Michael may be packed with some of the most famous songs ever recorded, but the Golden Globes do not consider it a musical.
Lionsgate’s attempt to have the Michael Jackson biopic compete in the Golden Globes’ musical or comedy categories has been rejected, meaning Jaafar Jackson is currently headed toward the drama race for his portrayal of the King of Pop.
The decision comes down to how the Globes define a musical. Under the awards body’s rules, songs must be used alongside spoken dialogue to advance the plot. Simply being a movie about a musician, even one filled with concert performances and iconic music, is not enough.
That distinction has increasingly pushed music biopics into the drama categories. Elvis, Bohemian Rhapsody, and A Complete Unknown all competed as dramas, despite centering on musicians and extensively using their music.
The rule evolved after films including Ray and Walk the Line competed in the musical or comedy field, prompting the Globes to more clearly distinguish between musical storytelling and musical subject matter.
Lionsgate still has the option to appeal the ruling before the October 31 submission deadline. If that appeal fails, Michael will remain in the drama categories alongside other awards contenders including The Odyssey and La Bola Negra.
REELated:
‘Michael 2’ lands $30.8 million California tax credit
The ruling primarily affects the film and Jaafar Jackson’s lead-actor campaign. Supporting contenders Colman Domingo and Nia Long are unaffected because the Golden Globes do not divide supporting acting categories by genre.
The category decision arrives during an otherwise extraordinary run for Michael.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film follows Jackson from his childhood with the Jackson 5 to his emergence as a global superstar, culminating in the Bad era. Michael became Lionsgate’s biggest theatrical release and the first music biopic to surpass $1 billion worldwide.
The studio is already moving ahead with a sequel, with production expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027. California also recently awarded the follow-up $30.8 million in tax incentives.
Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, has also emerged as a potential awards contender after making his feature acting debut in the title role.
Whether voters ultimately embrace the performance remains to be seen, but one thing is now clear.
At the Golden Globes, Michael is officially bringing the drama.
