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Will Josh O’Connor Shine at the Golden Globes for “Challengers”? Five Reasons to Consider

The film “Challengers,” directed by Luca Guadagnino, captivated audiences earlier this year with its alluring love triangle featuring Mike Faist, Josh O’Connor, and Zendaya. This romantic drama not only enchanted viewers but also turned out to be a financial success, grossing nearly $100 million globally. As the Golden Globe nominations approach on December 9, there is renewed buzz around the film. Interestingly, one actor might be flying under the radar—Josh O’Connor. Here are five compelling reasons he could land a nomination for Best Film Supporting Actor despite the odds.

1. Support from His Film

Current predictions from Gold Derby suggest “Challengers” could see nominations in three categories: Best Film Comedy/Musical, Best Actress in a Film Comedy/Musical for Zendaya, and Best Score, credited to Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. O’Connor, however, finds himself on the fringes of the Best Film Supporting Actor race, currently ranked ninth. Notably, similar waves of support have previously propelled actors like Willem Dafoe for “Poor Things” into the nominations, underscoring the impact of a film’s overall recognition.

2. Previous Golden Globe Victory

O’Connor has already claimed a Golden Globe, thanks to his portrayal of Prince Charles in the critically acclaimed series “The Crown.” While the voting bodies have changed since then, some voters remain from the now-defunct Hollywood Foreign Press Association. As the only past Golden Globe winner among this year’s contenders for the supporting actor category, this prior recognition could give O’Connor an edge, reminding voters of his talent and previous acclaim.

3. Critical Acclaim for “Challengers”

The past nominations reveal a tendency of the voting body to favor films that resonate with critics. “Challengers” has received immense praise, achieving an impressive score of 82 on Metacritic and an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, marking it as a certified fresh title. Such accolades could enhance O’Connor’s chances, as voters often gravitate toward performances associated with critically lauded works.

4. International Recognition

There’s a growing openness within the Golden Globes Association to recognize international talent. A notable recent example was Alma Poysti‘s nomination for “Fallen Leaves.” Both O’Connor and Guadagnino boast substantial international credentials, particularly with O’Connor’s work in films like Alice Rohrwacher‘s “La Chimera.” This global perspective could work in O’Connor’s favor, amplifying his appeal among voters.

5. Significant Role in “Challengers”

As one of the film’s principal players, O’Connor enjoys a substantial amount of screen time and emotional material to showcase his talent. This positions him similarly to actors like Julianne Moore, who recently garnered attention for her role in “May December.” With current odds placing O’Connor at 56/1, he represents a compelling wildcard for those predicting the nominations, potentially offering a significant payoff for those who back him.

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