Netflix Pushes Noah Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly” Into Golden Globes Comedy Race

Netflix is officially steering Noah Baumbach’s newest film, “Jay Kelly,” straight into the Golden Globe Awards — and it’s going for laughs. The streaming giant has decided to submit the film in the Comedy or Musical categories, positioning it among this year’s most anticipated awards contenders.

The film, directed and co-written by Baumbach alongside Emily Mortimer, stars George Clooney as the titular character — a once-famous movie star embarking on a personal journey of self-discovery. Joining Clooney is Adam Sandler, who plays his longtime manager and friend, adding humor and heart to the mix. The movie also features an impressive ensemble cast including Laura Dern, Billy Crudup, Riley Keough, Grace Edwards, Stacy Keach, Jim Broadbent, Patrick Wilson, Eve Hewson, Alba Rohrwacher, Josh Hamilton, Lenny Henry, and Emily Mortimer.

Netflix will also campaign George Clooney for Best Actor (Comedy or Musical) at the Golden Globes, while Adam Sandler, Billy Crudup, and Laura Dern are being put forward in the supporting actor categories. The move marks Clooney’s first potential Golden Globe nomination in 13 years. Over his career, Clooney has been nominated 13 times at the Globes, winning three — for “The Descendants” (2012), “Syriana” (2006), and “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” (2001) — and receiving the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2015. He’s also a two-time Oscar winner, taking home trophies for Best Supporting Actor (“Syriana”) and as producer of Best Picture winner “Argo” (2012).

For Noah Baumbach, this new project adds another high-profile title to an already remarkable career. The director and screenwriter has previously earned two Golden Globe nominations — for “Marriage Story” and “Barbie” — along with four Oscar nominations, including for Best Picture and Original Screenplay for “Marriage Story” and “The Squid and the Whale” (2005).

“Jay Kelly” has already made the festival rounds, premiering at the Venice Film Festival before heading to Telluride and the New York Film Festival. It’s also getting a red carpet screening at AFI Fest in Los Angeles on October 23. The film’s theatrical rollout begins November 14, with a Netflix debut set for December 5, 2025.

Behind the camera, Baumbach assembled a powerhouse creative team. The film’s cinematography is handled by Oscar winner Linus Sandgren, while the score comes from Oscar-nominated composer Nicholas Britell. The editing is credited to Valerio Bonelli and Rachel Durance, and production duties are shared between Baumbach, David Heyman, and Amy Pascal — all seasoned names in the industry.

The film’s submission in the Comedy or Musical category positions it in a crowded but intriguing field that includes titles such as “Bugonia,” “Marty Supreme,” “One Battle After Another,” “Song Sung Blue,” and “Wicked: For Good.” The Golden Globe nominations will be announced on December 8, 2025, setting the stage for what could be a strong awards season run for Netflix and Baumbach.

“Jay Kelly” seems to mix introspection with humor — a trademark Baumbach balance — and Netflix’s confident push suggests it’s not just another festival darling but a serious contender in the upcoming awards lineup.