Will the 2018 Golden Globes be less party-hearty (and other burning questions)?

The Golden Globes broadcast is traditionally a place where the champagne and amusing moments flow freely. This year, however, the glitzy awards show may put a cork in it, metaphorically speaking.

Sunday's event is the first big Hollywood gathering since the #metoo movement went viral in October. The enormous culture shift that has happened since then is bound to be discussed by winners and presenters, which could bring a new seriousness to the 2018 Globes.

The tone could be set immediately by actresses and actors who'll be wearing black on the red carpet to protest sexual harassment and assault in the entertainment industry. Host Seth Meyers also is likely to use his monologue to address misconduct in the entertainment industry.

Will the 75th annual Globes, presented as always by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, really drop the party-hearty attitude and be more socially relevant? Here are answers to this and other burning questions about the big bash.

What strategy will Seth Meyers use for his jokes?

The "Late Night" host told People magazine that Hollywood's "internal politics" — in other words, what has happened since the downfall of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein three months ago — "obviously deserve to be talked about."

But don't expect President Donald Trump to play a leading role in his material. Meyers also said, “Going into it, our focus is far more on the worlds that make these films and less on anything that’s happening in Washington.”

If anyone can handle the tricky task of finding the humor in rampant misbehavior, it's Meyers (one of the writers for Tina Fey and Amy Poehler's stellar Globes hosting gigs). Best-case scenario? Meyers will use his NBC show's "A Closer Look" format to review the impact of the #metoo movement.

Will the black dress symbolism make a difference?

Well ... maybe. The well-meaning gesture may spread awareness, but a fashion statement can only go so far (and the men who'll wear black in support of women are essentially choosing the same old tuxes).

A more ambitious alternative? Using red-carpet conversations to talk about the new Time's Up movement, which is supported by 300 actresses and female writers, producers, directors and corporate bosses. It aims to fight harassment in Hollywood and has pledged to support blue-collar women facing the same issues.

If the preshow coverage amplifies the message of Time's Up, it could help to change the system — and give everyone a break from the usual "Who are you wearing?"

Which presenters will use their airtime to address important issues?

Although the scripted chatter may strive to be more meaningful this year, what really makes for good viewing is spontaneous opining. Outspoken actresses like Halle Berry, Sharon Stone, Kerry Washington, Emma Watson and the always unpredictable Shirley MacLaine could offer commentary on the #metoo movement. And please, somebody let Gal Gadot say something from the heart about playing Wonder Woman on the big screen.

Who is Miss or Mr. Golden Globes this year?

Nobody, sort of. The titles bestowed on the daughter and son of a contemporary star have been updated for 2018 to Golden Globes Ambassador. Carrying on the tradition, only with a new, gender-neutral name, is a chip off the old Rock: Dwayne Johnson's daughter, Simone Garcia Johnson.

Where can I watch the red carpet?

NBC's hour-long preshow starts at 7 p.m. EST, and E! coverage begins at 6 p.m. For online followers, Facebook is replacing Twitter as the live-stream platform. Preshow coverage starts at 6 p.m. on the Golden Globes page.

What will win best motion picture drama?

Although the Globes aren't the best Oscar predictor around, the winner in this contest gains a shot of momentum that can't be ignored. The race is dominated by two front-runners, "Dunkirk" and "The Post." And the deciding factor could be which movie is not just the best, but speaks most to the current zeitgeist.

"Dunkirk" focuses on an historic example of overcoming the odds in the battle to preserve freedom. "The Post" speaks to protecting democracy through a free press. Both can be interpreted as statements on the Trump era, but you might want to be prepared for the foreign press to give an upset win to a beautiful underdog, "Call Me By Your Name."



Why is 'Get Out' competing in the best picture musical/comedy category?

Breakout director Jordan Peele teased the head-scratching choice in November by tweeting, "'Get Out' is a documentary." Not since "The Martian" landed in the same category in 2016 has a nominee been less about singing, dancing or laughing (even though Peele's superb horror-movie spin on racism does have some humorous touches).

While others slam the Globes for their sprawling vision of the musical/comedy category, it does serve a useful purpose. Scary films often get little respect during awards season. The "Get Out" nomination puts a larger truth into focus: in addition to being a commercial hit, it was one of the finest, most unforgettable films of 2017.

Which critical flop could go home with one or more major awards?

