Review: 'Downton Abbey' film is stately but too safe

The "Downton Abbey " movie isn't exactly a movie. It's more like another season of the popular "Masterpiece Classic" show that's been condensed to 90 minutes instead of 8 hours.

Written by series creator Julian Fellowes, almost every character who made it out of the six season run alive is back for their big screen debut with their own little arc and some lavish costume changes. But Michael Engler's direction doesn't bring any cinematic grandeur to this continuing story of a family and their servants. And Fellowes' script has the impossible task of giving every character their own mini plot, as if focusing in on one or a few would have had fans of the other members of the very large ensemble up in arms. Together it makes "Downton Abbey" the movie a fairly shallow experience: All set dressing and nostalgia and some delicious Dowager Countess one-liners.

For "Downton" devotees, the crumbs might be enough. For anyone else just dropping in, however, "Downton Abbey" doesn't exactly stand on its own.

This image released by Focus Features shows, from left, Phyllis Logan as Mrs. Hughes, Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Talbot and Jim Carter as Mr. Carson in "Downton Abbey". The film will be released Sept. 13, 2019, in the United Kingdom and on Sept. 20 in the United States. (Jaap BuitendijkFocus Features via AP)

The tidy reason for this big reunion is that King George V and Queen Mary have decided to spend a night at Downton Abbey as part of a royal tour. It's 1927 and the aristocratic class is continuing to question their place in a modernizing Britain, but there are just enough of the old traditions left that the news of this royal visit sends the estate into a tizzy. When the royal entourage descends, the downstairs staff is horrified to learn that they'll be sitting on the sidelines for the visit. The royals travel with cooks, footmen, butlers, valets and dressers and this group is especially dismissive of the provincial Downton employees.

Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) even decides to enlist the help of their retired Butler Mr. Carson (Jim Carson), when she feels like his successor Thomas Barrow (Robert James-Collier) isn't equipped to handle this high profile occasion. It's one of many constructions that will leave you wondering whether fan service has gotten in the way of believable storytelling. Yes, it brings Carson back to Downton and allows Thomas to go off on his own adventure in town, but it's hard to deny that this is one overstuffed movie.

Consider just some of the subplots floating around: Daisy (Sophie McShera) gets to question her engagement; The long-widowered Branson (Allen Leech) gets a possible love interest and anarchy subplot; Anna (Joanne Froggatt) solves a mystery; The Dowager debates inheritance with her cousin Lady Maud Bagshaw (Imelda Staunton); Poor Edith (Laura Carmichael) gets some good and bad news (can't let her be too happy!); And Lady Mary, well, she gets a hand in most things, except her own relationship since her husband Henry (Matthew Goode) is absent for most of the film. The only ones who don't have all that much going on are the Granthams themselves, Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) and Robert (Hugh Bonneville).

This image released by Focus Features shows Sophie McShera as Daisy Mason, left, and Lesley Nicol as Mrs. Patmore in "Downton Abbey". The film will be released Sept. 13, 2019, in the United Kingdom and on Sept. 20 in the United States. (Jaap BuitendijkFocus Features via AP)

That's not to say that there aren't good moments. There are, in fact, many, especially for those who miss the voyeurism of the fancy dress evenings with the family and their helpers. As in the series, the Dowager is always a standout and at 84, Maggie Smith is as fierce and fiery as ever in bringing her to life. And it is always lovely spending time in such lush surroundings. But the movie could have benefited on a little focus and not so much fan service, especially considering how good all of the ensemble actors are in these roles. Perhaps that's why Fellowes couldn't choose just one.

Besides, if the camera movements and swelling music cues are any indication, there is only real star anyway: Downton Abbey itself.

"Downton Abbey," a Focus Features release, is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America for "thematic elements, some suggestive material, and language." Running time: 90 minutes. Two stars out of four.

