Comedy/Musical Actress
Crazy Surprise That Could Happen: Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation
Probably Will Happen: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep
After back-to-back Emmy wins for Veep, Julia Louis-Dreyfus seems a shoo-in, and for good reason. Her hilarious and powerful (yet totally powerless) portrayal as the vice prez makes for some amazing TV. But here's the thing: Louis-Dreyfus also hasn't won a Golden Globe in 20 years and the HFPA might possibly be more inclined to (finally!) award their host extraordinaire (Poehler) an actual statue. (Depressing fact for any Poehler fan: She has never won an Emmy or Globe.) And with Parks and Recreation finally scoring its first Globe nomination in its sixth year, there's a teeny-tiny silver of a chance that Poehler could finally get her first big award-show win.
Supporting Actress
Crazy Surprise That Could Happen: Monica Potter, Parenthood
Probably Will Happen: Sofia Vergara, Modern Family
Fun fact that's pretty shocking: Sofia Vergara has never won a Globe, despite this being her fourth consecutive nomination. As the only Modern Family actor in this group, she seems a shoo-in to finally get some trophy glory.
That said, if voters are feeling more emotional and raw, we can't imagine them not voting for Parenthood's Monica Potter, who has stunned viewers for two seasons running with one of the most heart-gripping performances on television. It's a long shot, but a win for Potter would be huge for the always-struggling-to-find-an-audience Parenthood, and help bolster its chances of another season, so we can't help but hope for a miracle.
Drama Actress
Crazy Surprise That Could Happen: Tatiana Maslany, Orphan Black
Probably Will Happen: Kerry Washington, Scandal
As diehard Scandal fans who live and die by every single lip quiver of Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington), it physically pains us to write this, but Tatiana Maslany of Orphan Black gave the best TV performance of the year. Granted, it's an unfair fight because Maslany plays six different characters on her crazy clone show, but still, she nails every single role with a flawlessness that is surreal.
Maslany, who has never before been nominated for a Golden Globe or Emmy, actually has a pretty decent shot at winning because Orphan Black is a British import, and we are talking the Hollywood Foreign Press here, especially given that Scandal that is so heavily American. (The White House aside, let's not forget that time Huck used the phrase "YOLO" while pulling out Quinn's teeth.)
That said, the award will probably go to Kerry Washington because Globes voters do love seeing those big A-listers up at the podium, and also…She's Olivia Freaking Pope. We can't really imagine a world in which she doesn't win.
Comedy Actor
Crazy Surprise That Could Happen: Andy Samberg, Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Probably Will Happen: Michael J. Fox, The Michael J. Fox Show
How can anyone compete with Michael J. Fox? He's the sentimental favorite, and doing incredible work on his new NBC comedy. (Though the ratings might not be totally solid, his performance is.) Chances are, MJF will take home the trophy. But don't be too surprised if Andy Samberg sneaks right in there to snatch it up! The SNL alum's new Fox show, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, is shaping up to be a comedy hit, and his performance is endearing, genuine and very funny.
Comedy Series
Crazy Surprise That Could Happen: Parks and Recreation or Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Probably Will Happen: Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theory is not the highest rated comedy currently on air, it's also a current fan favorite, as evidenced by the CBS show's People's Choice win earlier this week. Still, we can't help but think the HFPA voters might want to go against the grain and award two of the other outstanding comedies currently on air: Parks and Recreation or Brooklyn Nine-Nine. A Parks and Rec win could help ensure a seventh season (currently not a lock), and the Globes voters clearly have an affinity for Poehler, having asked her back alongside Tina Fey to host again. Chant it with us now: P. Rex. P. Rex. P. Rex.
Drama Series
Crazy Surprise That Could Happen: House of Cards
Probably Will Happen: Breaking Bad
We feel like we're taking crazy pills even suggesting a scenario in which Breaking Bad does not win for its phenomenal, ground-breaking and talk-about-everywhere final season. But that House of Cards? Keep your eye on it. The Netflix series starring Kevin Spacey has an ever-growing pool of obsessive fans, and could very well pull a slight of hand. If it doesn't squeak in this year, it's a lock for 2015.
Bonus predictions that totally won't surprise anyone:
Drama Actor: Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or TV Movie: Jon Voigt, Ray Donovan