IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Golden Globes 2017 nominations: See this year's biggest snubs and surprises

There are so many great TV shows and movies, clearly not everyone can get named. But here are the ones that surprised us.
/ Source: TODAY

The 2017 Golden Globes are set to air Jan. 8 at 8 p.m. on NBC, and as happens every year the nominations brought some surprises — both good and bad.

The Hollywood Foreign Press, which votes on the Golden Globes, has a different perspective on who and what is deserving. In this case the word "foreign" is key, as judges tend to honor more non-U.S.-based projects and actors than the Academy Awards do.

That could explain how generally obscure (if worthy) films like the musical "Sing Street" landed a nomination, as well as Colin Farrell for the quirky dark comedy "The Lobster."

RELATED: 2017 Golden Globes nominations revealed: See the full list

Still, some of the judges must be on our wavelength, thanks to the love shown to "This Is Us," which got three nominations (though not one for star Milo Ventimiglia, sob).

There's also still plenty of love for Mel Gibson overseas; the controversial director-actor beat out Martin Scorsese ("Silence"") and Clint Eastwood ("Sully") to earn a directing berth for his violent World War II film "Hacksaw Ridge."

Milo Ventimiglia as Jack
Milo Ventimiglia stars as Jack in "This Is Us."NBC

Yet we understand: There's no way, with so many good TV shows, that all of the deserving can get the nods we'd like to give them. That said, how could Jeffrey Dean Morgan (who plays the bat-toting baddie on "The Walking Dead") and fan favorite Kit Harington ("Game of Thrones") end up empty-handed? (Fortunately, co-star Lena Headey, who plays conniving Cersei, did earn one.)

We're also baffled by the omissions of always-wonderful "Westworld" actors Anthony Hopkins and Jeffrey Wright, who you think could get nominated in their sleep.

Anthony Hopkins in "Westworld"
Anthony Hopkins didn't nab a nomination for his performance in "Westworld."HBO

At least the women on the HBO show (Evan Rachel Wood, Thandie Newton) and the show itself got some love.

Meanwhile, last year's Golden Globe show winner "Mr. Robot" ended up snubbed for its second season, though stars Rami Malek and Christian Slater each got one. And we were pretty surprised that critical favorites "Silicon Valley" and "Orange is the New Black" also ended up ignored.

RELATED: Golden Globes 2016 nominations: See this year's biggest snubs and surprises!

Plus, "Empire" was completely shut out, and star Taraji P. Henson was also not honored for her heartfelt performance in "Hidden Figures" (though "Figures" co-star Octavia Butler did get a nomination).

Taraji P. Henson stars as NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration mathematician Katherine Johnson in Hidden Figures.
Taraji P. Henson stars as NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson in "Hidden Figures."20th Century Fox

Remember the kids on "Stranger Things"? Well, the HFPA didn't, and left them all out of the nominations, but at least Winona Ryder ended up with a nomination (with Ryder and Slater both likely attending the awards in January, both with nominations, we're already crossing fingers for a "Heathers" tribute photo).

Overall, broadcast networks had trouble; we expected "The Good Place" and "Designated Survivor," all with top talent and lots of great reviews, to earn some love — no dice.

Tom Hanks won over audiences as Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger in "Sully."
Tom Hanks won over audiences as Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger in "Sully."Warner Bros.

Meanwhile, legends in films had a mixed reception: "Fences," the Denzel Washington-starring and directed family dysfunction film was ignored (though Washington and co-star Viola Davis got acting nominations), as was perennial favorite Tom Hanks, for the biopic "Sully." And Warren Beatty's "Rules Don't Apply" failed to land him a nomination, though his young co-star Lily Collins got one.

Truly, there is a wealth of options, and not enough awards to honor all the greats. We can't wait to see what happens on Sunday though!

Follow Randee Dawn on Twitter.

This article was originally published on Dec. 12, 2016.