Golden Globes Committee Rejects Musical Classification for Michael Jackson Biopic ‘Michael’

One of the most anticipated films of the awards season has hit an early obstacle. The Golden Globes awards committee has rejected Lionsgate’s bid to enter Michael, the studio’s big-budget biographical film about Michael Jackson, in the musical or comedy categories, ruling instead that the picture must compete as a drama.

Why the Committee Said No

According to the decision, committee members concluded that while the film is filled with performances of Jackson’s music, those musical sequences do not sufficiently advance the storyline to qualify for the musical classification under the organization’s rules. Lionsgate had submitted the production for the musical or comedy field, where competition is traditionally considered lighter than in drama.

The ruling has its biggest impact on Jaafar Jackson, the singer’s nephew, who portrays his uncle in the title role in what is widely seen as a star-making performance. Instead of facing the musical and comedy contenders, he will now compete directly against the year’s dramatic leading men — traditionally one of the most formidable fields on the awards circuit. Lionsgate is reportedly weighing an appeal of the determination before the October 31 submission deadline.

Precedent Is Not on Lionsgate’s Side

Industry observers note that the decision follows a well-established pattern rather than singling out this particular film. Other major music biopics — including Bohemian Rhapsody, about Freddie Mercury and Queen, Elvis, and A Complete Unknown, about Bob Dylan — all competed at the Golden Globes as dramas despite being built around iconic musical performances.

Whether the classification ultimately matters remains to be seen. Those earlier films all converted their drama placements into significant awards success, and Michael arrives with enormous public curiosity behind it. For now, though, its road to a Golden Globe just became considerably steeper.

Source: Winneba News