Entertainment Gists
Golden Globes: Belfast And The Power of The Dog Lead Field For Troubled Awards
Sir Kenneth Branagh’s autobiographical film Belfast and The Power of the Dog, a Benedict Cumberbatch-starring Western, lead the nominations for the controversy-hit Golden Globe Awards.
The two movies are up for seven prizes each, including best drama film.
The Globes are usually the highest-profile awards except the Oscars, but January’s ceremony won’t be televised.
TV network NBC dropped it after a series of revelations including a lack of diversity among voters.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that none of the 87 members of the secretive organisation behind the awards – the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) – were black.
A coalition of 100 Hollywood PR firms accused the organisation of “discriminatory behaviour, unprofessionalism, ethical impropriety and alleged financial corruption”, saying they would advise the stars they represent not to work with the HFPA.
The HFPA membership and rules have been overhauled, but it remains to be seen whether any of this year’s nominees will withdraw as a result of the controversy.
Who is nominated this year?
Sir Kenneth has two nominations for Belfast, his black-and-white retelling of his childhood in Northern Ireland – for best director and best screenplay – while its stars including Caitriona Balfe and Jamie Dornan are also recognised.
Cumberbatch and co-star Kirsten Dunst are nominated for acting prizes for Netflix’s The Power of the Dog, while Jane Campion will go up against Sir Kenneth for writing and directing.
Other big names to be nominated for acting awards include Will Smith for playing Venus and Serena Williams’ father in King Richard; Kristen Stewart for playing Princess Diana in Spencer; and Lady Gaga for House of Gucci.
Olivia Colman, Jennifer Lawrence, Emma Stone, Leonardo DiCaprio, Andrew Garfield, Denzel Washington and Nicole Kidman are also in the running.
The Golden Globes also include TV shows – with Succession leading the TV nominations with five, followed by The Morning Show and Ted Lasso with four each.
It is not known whether any others might have been nominated but asked the HFPA not to be considered because of the controversy.
The organisation said it “accommodated filmmakers/studios who requested their content to be considered only for specific categories”.
Some studios also reportedly refused to provide links for voters to watch their contenders in advance. However there were no glaring omissions from the nominations list, which was revealed by rapper Snoop Dogg.
But nor were the usual celebratory posts and quotes from the nominees, who are apparently trying to keep some distance from the awards without withdrawing completely.
The leading film nominees
- Belfast – 7
- The Power of the Dog – 7
- Don’t Look Up – 4
- King Richard – 4
- Licorice Pizza – 4
- West Side Story – 4
The leading TV nominees
- Succession – 5
- The Morning Show – 4
- Ted Lasso – 4
- Dopesick – 3
- The Great – 3
- Hacks – 3
- Maid – 3
- Only Murders in the Building – 3
- Pose – 3
Squid Game – 3
What was the controversy?
Last February, the Los Angeles Times revealed that there were no black members, and suggested voters can be swayed by promotions and freebies from production companies.
The paper said HFPA members were flown to Paris by Netflix in support of its comedy series Emily in Paris, which went on to receive two nominations for last year’s Globes.
Many observers expressed surprise because the show had lukewarm reviews, whereas the critically acclaimed I May Destroy You was left out of the nominations.
The revelations led Tom Cruise to hand back his three Golden Globes in protest and Scarlett Johansson to call for “fundamental reform”.
In response, the HFPA has taken steps including recruiting 21 new and “predominantly diverse” members, appointing a chief diversity officer and making its members take diversity, equality and inclusion training.
There is also a new oversight committee and a five-year partnership with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
What will the ceremony be like?
The Golden Globes show is traditionally the first major ceremony of the awards season and is seen as a good precursor for what to expect at the Oscars.
It is always star-studded and often more relaxed and unpredictable than the Academy Awards.
The winners will still be announced on 9 January – but the event will not be televised, and the big-name nominees and winners are likely to steer clear.
“It’s not looking like this will be a celebrity-driven event,” the HFPA’s new president Helen Hoehne recently told Variety.
The Globes will be hoping to be welcomed back into the Hollywood fold and the TV schedules next year – if organisers can convince the film industry that they have put their house in order.
What’s taking its place on TV?
The Golden Globe shortlist was announced on the same day as the nominations for the Critics Choice Awards, which also saw a strong showing for Belfast with 11 nods.
West Side Story also received 11, while Dune and The Power of the Dog were nominated for 10 each.
The Critics Choice Awards will effectively take the place of the Golden Globes in the TV schedules. It has been scheduled for the Globes’ usual broadcast slot on 9 January.
