There have been a lot of uniquely talented actresses to grace our television screens throughout the years, but none of them have made such a long-lasting impression more so than American Horror Story 's supreme leading lady, Jessica Lange. I, personally, was a huge admirer of her work long before Ryan Murphy started scaring the bejeezus out of us every Wednesday night, so to see her talents get not only recognized but appreciated by a whole new generation has been an absolute joy to behold. And thanks to that, Lange has received countless accolades throughout the past few years — one of which now includes a Best Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal of Elsa Mars in AHS: Freak Show . But is Lange the most likely to win the Golden Globe in her category this year? Suffice to say, her fellow nominees are making the odds pretty unpredictable.
You see, Lange is joined by the likes of Maggie Gyllenhaal (Honorable Woman), Frances McDormand (Olive Kitteridge), Frances O’Connor (The Missing), and Allison Tolman (Fargo). That's five dynamic women all vying for the same award. So where does that leave Lange's chances? Well, given that this is Jessica Lange we're talking about (legend, goddess, Queen of Sass), there's still a very strong possibility that she'll be the one walking away with the Globe by the end of the evening. However, there are a few important things to consider before locking in your predictions just yet. Such as…
This Is (Supposedly) Her Final Season of AHS
If Lange sticks to her original plan to leave AHS after this season is over (BOOO!!!), this pending departure could be used to her advantage. The way I see it, the HFPA could be more inclined to bestow Lange with the honor, especially this year, to either a.) give her the proper send off she deserves or b.) use it as an attempt to lure her back for another season. And believe me when I say I am ALL for this, especially if it results in the latter. Just saying.
Odds: Favorable
She's Been Snubbed the Past Two Years
Believe it or not, Lange hasn't received a Golden Globe win for her work on AHS since Season 1, which makes me feel like perhaps HFPA is kinda done and over with this show in general. Granted, she's still been nominated every single year, so it's not like they're denying her talent. (They wouldn't dare!) But with other new and compelling shows out there like Fargo and The Missing (and captivating actresses to accompany them), the votes may decide to lean in a different direction. Then again, maybe all this means is that Lange is due for a comeback win?
Odds: Tied
Her 2014 Emmy Win
Some could try and argue that Lange's recent Emmy win could prove to be an indicator of how the Golden Globes will turn out. However, it's important to remember that this particular win was for her work in Coven, not Freak Show, which could end up making all the difference. This may be Lange's favorite season thus far, but as a whole viewers (myself included) have found Freak Show to be somewhat disappointing, even in regards to Lange's character who still can't seem to decide if she's a hero or a villain. I mean, I'm all for complex characters, but to go from killing your friend one week (RIP Ethel) to saying how much you love all of them another, is downright confusing — and not in a good way.
Plus, it should be noted that during the Emmys, Lange was going up against completely different women, making it a lot more difficult to predict the outcome. And when you think of how much praise Fargo received at the Emmys as well, Toleman could end up stealing Lange's thunder altogether.
Odds: Unfavorable
She Is Jessica Lange
Who am I kidding? That, by itself, is award-worthy enough.
Odds: Supremely favorable.
Images: Giphy; coffeecocktail/Tumblr (2); televisionacad/Tumblr
