Los Angeles: The Golden Globes awards committee has rejected Lionsgate's bid to place 'Michael', the biopic about Michael Jackson, in the Musical or Comedy category at the 2027 ceremony, according to Variety. The decision was first reported by Gold Derby.
The ruling means the film, starring Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop, is currently slated to compete in the drama categories, where it would vie for one of six available slots alongside films including Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' and Los Javis' 'La Bola Negra'.
The decision does not affect co-stars Colman Domingo and Nia Long, as the supporting actor and supporting actress categories do not distinguish between genres.
Lionsgate can appeal the ruling before the October 31 submission deadline. If the studio proceeds, the Golden Globes awards committee will review the appeal.
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Under the Golden Globes rules, “A musical can be a comedy or a drama in which songs are used in addition to spoken dialogue to further the plot.”
Meanwhile, a sequel to 'Michael' is already in development. Actor Miles Teller, who portrayed Michael Jackson's lawyer-manager John Branca in the first film, confirmed in May that a follow-up was being planned.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, 'Michael' traces Jackson's rise to fame, including his time performing with his brothers in the Jackson 5 during the 1960s and his Bad tour in the late 1980s.
Jackson's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, plays the pop icon, while Juliano Valdi portrays him as a child. Both actors made their film debuts with Michael. Domingo and Long appear as Jackson's parents, Joe and Katherine. The film was released in April 2026.
