Entertainment · Film · 2 hrs ago
Golden Globes reject ‘Michael’ from musical or comedy category
The Golden Globes rejected ‘Michael’ from the musical or comedy category after reviewing its submission.
The biopic stars Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson and includes songs by the late singer.
The committee decided the music did not drive the film’s story enough to meet the category’s rules.
The rules say songs must help further the plot, rather than simply appear in the film.
The decision moves the film into the drama categories unless its studio, Lionsgate, appeals successfully.
That could put Jaafar Jackson in a more competitive field for an acting nomination.
Lionsgate is considering an appeal before the October 31 deadline; nominations are due to be announced on December 7, 2026.
The Golden Globes’ committee rejected Lionsgate’s bid to enter Michael in the musical or comedy categories for the 2027 awards.
The committee said the film’s musical performances did not sufficiently drive its narrative, as required by the Globes’ rules.
The decision means the film and lead actor Jaafar Jackson are set to compete in the drama categories, which are described as more competitive.
Lionsgate may appeal the decision before the October 31 deadline.
The 84th Golden Globe nominations are due to be announced on December 7, and the ceremony is set for January 10.
- Who
- The Golden Globes’ awards committee rejected Lionsgate’s category submission for Michael.
- What
- The film was denied entry in the musical or comedy categories and is set to compete in drama categories.
- When
- The decision was reported on October 20, 2026. Lionsgate has until October 31 to appeal.
- Where
- The decision concerns the 2027 Golden Globe Awards.
- Why
- The committee concluded that the film’s musical performances did not sufficiently drive the narrative, as the rules require.
Lionsgate
Golden Globes awards committee
Category submission
Lionsgate
Lionsgate submitted Michael for the musical or comedy categories and, according to TheWrap, director Antoine Fuqua sent a letter making the case for that classification.
Golden Globes awards committee
The committee rejected the submission, saying the musical performances did not sufficiently drive the narrative.
Appeal
Lionsgate
Lionsgate may appeal the decision before the October 31 deadline.
Golden Globes awards committee
An appeal would need to be reviewed by the committee; Billboard reported that sources said an appeal was unlikely.
Michael opened in theaters, according to Billboard.
Reports said the Golden Globes committee had rejected the film’s musical or comedy category submission.
Deadline for Lionsgate to appeal the decision.
Nominations for the 84th Golden Globe Awards are due to be announced.
The 84th Golden Globe Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place.
- Film
- Michael, a biopic about Michael Jackson
- Lead actor
- Jaafar Jackson, who plays his uncle Michael
- Decision
- Rejected from the musical or comedy categories
- Appeal deadline
- October 31, 2026
- Nomination announcement
- December 7, 2026
- Awards ceremony
- January 10, 2027
4 sources
What people are saying
A musical can be a comedy or a drama in which songs are used in addition to spoken dialogue to further the plot.