Director SS Rajamouli’s historical epic RRR could not win the Golden Globe award for the Best Non-English Language Film as the title went to Argentina’s Argentina, 1985. RRR previously won in the Best Original Song category, for “Naatu Naatu" at the Globes.
The Golden Globes are an important precursor to the Oscars. The event was telecast after a gap of one year, in which it was largely blacklisted by the industry in light of serious accusations in relation with behind-the-scenes diversity and a lack of transparency in the selection process. Now in its 80th edition, the Golden Globes were hosted by comedian Jerrod Carmichael, and featured several major industry figures in attendance.
Representing RRR at the event were Rajamouli, and his two stars — Jr NTR and Ram Charan — who were joined by fellow nominee, composer MM Keeravani. Set in the 1930s, RRR is a fictional account of two real-life freedom fighters, whose paths cross during a fight against the British empire.
RRR also scored five nods at the Critics Choice Awards in addition to its two nominations at the Golden Globes. It has been shortlisted at both the Oscars and the BAFTAs, despite not being submitted as India’s official entry for the Academy Awards. Thanks to a sustained campaign led by Rajamouli himself — the filmmaker spent several weeks promoting the movie in the US — the film gained further momentum. Rajamouli won the prestigious New York Film Critics Circle award for Best Director, while RRR found spots on many American critics’ top 10 lists.
Oscar nominations will be announced on January 24. The BAFTA nominations will be announced on January 19.
