The Golden Globes have rejected Lionsgate's bid to enter the Michael Jackson biopic Michael in the comedy or musical categories. That means the film, starring Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop, is currently slated for the drama categories. There it will compete against films such as Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey.
The reason is about how the film uses music. The committee felt the musical performances did not sufficiently drive the story, as the Globes' rules for a musical require. Members reportedly saw the musical sequences as recreations of Jackson's concert performances rather than devices that advance the story.
For Jaafar Jackson, the decision matters. He will compete in the lead actor in a drama category against likely nominees including Matt Damon and Andrew Scott. The drama categories are seen as more competitive than the musical or comedy categories. Supporting performances by Colman Domingo and Nia Long, who play Jackson's parents, are not affected, because the Globes don't split those categories by genre.
Lionsgate can appeal before the Oct. 31 submission deadline, but sources say it is unlikely to do so.
The ruling comes after a record-setting run. The film opened April 24, became the first biopic to pass $1 billion worldwide, and is Lionsgate's biggest release ever.
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- "Michael" Becomes First Biopic in History to Cross $1 Billion at the Box Office
- Jaafar Jackson Reflects as "Michael" Surpasses "The Passion of the Christ" at the U.S. Box Office
- A Mother Who Never Stopped Praying: Katherine Jackson Turns 96 and the Michael Biopic Reminded the World Who She Is
