Warner Bros. just lobbed a grenade into the Golden Globes’ Comedy or Musical category. And it’s labeled One Battle After Another.
The studio confirmed it will submit Paul Thomas Anderson‘s latest film—a film widely considered an Oscar frontrunner—for consideration in the comedy categories at the Globes. That’s right. The same film that’s been dissected in think pieces as a “zany,” “chaotic” masterpiece is now officially angling for a Best Picture (Musical or Comedy) slot. Leonardo DiCaprio is being pushed for Lead Actor (Musical or Comedy), while Teyana Taylor, Sean Penn, Regina Hall, and Benicio del Toro are set for Supporting runs. Even Chase Infiniti is in the Lead Actress mix.
I get the why. The Comedy or Musical category is often seen as a softer target for prestige films with a wink. And honestly, the film is funny—uproariously so in stretches. But a comedy? At its core? That’s like calling a tornado a light breeze.
The Strategy Behind the Stretch
Warner Bros. isn’t stupid. They know exactly what they’re doing. The Drama categories this year are a bloodbath: think The Mastermind, Blue Moon, and whatever Scorsese’s cooking. By shifting to Comedy, they’re not just dodging bullets—they’re arming themselves with a confetti cannon. If the film wins, it’s a talking point. If it loses, well, it’s still an Oscar frontrunner in the “real” race. Win-win.
But let’s be clear: One Battle After Another is a PTA film. It’s a tornado of neurosis, a three-ring circus of human folly. It’s funny, yes—but it’s also tragic, unsettling, and deeply weird. Calling it a comedy is like calling a hall of mirrors a theme park. It’s technically true, but you’re missing the point. The point is the distortion.
And if Warner Bros.’ move is a stretch, A24’s decision to submit If I Had Legs I’d Kick You for Comedy is a full-on Olympic-level contortion. That film? It’s a claustrophobic nightmare. Sure, it has a few darkly comic beats—like a chuckle during a root canal—but it’s primarily a descent into psychological hell. If the Globes accept it as a comedy, I’ll eat my press badge.
The Comedy Race Heats Up
Assuming the Globes buy Warner Bros.’ pitch, One Battle After Another will face stiff competition. The current favorite is Sinners, a razor-sharp satire that actually is a comedy. Then there’s Wicked For Good—if it’s anywhere near as beloved as the first, it’ll be a force. No word yet on where A24’s Marty Supreme lands, but it’s not likely to lighten the mood.
Meanwhile, awards season is in full swing. My inbox is already a graveyard of FYC emails. Frankenstein is expanding wider (and yes, it’s as stunning as they say), House of Dynamite is burning up Netflix, and Deliver Me From Nowhere and Bugonia are in theaters. But the real magic? It’s in the anti-Oscar bait. Seek out The Mastermind (a brutal, brilliant epic), If I Had Legs I’d Kick You (terrifying, but unmissable), Blue Moon (lyrical and haunting), Roofman (a heist film with heart), and Urchin (a gritty, gorgeous debut). These are the films that’ll stick with you.
Why the Golden Globes Comedy Category Is Becoming a Circus
- The “Prestige Comedy” Trap: Studios increasingly submit dark, complex films to the Comedy category to avoid stacked Drama fields, blurring genre lines.
- PTA’s Genre-Defying Style: Anderson’s films (Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood) often straddle comedy and drama, making One Battle After Another a prime candidate for category fraud.
- DiCaprio’s Range: Campaigning DiCaprio in Comedy highlights his comedic chops, which are often overshadowed by his dramatic roles.
- The Globes’ Identity Crisis: The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has faced criticism for questionable category placements, and this move will only fuel the fire.
- A24’s Even Bigger Gamble: Submitting a film like If I Had Legs I’d Kick You as a comedy is a bold, possibly desperate, play for attention in a crowded race.
FAQ
Is One Battle After Another actually a comedy?
Technically, yes—it has moments of absurdist humor and farce. But it’s also a profound, often unsettling exploration of chaos and human folly. Calling it a comedy feels reductive, like labeling a hurricane “windy.”
Why would Warner Bros. risk category fraud?
Simple: strategy. The Drama categories are overloaded with heavyweights. By submitting to Comedy, they give the film a clearer path to a Golden Globe win, which boosts its Oscar momentum. It’s a calculated gamble, and it might just pay off.
What’s the biggest competition in the Comedy category?
Right now, Sinners is the one to beat. It’s a sharp, genuinely funny satire with critical buzz. If Wicked For Good is as well-received as the first film, it could also dominate.
Could this move backfire for Warner Bros.?
Absolutely. If the Hollywood Foreign Press Association rejects the submission or voters don’t buy it as a comedy, the film could end up empty-handed. Worse, it might look like the studio is trying to game the system, inviting backlash.
What’s the most egregious category fraud this year?
A24’s push for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You as a comedy takes the cake. That film is a masterclass in psychological horror. If it gets nominated, it’ll be a glaring example of how the Globes’ categories can be manipulated.
At the end of the day, awards season is always a circus. But this year, Warner Bros. is the ringmaster, and One Battle After Another is its most unpredictable act. Whether it’s a comedy or a tragedy disguised in motley, one thing’s for sure: we’ll all be watching. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a date with Urchin—and it’s not a comedy either.
