Is THE SUBSTANCE a comedy or a drama? What gives?
This year, I proudly serve as one of the voters for the prestigious Golden Globes, an opportunity that grants me access to a wealth of screeners and For Your Consideration (FYC) materials that were previously beyond my reach. This role also offers me an up-close view of the often-chaotic world of category fraud perpetrated by both studios and distributors. The maneuvering goes beyond just the blurred lines between lead and supporting performances; it extends to the intriguing challenge of which films are labeled as Drama and which ones find themselves in the seemingly less competitive category of Musical or Comedy. In light of the collective need for escapism during these times, let’s indulge in discussing these seemingly trivial genre classifications and relish in the lighthearted polls whose outcomes are significant only within our devoted circle of awards enthusiasts…
Because there has been various reporting from different outlets that does not align with what voters actually receive, I will limit this discussion to films that have already been submitted and are available on the Golden Globes screener platform. Additionally, I will focus solely on works that have already made their debut, whether in theaters or via digital platforms, so we must postpone any votes on upcoming titles like Nightbitch until we approach December.
DRAMA
With all that context established, here are several films currently categorized as Dramas whose classification might raise eyebrows. Sometimes, it’s a question of the musical elements woven into the storytelling. In other instances, we encounter thematically rich pieces that shift tone throughout their duration. Furthermore, there exists a conundrum regarding action and horror genres, among others, that defy current binary classifications yet still necessitate placement. So, here we go – do you find yourself agreeing with the official Golden Globe designations as they pertain to these films labeled as “dramas”?
MUSICAL or COMEDY
The realm of Drama pales in comparison to the bedlam found within the Musical or Comedy category. You have your psychosexual melodramas mingling with horror satires, alongside bildungsroman-esque dramedies, pure horror offerings, animated narratives that tug at heartstrings, intense behind-the-scenes panic turned into feature-length films, all the way to the bold extremes of camp and cruelty, not forgetting India’s official Oscar submission. Essentially, it’s an overwhelming assortment, leading many to ponder how all these diverse projects can possibly fit under the broad umbrella of Musical or Comedy. Let’s take the time to assess each entry!
What movies would you like to see in future Category Confusion polls?
**Interview with Cláudio Alves: Insights on the 2022 Golden Globes and Genre Classifications**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Cláudio! As a voter for the Golden Globes this year, you have a unique perspective on the dynamics of award nominations. Can you start by sharing your thoughts on the ongoing controversy surrounding the Hollywood Foreign Press Association?
**Cláudio Alves:** Absolutely! The controversy really stems from a lack of diversity and transparency within the HFPA. It’s caused quite a stir in the industry, and many feel that it’s high time for reform. This year’s Globes will likely be viewed through that lens, as audiences and the industry alike are asking critical questions about who gets recognized and how.
**Interviewer:** Very interesting. Given your role this year, you’ve mentioned being privy to discussions about category fraud. Can you elaborate on what that entails?
**Cláudio Alves:** Sure! Category fraud is when studios attempt to manipulate a film or performance’s classification in order to gain an advantage in awards races. For example, some dramatic films are labeled as comedies to take advantage of less competitive categories. It can create a lot of confusion and even undermine the integrity of the awards.
**Interviewer:** That’s quite a challenge! You mentioned the blurred lines around genres. How does this impact your voting process?
**Cláudio Alves:** It complicates things for sure. With many films walking the line between comedy and drama, deciding where they should be placed is tricky. It forces voters like myself to reflect on what criteria define these genres, especially in our current societal context where escapism may skew perceptions of what is funny or dramatic.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of escapism, do you think the appeal of lighter films has affected their chances this year, especially considering the collective desire for relief during tough times?
**Cláudio Alves:** Definitely. The pandemic has made us crave comfort and joy in our viewing experiences. So, while there’s always a place for serious narratives, films that bring joy or laughter might resonate more with voters in this cycle, affecting their visibility and chances of recognition.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like the dynamics are constantly shifting. What are some films you feel have navigated these categories well?
**Cláudio Alves:** It’s tough to say definitively as there are so many contenders this year! However, I am looking at films that uniquely blend elements of both genres. They tend to spark interesting discussions among voters and could break boundaries or be classified in unexpected ways.
**Interviewer:** Fascinating insights, Cláudio! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on these crucial issues as we approach the Golden Globes.
**Cláudio Alves:** Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing these topics, and I look forward to seeing how everything unfolds during the awards.