RUAN-Badkid.96 is a Nigerian recording artist whose music refuses to live inside a single genre. Blending Afrobeat, Afrofusion, trap, hip-hop, melodic rap, R&B, and global influences, he creates records that move effortlessly between raw street energy, soulful storytelling, and infectious melodies. Whether delivering hard-hitting bars, emotional love songs, or rhythm-driven African records, his sound is defined by authenticity rather than limitation.
Inspired by both African culture and international music, RUAN-Badkid.96 embraces the confidence and ambition of global hip-hop while staying deeply connected to his roots. His lyrics explore love, heartbreak, betrayal, friendship, social injustice, hope, and the everyday realities of life. He doesn’t create music to follow trends, he creates music to reflect truth, emotion, and human experience.
Behind his fearless image is an artist who believes in kindness, equality, justice, and genuine human connection. His appearance may be intimidating, but his message is rooted in compassion and authenticity. Every record carries a piece of his journey, proving that strength and vulnerability can exist in the same voice.
For RUAN-Badkid.96, music is more than entertainment, it’s a language, a testimony, and a lifelong mission to connect with people through honesty, versatility, and unforgettable sound.
Entertainment Gists
Meet the Man Who Turned Hype Into a Science: Emmy Blaq, Nigeria’s G.O.A.T. of Hype
If you have ever been at a Nigerian event and found yourself on your feet before the main act even stepped on stage, there is a good chance a hype man was responsible. But not just any hype man. Emmy Blaq, born Ikechukwu Emmanuel Chima and raised in Auchi, Edo State, has spent the last few years quietly becoming the most talked-about name in that profession, and the Nigerian press has taken notice. Punch, Vanguard, The Guardian Nigeria, The Nation, and Independent Newspaper have all sat down with him, and every conversation leads back to the same thing: this man does not just make noise; he makes moments.
What makes Emmy Blaq different is the journey behind the energy. Before the stages, the collaborations with Waje on her “Waje 2.0” album, DJ Consequence, and DJ Kaywise on the massively streamed “Joor Party Mix” series, he was repairing generators, cutting hair, and sewing clothes in Auchi. His first professional hype gig happened at a local fast food spot called Valchi, and the crowd response that night changed everything. He told The Nation directly: “My passion for entertainment and desire to make people happy led me into the craft.” Punch also captured his bigger mission when he said that hype men deserve more than what they currently earn, a statement that sparked a real conversation across Nigerian entertainment circles.
With over 1.7 million TikTok followers, 23.6 million TikTok likes, a viral “Wife Material” challenge that landed on Pulse Nigeria’s top ten social media moments of 2021, and an international performance at the Cameroon International Music Festival that Cameroonian media described as electrifying, Emmy Blaq is not building toward something. He is already there. The G.O.A.T. of Hype is not a title he gave himself and hoped would stick. It is one the rooms keep confirming every single time he grabs the mic.
MANAGER PROFILE
Uncle Wisdom is a Lagos-based music executive and visionary leader known for blending structure, strategy, and creativity in artist management. With a background in Mathematics and Statistics from UNICROSS formerly, Cross River University Of Technology. He brings analytical precision into talent development, positioning artists for both creative excellence and commercial success.
CAREER JOURNEY
Began his career in 2017 as an event coordinator for Eksu Olofofo, where he gained foundational experience in live events and audience engagement. By 2018, he transitioned into full-time artist management, driven by a clear goal to build a more structured and results-oriented system within the music industry.
In 2019, Started working as a road manager for Barry Jhay, gaining hands-on experience in touring, logistics, and artist operations, a refined career and mental awareness coach . He was also instrumental behind Barry Jhay’s 2025 sold-out homecoming concert, a key moment that fueled momentum for a successful UK tour, including sold-out shows in London and Birmingham.
PHLOX MGMT
Founded from the ground up, Phlox Mgmt is a forward-thinking management company focused on Career coaching, A&R, artist development, and strategic positioning. The company is built on a clear philosophy:
Develop the sound. Define the brand. Position the artist to win.
Phlox Mgmt has connections with @Roadgod_of Roadgod Agency and connects artists with top-tier producers, engineers, and creatives, ensuring a refined sound and strong market presence. The company continues to grow as a trusted platform for emerging and established talent.
INDUSTRY NETWORK & COLLABORATIONS
Uncle Wisdom has built valuable relationships across the industry, working with and alongside talents such as:
Barry Jhay • Asake • Ceeza Milli • Berri Tiga • Laime • Spellz • and many others
LEADERSHIP APPROACH
John Wisdom operates with a long-term vision, focusing on structure, consistency, and execution. His approach goes beyond traditional management he builds systems around artists that support sustainable growth, strong branding, and global competitiveness.
CONTACT & SOCIALS
Instagram & X: @Johnwisdm @phlox_mgmt
TikTok: @unclewisdom7
Email: phloxentertainment@gmail.com
Phone: 08038448478 | 09015668027
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