Curry Barker’s Obsession targets the Golden Globes as a comedy: it focuses on the Musical or Comedy category, not Drama

The horror film “Obsession” will seek its Golden Globe nomination not in the drama category, but in that of comedy or musical — an unexpected choice that has prompted reactions in the film world, as The Hollywood Reporter reports.

The decision was taken by the distributor Focus Features, which is releasing the film in the U.S., and represents a tactical move: Curry Barker’s horror, made on a modest budget of just $750,000, has become a worldwide phenomenon, grossing over $500 million globally, and is now aiming to break into awards season.

Categorization in Musical or Comedy is a decision not unknown in Golden Globes history. Dark-toned films such as “Get Out”, “The Banshees of Inisherin”, “Triangle of Sadness”, “Poor Things”, “The Substance” and “Bugonia” have previously been nominated in this category; “The Banshees of Inisherin” and “Poor Things” won it, going on to secure Oscar nominations in the Best Picture category.

In the Musical or Comedy category, “Obsession” is expected to face films such as “Wild Horse Nine”, “The Invite”, “Club Kid”, “The Debut” and “Michael”. Meanwhile, actress Inde Navarrette will also compete in the comedy/musical acting category, where she is expected to face, among others, Julianne Moore for her role in “The Debut”.

However, nothing is certain yet: a Golden Globes committee will review the categorization and may approve or reject it, possibly moving the film to the drama category.