Want to see cinematic democracy in action? The splashy musical on P.T. Barnum's life, "The Greatest Showman," has earned a disappointing 56% negative rating with movie reviewers on Rotten Tomatoes — and a robust 90% positive response from audiences. Look for it to score an acting win for the fabulous Hugh Jackman and, perhaps, another song win with "This Is Me" for those whiz-kid University of Michigan alums Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (who nabbed 2017's trophy for "City of Stars" from "La La Land").

Will makeup or retirement be the deciding factor for best actor in a drama?

Look for Gary Oldman and Daniel Day-Lewis to be locked into a Battle of the Great English Thespians for their two very different landmark performances. Oldman, a chameleon of the big screen, channels Winston Churchill in "Darkest Hour" with the help of a bravura cosmetic facial and body makeover. Day-Lewis, a genius at conveying the inner life of characters, is giving his final performance in "Phantom Thread," he says. Let's refuse to believe Day-Lewis is really calling quits forever and declare Oldman the probable victor.

Which actress seems poised for an unbroken string of prizes all the way to the Oscars?

If Allison Janney wins for playing a malevolent mother in "I, Tonya," it could be the first of multiple victory laps for the superb "West Wing" veteran. The glowing reaction to her performance is reminiscent of the kudos received by Viola Davis for "Fences" and Brie Larson for "Room," who were awards magnets in 2017 and 2016 respectively.

Will Christopher Plummer win for erasing Kevin Spacey from "All the Money in the World"?

Perhaps. Plummer deserves close consideration on the strength of his performance as miserly billionaire J. Paul Getty in "All the Money in the World." The fact that he was able to step in quickly for a reshoot that replaced Spacey (the target of more than a dozen sexual misconduct allegations) made Plummer's work all the more remarkable.

But while karma would seem to be on Plummer's side, it will be hard to ignore the amazing turn by Sam Rockwell in "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri." As a volatile, bigoted deputy who undergoes a life transformation, Rockwell represented the human capacity for change and knocked the socks off critics in the process.

Where are all the women in the best director category?

Good question. Fine work was done by Guillermo del Toro ("The Shape of Water"), Martin McDonagh ("Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri"), Christopher Nolan ("Dunkirk"), Ridley Scott ("All the Money in the World") and Steven Spielberg ("The Post"). They were nominated, yet the equally gifted Greta Gerwig ("Lady Bird"), Patty Jenkins ("Wonder Woman") and Dee Rees ("Mudbound") were not. Only Wonder Woman's lasso of truth may be able to reveal why.

Will the Globes continue their habit of recognizing good quality in TV newcomers?

They already have. Two of the nominees for best TV comedy, Showtime's "SMILF" and Amazon's "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" are more likely to break into the Emmys next year because of their Globes exposure.

And the nominees for best actress in a TV comedy — Pamela Adlon of "Better Things," Alison Brie of "Glow," Rachel Brosnahan of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," Issa Rae of "Insecure" and Frankie Shaw of "SMILF" — represent the next generation of Sofia Vergaras, Julia Louis-Dreyfuses and Tracee Ross Ellises.

It just goes to prove that, basically, the Emmys are a lot like a grandpa paying attention to what his hipster Globes grandson has been watching.

Can the youth movement dominate the TV dramatic acting races?

It may be against the odds, but it would be fun if Freddie Highmore, 25, of ABC's smash hit "The Good Doctor" and Katherine Langford, 21, of the provocative Netflix series "13 Reasons Why" made this a youth-quaking year.

Who's the nominee most likely to give a fiery acceptance speech?

Best supporting actor contender David Harbour needs to win everything, every time, after his rousing remarks at the 2017 SAG Awards on behalf of the "Stranger Things" ensemble win. Here's an excerpt:

"We will shelter freaks and outcasts, those who have no homes. We will get past the lies. We will hunt monsters. And when we are lost amidst the hypocrisy and the casual violence of certain individuals and institutions, we will, as per Chief Jim Hopper, punch some people in the face when they seek to destroy the meek and the disenfranchised and the marginalized. And we will do it all with soul, with heart, and with joy."

Oh, and Mr. Harbour? Have you ever had any interest in politics?

Contact Detroit Free Press pop culture critic Julie Hinds: 313-222-6427 or jhinds@freepress.com.

75th annual Golden Globes

8 p.m. Sun. (preshow at 7 p.m.)

NBC