Michael won’t be competing as a musical at the Golden Globes. The Michael Jackson biopic, starring Jaafar Jackson as his late uncle, has been moved into the drama categories after its comedy/musical submission was rejected.
Why It Was Moved
Under Golden Globes rules, a musical is a film in which songs are used alongside dialogue to move the plot forward. According to Gold Derby, the committee felt Michael‘s musical numbers work as recreations of Jackson’s iconic stage performances rather than as storytelling. Lionsgate had until October 31 to appeal.
That distinction matters. In a traditional musical, characters sing to express what they’re feeling or to push the story ahead. In most music biopics, performances show what the artist did on stage, which is why the Globes often treat them as dramas.
Following Other Music Biopics
Michael is far from the first film to end up in this position. Bohemian Rhapsody competed as a drama and went on to win Best Motion Picture – Drama, with Rami Malek taking Best Actor for playing Freddie Mercury. Elvis and A Complete Unknown were also entered as dramas.
So while the decision might sound like a setback, history suggests it doesn’t hurt a film’s chances. If anything, the drama race tends to carry more prestige.
A Tougher Field
The move does put Michael into one of the most competitive categories of the season, up against serious awards contenders rather than comedies. Much of the attention will be on Jaafar Jackson, who steps into the role of his uncle for his first major film performance.
The comedy/musical race has a surprise of its own this year, too. Curry Barker’s horror hit Obsession has been accepted as a comedy, which should make for some lively debate once nominations are announced.
Either way, awards season just got a lot more interesting.