Michael Jackson biopic shifted to drama category for 2027 Golden Globes

Golden Globes officials have moved Lionsgate's Michael Jackson biopic "Michael" into the drama competition for the 2027 awards, rejecting the studio's request to be placed in the Musical or Comedy field. The shift forces the film to vie for only six drama nomination slots, lining it up against titles such as Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey and the Los Javis' La Bola Negra. Lead actor Jaafar Jackson, the pop star's real-life nephew, will still contend for the best actor prize, while supporting performers Colman Domingo and Nia Long can continue their campaigns unchanged because supporting categories are not genre-based. Lionsgate has until Oct 31 to appeal the decision, after which the committee will review the case. The Globes define a musical as any comedy or drama that uses songs to move the plot, a definition the film reportedly meets. "Michael," directed by Antoine Fuqua and scripted by John Logan, debuted in April 2026 and traces Jackson's rise from the Jackson 5 to the Bad tour. A sequel is already in development, with Miles Teller confirming plans and Jaafar Jackson saying any follow-up will focus on the singer's music. ## Context The Golden Globes split only its lead-acting awards by genre, so drama placement makes competition tougher, while supporting categories remain open to all films regardless of genre.