As the anticipation builds and the red carpets roll out, the award season is upon us. The film industry's most prestigious honors are up for grabs. Needless to say, with critically acclaimed movies and shows competing for prestige, the competition is intense. The wait, however, is going to come to an end soon. The 82nd Golden Globe Awards, set to broadcast live on CBS, will reveal the crème de la crème on January 5th, 2025. 

Marking the beginning of this thrilling journey, the nominations on December 9th, 2024 will set the stage for an unforgettable night of glamour and accolades, pitting some of cinema's best works against each other. 

In a surprise move, Demi Moore's film The Substance has entered the Golden Globes fray as a musical/comedy, exclusively reported by The Hollywood Reporter. This classification pits Moore against newcomers, Mikey Madison, for Anora and Karla Sofía Gascón for Emilia Pérez. Coralie Fargeat's darkly humorous film follows an aging Hollywood star, played by Moore, navigating the industry's youth-obsessed culture.

The submission decision, however, has ended speculation surrounding The Substance category. Debate existed within the film's and Moore's camps due to its blend of horror and satire. With graphic blood and gore, it also served as a disturbing horror flick. However, its biting satire of Hollywood's beauty standards justified the classification of musical/comedy. MUBI's release will compete in the Globes' musical/comedy category, with nominations announced on December 9.

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While fans have questioned The Substance being entered as a musical/comedy, there is a strategic reasoning driving this categorization decision.

Had The Substance been submitted as a drama, Demi Moore would have faced formidable competition. Veteran actresses Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman, Saoirse Ronan, and Tilda Swinton would have gone head to head. As established stars would dominate the category, the lineup would have made securing a nomination or win challenging, overshadowing Moore's performance. Thus, her chances of recognition would have been significantly reduced.

As a musical/comedy entrée, however, Moore's competition shifts. Newcomers like Mikey Madison and Karla Sofía Gascón, along with Cynthia Erivo, Amy Adams, and Zendaya, although key rivals, improve Moore's chances in their way. With less established competition, her performance had gained the prominence it intended to now only going for this strategy to pay off. Nonetheless, with talks to step in the Oscars' ring, this year's hit Deadpool & Wolverine is still expected to give it a tough time. 

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What do you think of The Substance’s chance of winning the Globes? Let us know in the comments below.