Lionsgate’s bid to have its Michael Jackson biopic Michael compete in the Musical or Comedy categories at the 84th Golden Globe Awards has been rejected. The decision, first reported by Gold Derby and subsequently confirmed by TheWrap, means the film starring Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop is currently expected to compete in the Drama categories. Lionsgate has the option to appeal the decision before the submission deadline.
The ruling could affect the awards-season prospects of Jaafar Jackson, who portrays his uncle in the film. A placement in Drama would put him in contention against performances from other high-profile releases, including Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. The film’s co-stars Colman Domingo and Nia Long will not be affected by the decision, as the Golden Globes’ supporting actor and supporting actress categories are not divided by genre.
The decision reportedly centres on the Golden Globes’ eligibility criteria for the Musical or Comedy categories. Under the rules, a musical can be either a comedy or a drama, but its songs must be used alongside spoken dialogue to advance the plot. According to TheWrap’s report, the committee reviewing the submission concluded that the musical performances in Michael did not sufficiently drive the narrative. Director Antoine Fuqua had reportedly submitted a letter arguing in favour of the film’s classification.
Lionsgate has until October 31 to appeal the decision, according to TheWrap. The studio’s next move will determine whether Michael remains in Drama or receives another consideration for Musical or Comedy. The Golden Globes are scheduled to announce nominations for the 84th edition of the awards on December 7, 2026, with the ceremony set for January 10, 2027.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, Michael follows the singer’s journey from his early years with the Jackson 5 to his rise as one of the most recognisable performers in global music. Jaafar Jackson plays the adult Michael, while Juliano Valdi portrays him as a child. The cast also includes Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson and Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, alongside Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Kat Graham and Derek Luke.
The film’s awards classification comes amid continued interest in how music biopics are positioned during awards season. Bohemian Rhapsody, the 2018 film about Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, and Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, released in 2022, competed in the Golden Globes’ Drama categories. Earlier music biopics, including Ray and Walk the Line, competed as Musical or Comedy titles before the rules were changed to emphasise the role songs play in advancing a film’s narrative.
The category rejection does not make Michael ineligible for recognition at the Golden Globes, but it could place Jaafar Jackson in a different competitive field during his awards campaign. The film can still pursue recognition in other eligible categories, while Domingo and Long remain unaffected by the genre distinction in the supporting acting races. Lionsgate’s response to the ruling will determine whether the film’s current classification stands.