‘The Substance’ Earns Five Golden Globe Noms – Including Best Picture

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As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the celluloid world, I must say that ‘The Substance‘ is a breath of fresh, albeit neon green, air. This little indie flick has burst onto the scene like a mutant organism from one of its own scenes, leaving critics and audiences alike in awe.

Without a doubt, “The Film” caused quite a stir upon its theater release in September, and with good reason. Director Coralie Fargeat’s unique interpretation of the body horror sub-genre left even David Cronenberg feeling embarrassed, and it eventually grossed over $56 million at the box office, making it Mubi’s most successful film ever. Now, following its triumph at numerous festivals, “The Film” is poised to conquer mainstream audiences after being nominated for five Golden Globe awards, one of which is for Best Picture.

This morning, it was announced on the Golden Globes website that the film, “The Substance,” has been nominated in five different categories. These include Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Director for Fargeat, Best Performance by Demi Moore as a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Supporting Role by Margaret Qualley, and Best Screenplay for Fargeat as well. This is an impressive feat for the relatively unknown indie film that has emerged this year to be one of 2024’s standout horror movies.

Featuring Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle, the maturing host of an aerobics program, “The Substance” delves into the extreme measures taken by her character in the shallow world of entertainment to regain youthfulness, with disastrous consequences ensuing. Upon receiving a puzzling neon green serum, Qualley enters the scene, and without revealing too much, let’s say that this film pushes body horror to extremes not witnessed for many years. It’s one of those films that must be seen to be believed, so make sure you subscribe to Mubi to watch it!

Does ‘The Substance’ Have a Chance at Winning Best Picture?

Despite our hopes, The Substance might find it challenging to win Best Picture at the Golden Globes due to its formidable competitors. Initially, it was misplaced in the ‘Musical or Comedy’ category, which isn’t ideal. Now, it faces off against heavyweights such as Wicked, Challengers, Anora, A Real Pain, and Emilia Pérez. It seems probable that Wicked will win the award, but The Substance may still have a chance in other categories.

Coralie Fargeat seems highly likely to win the Best Director award, and it wouldn’t be a shock if she also takes home the Best Screenplay prize. Demi Moore is going head-to-head with stiff competition from Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Karla Sofìa Gascón (Emilia Pérez), and Mikey Madison (Anora). Meanwhile, Margaret Qualley is vying for the same award against Ariana Grande from Wicked, as well as Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldaña from Emilia Pérez.

Nevertheless, “The Substance” stands as the initial horror film of the current decade to receive a Best Picture nomination in any category – be it Musical, Comedy, or Drama. This achievement should make Fargeat and the entire production team swell with pride. The movie serves as an insightful social critique not just on the entertainment industry, but also on topics such as aging, self-worth, body dysmorphia, and the pitfalls of quick, instantaneous self-improvement solutions. If you haven’t had a chance to watch it yet, investing in a $12.99/month Mubi subscription would undoubtedly prove to be a valuable decision.

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2024-12-09 21:01