The Golden Globes pale in significance to the Emmys, TV’s gold standard when it comes to the industry lauding its peers. Still, several careers have been launched via the Globes — including host Ricky Gervais, who came out of nowhere to win for his BBC series “The Office” in 2004.
Here are my picks for those who will snare a statue on Sunday. Most are from the streaming universe, so if I’m right (and I won’t be), this will be the first class of GG winners in major categories from that viewing platform. And wouldn’t that be interesting?
Best TV series, drama
What should win: “Game of Thrones”
What will win: “Narcos,” which gave “GoT” a run for its money via its impact.
Best actress, drama
Who should win: Taraji P. Henson, who received an Emmy nod last fall and is electrifying as Cookie Lyon on “Empire.”
Who will win: It’ll go to the safe choice, emotionless Robin Wright (“House of Cards”) — she of the one facial expression.
Best actor, drama
Who should win: Wagner Moura, for his bravura performance in “Narcos,” which riveted viewers when it dropped on Netflix last summer.
Who will win: Moura
Best TV series, comedy or musical
What should win: “Transparent,” riding a wave of good publicity and positive vibes.
What will win: “Transparent”
Best actress, comedy or musical
Who should win: Rachel Bloom, of “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” is this year’s version of Gina Rodriguez (actress on a little-watched series). Golden Globe voters like to shake it up every now and then.
Who will win: Lily Tomlin. A sentimental favorite despite mixed reviews for “Grace and Frankie.”
Best actor, comedy or musical
Who should win: Jeffrey Tambor for “Transparent.”
Who will win: Tambor. I know, I know. He won last year. But he’ll win again. (Though why am I haunted by the specter of “Mozart in the Jungle” star Gael García Bernal snaring a statuette?)
Best supporting actress
Who should win: Regina King, who was terrific in “American Crime.”
Who will win: Joanne Froggatt, the sentimental choice for the farewell season of “Downton Abbey.”
Best supporting actor
Who should win: Alan Cumming, who’s been terrific on “The Good Wife” and seamlessly transitioned from theater to series television.
Who will win: Cumming, for those very reasons. It’s his year.