The Rise and Fall of May December: A Look at Its Oscar Buzz and Setbacks

The Golden Globe Controversy

Charles Melton as Joe looking tired and listless while lying on the couch in May December

While there's been some confusion regarding May December's classification as a comedy movie, which most would call more of a melodrama than anything, the film likely wouldn't have garnered any additional advantage if it were categorized as a drama anyway. May December and its main cast of Portman, Melton, and Moore had already picked up several notable regional Film Critic awards in Chicago, Florida, and New York, but a new development may have thwarted any lingering hope that May December will have a big night at the 2024 Academy Awards.

Gracie (Julianne Moore) hunting in May December.

May December's Three Leads All Missed Out On SAG Nominations. In a surprising turn of events, Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, and Charles Melton all did not receive nominations for the 2024 Screen Actors Guild Awards, which are set to stream live for the first time on Netflix on February 24, 2024. Once considered potential Oscar favorites, especially in the case of Melton's breakthrough performance as Joe Yoo, all three of May December's key cast will not be in consideration at this year's SAG Awards. This, combined with its 0 for 3 performance at the Golden Globes, paints a much dimmer outlook on its Oscar chances.

Natalie Portman as Elizabeth delivering her monologue in May December

The Impact of Vili Fualaau's Emergence

It's unclear whether the recent public emergence of Vili Fualaau, who Melton's Joe character is based on, has affected May December's award season momentum. Fualaau hadn't publicly commented on the film following its December 1 release on Netflix until an article from The Hollywood Reporter, published on the morning of January 4th, the day of the Golden Globes, expressed Fualaau's frustration that he hadn't been contacted about the film. “I’m offended by the entire project and the lack of respect given to me — who lived through a real story and is still living it,' Fualauu stated.

Natalie Portman As Elizabeth Berry And Julianne Moore As Gracie Atherton talking in a bathroom In May December.

What is clear is that another Netflix movie has apparently stolen some of May December's thunder. Annette Benning and Jodie Foster star in the biographical sports drama Nyad and were both nominated for SAG Awards over Portman and Moore, respectively. The key May December cast could certainly bounce back with expected nominations in their individual acting categories. However, after leaving the Golden Globes empty-handed and being out of consideration at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, Benning and Foster might be safer bets to be nominated at the upcoming 2024 Oscars.

charles melton and natalie portman walk the dogs in may december

The Future of May December and Its Cast

As the award season progresses, the future of May December's Oscar prospects remains uncertain. The film's once-promising momentum has been derailed by a series of setbacks, including the Golden Globes controversy and the absence of SAG nominations for its three leads. The emergence of Vili Fualaau's public statements and the success of competing Netflix films have further clouded the film's award season journey.

Joe (Charles Melton) covers his mouth with his hand and cries next to a fence in May December.

Despite these challenges, the cast of May December, including Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, and Charles Melton, remains a force to be reckoned with. Their performances have garnered critical acclaim and regional awards, indicating that the talent and dedication behind May December have not gone unnoticed. While the road to the Oscars may be a more challenging one, the resilience and talent of the May December cast cannot be overlooked.

Charles Melton and Julianne Moore sitting on a bed in May December