January marks the beginning of a new era. A time to turn a new leaf, so to speak. A time to make resolutions and welcome change as a full-fledged member of the family. Some may pledge to eat healthier, go to the gym more often, start a new hobby or work on self-improvement.

Y’all have fun with that. You can have your Planet Fitness memberships and your WeightWatchers and your “how to crochet” books. I’ll be too busy hunkering down in front of the TV watching Will Smith slap Chris Rock for a second time. 

Oh, sorry, wrong award show. 

 The Golden Globes – if anybody other than me will even be tuning in – will air on CBS on Sunday. Before then, however, I will be predicting who I believe will win a Golden Globe. Why? Because sometimes all you need is something to be excited about to drag yourself out of that post-Christmas grey. 

And I have nothing else better to do than scream at a TV over a Golden freaking Globe being handed to the wrong movie or actor. 

Disclaimer: The Golden Globes is a long award show, averaging about three hours each year and handing out more than 20 awards in that time. That’s a lot, and there is no way I can comment on every single award without this article being 10 pages or more. This list will be condensed to the awards I thought to be the most popular for your reading pleasure. You can view the rest of the predictions in the gallery below. 

In terms of the Best Actor in a Drama award, social studies teacher Lauren Hall said she “would not be surprised if either Bradley Cooper or [Cillian] Murphy won.” 

I second this, but I am leaning more towards Murphy, who was marvelous in “Oppenheimer.” When it comes to Christopher Nolan films, Murphy usually takes a backseat as a more minor role, but he knocked it out of the park as the main guy.  

Overall, a very notable performance I was extremely happy to see in theaters. 

On the opposite note, I think Cooper’s “Maestro” came out just a bit too late, and this works to its detriment. It’s only been in theaters for a little over a month, compared to Oppie’s summer blockbuster release in July. I don’t think “Maestro” will win not because it’s “bad” (judging by reviews, it’s anything but), but because not nearly as many people who have seen “Oppenheimer” have seen “Maestro.” And because of this, they haven’t seen Cooper in action. It’s unfair, but that’s the thing with the Golden Globes – they’re cutthroat and merciless. 

And they’re not even actual gold. I feel lied to.

Now for Best Actress in a Drama: Lily Gladstone’s performance in “Killers of the Flower Moon” is nothing to sleep on. I admit I have not seen this film, but even just from watching trailers and clips online, I can tell she has a real talent for acting. 

Hall also hasn’t watched the film, but she has read the book and enjoyed it, and hopes Gladstone will win. 

“It’d be so cool if a Native American actor won Best Actress,” she said. “I think it’d be a first-time thing on the Golden Globes.” 

Even if she doesn’t win, I’ll be sure to be on the lookout for any films starring her in the future. 

I firmly believe “Oppenheimer” will win Best Drama Motion Picture. Everything from the casting to the special effects to the cinematography – it all screams perfection. The Trinity Test scene belongs in a museum next to Van Gogh. I could gush about this movie until my death, and I’d still have so much to say. 

Even if you’re not history savvy, still give it a watch. If not for yourself, do it for the “Barbenheimer” experience. 

It is riveting, it is entertaining and it is become death, destroyer of the Box Office. 

For Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy, the award has got to go to Jeffrey Wright from “American Fiction.” Again, I have not seen this film in full, but after in-depth analysis (read: laughing like crazy) of trailers and teaser clips, I simply will not be happy if Wright does not get the recognition he deserves. 

As for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy, Margot Robbie essentially stole this award and ran away with it when “Barbie” graced the big screen. To me, she is Barbie. There is no other person who can be as Barbie as Robbie is. 

Subplots about plastic dolls having existential crises aside, Robbie’s delivery, humor and charm is what makes “Barbie” such an authentic and original movie to me, and I don’t see that resonating with me nearly as much had somebody else portrayed Barbie. 

I’ve said “Barbie” too many times. Now it doesn’t feel like a real name. 

Let’s say it some more: “Barbie” will win Best Comedy or Musical, no doubt about it. As much as I want my buddy “American Fiction” to get some credit where credit is due, it stands very little chance against the hot pink prowess of “Barbie” (the movie and the character) that dominated both the Box Office and the summer. 

“Everything in the movie was just so thought-out,” Hall said. “The details, the marketing – everything was thought-out. Even if you go see it just for fun, it’s still amazing.” She pounded her fist on her desk. “I. Love. ‘Barbie.’ I saw it twice.” 

Senior Ingrid Schmitz said “Barbie” would absolutely win Best Musical or Comedy. 

“I know ‘Oppenheimer’ and ‘Barbie’ can’t compete against each other because they’re in different categories, but ‘Barbie’ would win between the two,” she said. 

Schmitz also loved “Barbie” for its music.  

“‘I’m Just Ken’ needs to win Best Original Song,” she said. “I think it’s a masterpiece. Jack, would you go on record that ‘What Was I Made For?’ could win?” 

Senior Jack Frank, who was listening to Schmitz read the nominees aloud, said he’d “go on record.”

No matter who wins or loses – at the end of the day – it is simply a trophy. 

It doesn’t matter if your favorite shows and movies get a trophy or don’t. Golden Globes don’t determine what shows are “good” or “bad.” That is judged entirely on personal taste. Award shows are meant to be fun, and fun is what I will have on Sunday night, intensely staring at the TV, willing my favorite movies and shows to win. 

And if they don’t, a certain Box Office will be hearing from me. 

Below are the remainder of my predictions. 

Gallery • 19 Photos