How 'Squid Game 2' Secured a Golden Globe Nomination Before Its Release, Breaking Unprecedented Hollywood Norms

Netflix’s highly anticipated Korean drama 'Squid Game' Season 2 has already achieved a historic milestone ahead of its release later this month. The series has been nominated for Best TV Drama at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards, scheduled for January 2024. This unprecedented recognition has further cemented the global influence of Korean dramas.

A Historic Nomination Before Release

The Golden Globe organizers announced the nominees on December 9, with 'Squid Game' Season 2 being among the contenders for Best TV Drama. This marks a rare achievement, as it’s one of the few times a series has received a nomination before its official airing. Competing alongside it are notable shows such as 'Shōgun' (set in Japan), Netflix’s The 'Diplomat', Apple TV+’s 'Slow Horse's, Prime Video’s 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith', and Peacock’s 'Day of the Jackal'.

Netflix submitted the series for review ahead of the November 4 eligibility deadline, showcasing it to the Golden Globe judges. The early screening appears to have left a strong impression, with the series' production quality and impactful storytelling receiving high praise.

Building on the Legacy of Season 1

The nomination follows the groundbreaking success of 'Squid Game' Season 1, which made history at the 79th Golden Globe Awards in 2022. The first season earned nominations for Best TV Drama, Best Actor (Lee Jung-jae), and Best Supporting Actor (O Yeong-su), with O winning, becoming the first Korean actor to take home a Golden Globe.

This was a significant moment for Korean content, which had previously faced barriers at the Golden Globes. Notably, Bong Joon-ho’s 'Parasite' and Lee Isaac Chung’s 'Minari' were confined to the Foreign Language Film category in 2020 and 2021, respectively. However, recent reforms at the Golden Globes have opened the door for diverse global works.

A Shift Toward Inclusivity

The Golden Globe Awards have undergone major changes in recent years, expanding the voting body to 300 members from over 70 countries. This shift towards inclusivity has given non-English productions like 'Squid Game' a larger platform to shine. The nomination of Season 2 underscores the growing recognition of Korean dramas as mainstream content.

Breaking Hollywood Traditions

The fact that 'Squid Game' Season 2 received a nomination before its release has broken traditional norms in Hollywood. Major U.S. outlets like The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline highlighted this as “unprecedented,” noting that networks typically debut their shows earlier in the year to secure nominations. Netflix’s bold move to align the release with the holiday season shows a new strategy to dominate both awards circuits and viewer attention.

Korean Drama’s Global Momentum

As the 82nd Golden Globe Awards approach, all eyes are on whether 'Squid Game' Season 2 can replicate or even surpass the success of its predecessor. With this nomination, the series has already proven that Korean dramas are no longer niche content but a driving force in global entertainment.

This achievement not only elevates Korean content to new heights but also signals a bright future for the nation’s creative industry. Fans and industry insiders alike are eagerly anticipating what 'Squid Game' Season 2 will deliver. The series is set to premiere on Netflix on December 26.