Hugh Grant’s Golden Globe Nomination for Heretic: A Surprising Turn in His Career
Every year, the Golden Globe nominations bring a mix of surprises and snubs, and in 2024, one of the most unexpected nods was for Hugh Grant as Best Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy for his role in Heretic. This nomination has caught many off guard, especially given Grant’s recent shift from charming romantic leads to darker, more sinister characters.
A Humble and Humorous Reaction
Hugh Grant took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his gratitude with his signature humor and self-deprecation. He wrote, “Massive thanks to the Golden Globes for so warmly welcoming a blatant gate crasher. Also to Scott Beck and Bryan Woods for spotting my need to kill, and to A24 for sponsoring it” [1][4]. This lighthearted acknowledgment reflects both his surprise at the nomination and his appreciation for the film’s creative team.
Heretic, directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods—known for their work on A Quiet Place—features Grant as Mr. Reed, who is visited by two Mormon missionaries portrayed by Chloe East and Sophie Thatcher. Initially appearing friendly, Mr. Reed’s true nature as a sadistic atheist unfolds as he attempts to convince the women that God does not exist, marking a significant departure from Grant’s earlier roles.
Embracing the “Villain Era”
This nomination signifies a pivotal moment in Hugh Grant’s evolving career, marking his entry into what many are calling his “villain era.” Having transitioned away from the romantic comedy roles that initially made him famous, Grant has embraced complex antagonistic characters in films such as Paddington 2, The Undoing, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, and Unfrosted. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, he shared his preference for playing villains: “Every actor really prefers it… You’d be hard-pressed to find an actor or actress who says, ‘I just like playing nice people.’ They’re tough and always borderline boring” [3][4]. This perspective highlights why Grant is drawn to darker roles that challenge traditional notions of heroism.
A Golden Globe Staple
Hugh Grant’s nomination for Heretic marks his seventh at the Golden Globes. He won his first award in 1994 for Four Weddings and a Funeral, with his most recent nomination being for his lead role in the 2020 HBO series The Undoing. Over the years, Grant has become a familiar face at this prestigious event, often reflecting on the enjoyable atmosphere of the ceremony. In a past interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he expressed his love for attending the Golden Globes with his wife while leaving their children at home [2][4].
The Anticipation of Awards Season
As fans eagerly await the 2024 Golden Globe Awards ceremony scheduled for January, Hugh Grant’s nomination brings excitement not only for him but also for audiences looking forward to seeing him in a new light through Heretic. The film represents a significant transformation in his acting career, showcasing his ability to captivate audiences with diverse performances.
For more information about Hugh Grant’s latest role and the upcoming Golden Globe Awards, check out articles from Entertainment Weekly and Forbes.
[1] https://ew.com/hugh-grant-thanks-golden-globes-for-nominating-him-blatant-gate-crasher-8758251
[4] https://www.aol.com/hugh-grant-thanks-golden-globes-191251905.html
[5] https://time.com/7200793/2024-golden-globe-nominations/
[6] https://www.prorom.com/en/news/heretics-hugh-grant-nominated-for-best-actor-at-golden-globes-2024
