tintin may be too polarizing, so Johnny Depp's quirky Rango may beat out Puss in Boots. —Dave Karger

Look for the veteran actor to begin a run of awards-show wins at the Globes — he's just too good. —Dave Karger

One of the toughest races to call. If The Artist really sweeps, Bérénice Bejo could benefit. But I'm guessing breakout Spencer will be The Help's one win. —Dave Karger

True, he's up against several heavy hitters (Woody, Marty, Clooney). But the daring and charming Hazanavicius clearly has the Golden Globe voters under his spell. —Dave Karger