Golden Globes: Why ‘Roma’ Didn’t Get a Best Picture Nomination

Alfonso Cuaron’s Roma, one of the most critically applauded films of the year, earned three Golden Globes nominations but was left out of one of the top categories.

Cuaron earned nominations for best director and best screenplay, and the film also earned a nod for best foreign-language film — but not best motion picture, drama.

But, in this case, it’s not a matter of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association intentionally snubbing the film for its top honors.

Rather, the HFPA rules stipulate that films entered in its foreign-language category are not eligible for consideration in either the best motion picture, drama, or best motion picture, musical or comedy, categories, which, its rules state, “are exclusively for English-language motion pictures.” Foreign-language films are, however, eligible to compete in other categories like directing, acting, writing and score. 

The rule is designed to prevent one film from winning the foreign-language Globe and then going on to claim the top prize for either drama or musical/comedy.

Roma won’t face the same restrictions at the Oscars, where it is Mexico’s submission in the foreign-language film category. Since it’s also played a qualifying theatrical run in Los Angeles, it will be eligible in all other categories, including best picture.

Ten foreign-language films have been nominated for the best picture Oscar over the years, although none have ever won the award. For example, 2000’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon won the foreign-language category at the 73rd Academy Awards but lost best picture to Gladiator.

The Golden Globe Awards ceremony is produced by Dick Clark Productions, which shares a parent company with The Hollywood Reporter.