FORCED INTO DRAMA

The Golden Globes rejected Michael Jackson's billion-dollar movie. The awards committee denied Lionsgate's petition to place the biopic Michael in the musical or comedy category.

Instead, the committee forced the hit film straight into the far more competitive best motion picture drama category. That shift puts newcomer Ja'Far Jackson up against dramatic heavyweights rather than competing in the lighter comedy category.

He now faces blockbuster contenders like Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" and Denis Villeneuve's "Dune: Part Three." Lionsgate could appeal before October 31, but sources say a challenge is unlikely. Co-stars Colman Domingo and Nia Long remained unaffected, as supporting categories are not split by genre.

The decision hits as the film earned $1.029 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing music biopic in history. It surpassed the previous record holder Bohemian Rhapsody by $117 million.

In North America, it grossed $373.3 million, ranking 5th overall for the year. Nominations arrived December 7th, with the ceremony set for January 10th.

While early biopics won in comedy, recent hits like Elvis and A Complete Unknown were also forced into drama. Globe rules state that a musical must use its songs specifically to further the story.

The committee ruled that the film's songs did not sufficiently drive the narrative to meet musical criteria.