Golden Globe Noms: Surprises & Snubs

Tom CruiseGetty PremiumAccess Hollywood

By Jesse Spero & Jeremy Blacklow

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- As Terrence Howard, Brooke Shields, Rainn Wilson and Elizabeth Banks announced the 66th Annual Golden Globe nominations in Beverly Hills on Thursday morning, several announcements may leave stars scratching their heads about being honored or skipped over this year.

The largest surprise of the morning came for Tom Cruise who earned a Globe nomination for best supporting actor for his almost unrecognizable role in the hit summer action comedy "Tropic Thunder." Tom impressed audiences and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association with his manic and over the top comedic role as a Hollywood mogul.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Most Memorable Golden Globes Moments

Tom will compete in the same category as co-star Robert Downey Jr., who was also nominated in "Tropic Thunder" for his role as a white method actor playing a black man. News of Robert's role was initially met with some raised eyebrows, but once fans saw his hilarious satirical take on the role, fans flocked to the film. Both actors received supporting laughter when their noms were read out loud.

In what could be the biggest Golden Globe long shot, James Franco was nominated for best comedy or musical actor for his pothead role in Judd Apatow's "Pineapple Express." His supporting actor portrayal as Harvey Milk's first lover in "Milk" was overlooked.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: 2009 Golden Globes: Movie Nominees

Though fans flocked to the big screen version of "Sex and The City," and many thought Sarah Jessica Parker would get a nod, she and the film were completely left out of this year's nominations. The actress had previously been honored for her role on the HBO television series that the movie was based on.

Another surprise was for the film "In Bruges," which received nods for best motion picture - comedy or musical, and double best performance by an actor in a comedy or musical nods for Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, who will compete against each other.

The Danny Boyle-directed film, "Slumdog Millionaire," is shaping up to be the awards show surprise indie darling earning a nomination for picture, director and screenplay.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: 2009 Golden Globes: Television Nominees

On the television front, cable continued its dominance of recent years. Showtime finally established itself, earning 8 nominations, more than any broadcast network on the shoulders of hit shows "Weeds, "Dexter," and "Californication."

HBO lead all nominees yet again with 22 nods, with strong showings for new shows "In Treatment" and "True Blood," which both received best television series - drama nominations, as well as nods for lead actors Gabriel Byrne and Anna Paquin.

Many were also surprised to see Kevin Connolly nominated for best actor in a comedy or musical for "Entourage."

There were four double nominees this year - all in film: Clint Eastwood (both for musical categories -- but no noms for directing or acting!), Meryl Streep, Kate Winslet and Ralph Fiennes and Tom Wilkinson.

On the music front - you'll see both Beyonce Knowles, Miley Cyrus and Bruce Springsteen at the Globes this year - they were nominated for their respective songs in "Cadillac Records," "Bolt"and "The Wrestler."

But not everyone in Hollywood received a congratulatory phone call this morning, including many movies and actors who were widely expected to earn a nomination.

"The Dark Knight" did not receive a nomination for best picture like many in the industry believed it would. The late Heath Ledger, who was nominated for supporting actor, was the only person to get a nod in the Bat-camp. This could be a bad sign for "The Dark Knight's" possibility of earning an Oscar nomination.

Also passed over in the best picture category was the Harvey Milk bio-pic, "Milk," which many critics see as a contender for best picture at the Oscars, and which has won several early awards kudos. Also snubbed, Josh Brolin for best supporting actor. Sean Penn did, however, get a best actor nom.

In another film surprise, Michael Sheen was passed over for his role as David Frost in "Frost/Nixon."

Taraji Henson and Cate Blanchett were both snubbed for their roles in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."

Will Smith, who stars in the upcoming, "Seven Pounds," was also skipped this year, in a role that has received a hefty amount of award show buzz even before its release. It may have suffered because not many people have seen the film yet.

On the television front, ABC hit shows (and previous multi-Globe winners) "Desperate Housewives," "Lost" and "Grey's Anatomy" were all completely left out of this year's nominations.

Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
PLAY IT NOW: Will Smith Talks 'Seven Pounds'
PLAY IT NOW: Ben Stiller On Directing Robert Downey Jr.

MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Golden Globes - Tom Cruise - HBO - Movies - TV