The awards cover movie dramas, musicals and comedies, and both comedies and dramas on television.
As a result, there are nominees aplenty, and predictions are difficult.
Tom Cruise is a contender for best dramatic actor for his role as an American in 19th century Japan in He learns to appreciate the nation's fading warrior ethic.
Newcomer Sofia Coppola, daughter of the noted director Francis Ford Coppola, is a nominee as best director for another film about Westerners coping with culture shock. Her film concerns two travelers who connect with one another in Tokyo.
Stars Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson are competing for acting honors.
Russell Crowe is a nominee for best dramatic actor for his role as a British sea captain in The film is also a nominee for best motion picture -- drama.
So is the third entry in a film trilogy based on a saga from JRR Tolkien about a mystical quest.
Other contenders this year are and
Golden Globe winners are selected by some 90 members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, many of whom work only part-time as journalists. The awards get little respect from Hollywood critics.
But the presentation is televised throughout the United States and in a number of other countries, so the entertainment industry pays attention. The sponsors proudly call it the biggest party in Hollywood, and promise the nominees, and those watching on television, an entertaining and unpredictable evening.