Why Netflix’s ‘Dahmer’ could win some Golden Globes

There is good news for any rabid fans of the serial killer biographical series, Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. The limited series has actually received 3 Golden Globes nominations for the 80th Annual Golden Globe Awards.

Critics and audiences may have had critiques of the movie, but even most critics seem to recognize the series as having compelling performances. That is mostly what the awards are about.

In fact, the show already won the People’s Choice award for the most binge-worthy show. So, what are the Golden Globes categories it’s nominated for in 2023?

1. Best Limited or Anthology Series or Television Film
2. Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film for Evan Peters’ depiction of Dahmer
3. Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film for Niecy Nash-Betts, who plays Jeffrey Dahmer’s neighbor, Glenda Cleveland
4. Best Supporting Actor – Richard Jenkins, who plays Lionel Dahmer, Jeffrey’s father

Could Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story actually win?

That is an interesting question, and it seems possible that this series could have one or more wins. At the very least, getting nominated means that the series (which really has the feel of an extended film) drew people in, and kept them there.

Also, it’s undeniable that some were able to put controversy aside and just consider the acting. Still, there will always be some who immediately object to such series, movies, or song.

There is obviously going to be pressure from survivors, victims’ families, and even families of serial killers to knock it off with such fare. That being said, this particular series has its supporters who deny it was overly exploitative (Let’s face it: There will always be some element of exploitation in depictions of true crime).

However, as an example of a supporter, Kayla Cobb at Decider suggested the show “isn’t just well directed, written, and acted. It’s rewriting what a crime drama can look like if we stop glorifying murderers and start focusing more on systematic failures.”

Of course, it is debatable what exactly the parameters of depictions of controversial figures are, and if it’s realistic to think everyone will operate within that framework. Within Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, a fine line is walked (though perhaps sometimes crossed), between good taste and bad.

The series alternately examines Jeffrey Dahmer’s actions, the lives of the victims and their families, and also the failures of the police and criminal justice system to recognize what Dahmer actually was. So, it seems plausible that, despite the built-in criticisms’ true crime series face, the makers of this one sufficiently tried to address some of them head-on, while still attempting to contextualize Dahmer’s terrible deeds and thought processes (to the extent possible, and within a certain spectrum of interpretation).

And yes, they did make money off of it, undeniably. Still, because the acting is considered solid, and the series made efforts to examine the victims’ lives and did so with some success, it makes it a little more likely to win at least one award, if not a sweeping victory.

More on the 2023 Golden Globes

If you want to tune in to see the Golden Globes, the awards show is scheduled to occur on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, in a live broadcast. It will be the 80th Annual Golden Globe Awards.

Who are the competitors for the Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, in each nominated category?

1. Best Television Limited Series, Anthology Series Or Motion Picture Made For Television: Black Bird, The Dropout, Pam & Tommy, and The White Lotus.
2. Best Performance By An Actor In A Limited Series, Anthology Series, Or A Motion Picture Made For Television: Taron Egerton — Black Bird, Colin Firth — The Staircase, Andrew Garfield — Under the Banner of Heaven, Sebastian Stan — Pam & Tommy
3.  Best Performance By An Actress In A Supporting Role In A Limited Series, Anthology Series Or Motion Picture Made For Television: Jennifer Coolidge — The White Lotus, Claire Danes — Fleishman Is in Trouble, Daisy Edgar-Jones — Under the Banner of Heaven, Aubrey Plaza — The White Lotus
4. Best Performance By An Actor: F. Murray Abraham — The White Lotus, Domhnall Gleeson — The Patient, Paul Walter Hauser — Black Bird, Seth Rogen — Pam & Tommy

What are your thoughts on Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story and its odds of winning any Golden Globe awards? Let us know in the comments!