This image released by Focus Features showsMichael C. Fox stars as Andy in "Downton Abbey". The film will be released Sept. 13, 2019, in the United Kingdom and on Sept. 20 in the United States. (Jaap BuitendijkFocus Features via AP)

MPAA Definition of PG: Parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

Follow AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ldbahr

This image released by Focus Features shows Brendan Coyle as John Bates, left, and Joanne Froggatt as Anna Bates stars as Andy in "Downton Abbey". The film will be released Sept. 13, 2019, in the United Kingdom and on Sept. 20 in the United States. (Jaap BuitendijkFocus Features via AP)

This image released by Focus Features shows, from left, Lesley Nicol as Mrs. Patmore, Sophie McShera as Daisy, Jim Carter as Mr. Carson and Phyllis Logas as Mrs. Hughes in "Downton Abbey". The film will be released Sept. 13, 2019, in the United Kingdom and on Sept. 20 in the United States. (Jaap BuitendijkFocus Features via AP)

This image released by Focus Features shows Allen Leech stars as Tom Branson in "Downton Abbey". The film will be released Sept. 13, 2019, in the United Kingdom and on Sept. 20 in the United States. (Jaap BuitendijkFocus Features via AP)

This image released by Focus features shows, from left, Laura Carmichael as Lady Hexham, Maggie Smith as The Dowager Countess of Grantham, Hugh Bonneville as Lord Grantham, Allen Leech as Tom Branson and Elizabeth McGovern as Lady Grantham in a scene from "Downton Abbey." The highly-anticipated film continuation of the "Masterpiece" series that wowed audiences for six seasons, will be released Sept. 13, 2019, in the United Kingdom and on Sept. 20 in the United States. (Jaap BuitendijkFocus Features via AP)

This image released by Focus features shows Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Talbot, center left, and Matthew Goode as Henry Talbot in a scene from "Downton Abbey." The highly-anticipated film continuation of the "Masterpiece" series that wowed audiences for six seasons, will be released Sept. 13, 2019, in the United Kingdom and on Sept. 20 in the United States. (Jaap BuitendijkFocus Features via AP)

This image released by Focus features shows Elizabeth McGovern, from left, Harry Hadden-Paton, Laura Carmichael, Hugh Bonneville and Michael Fox, right, in a scene from "Downton Abbey." The highly-anticipated film continuation of the "Masterpiece" series that wowed audiences for six seasons, will be released Sept. 13, 2019, in the United Kingdom and on Sept. 20 in the United States. (Jaap BuitendijkFocus Features via AP)

Hollywood’s awards season will kick off with the 83rd Golden Globe Awards at 8 p.m. Eastern/5 p.m. Pacific.

Comedian Nikki Glaser returns for a second year to host the ceremony at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. It’s a Champagne-soaked party featuring some of the biggest names in film and television, even if the awards won’t exactly forecast the Oscars.

“One Battle After Another” topped the list of nominations with nine, closely followed by “Sentimental Value” with eight. “Wicked: For Good” was snubbed for best picture and best director. Others left out include Joe Rogan (for the new podcast category ), Sydney Sweeney and Gwyneth Paltrow, leaving room for plenty of surprise inclusions. See the full list of nominees.

The Globes will be broadcast on CBS and available to stream through Paramount+.

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The idea for the pins began with a late-night text exchange earlier this week between Nelini Stamp, with the group Working Families Power, and Jess Morales Rocketto, the executive director of a Latino advocacy group called Maremoto.

“There is a longstanding tradition of people who create art taking a stand for justice in moments,” Stamp said. “We’re going to continue that tradition.”

The two organizers began calling up the celebrities and influencers they knew, who in turn brought their campaign to the more prominent figures in their circles.

Allies of their movement have been attending the “fancy events” that take place in the days leading up to the Golden Globes, according to Stamp. They’re passing out the pins at parties and distributing them to neighbors who will be attending the ceremony.

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After filming “Marty Supreme,” Kevin O’Leary says he would like to star in the next James Bond movie.

“I want to be the bad guy in Bond,” he said. “Nobody can do it the way I can. And I want Bond to be a woman this time.”

Mark Ruffalo is wearing a pin saying “BE GOOD” on the red carpet.

The emblem, part of the #BeGood campaign, references the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an immigration officer in Minneapolis last week. According to a news release, the pins also pay tribute to Keith Porter, who was fatally shot in Los Angeles by an off-duty ICE officer on New Year’s Eve.

The campaign was organized by a group of entertainment industry professionals with support from groups Working Families Power and Maremoto.

Wagner Moura, a best actor nominee for Brazil’s “The Secret Agent” says speaking out about politics is risky for an entertainer, but feels like a necessity.

“In order to do that you have to be very aware that sometimes you have to pay the price, but I’m willing to,” he said. “I’m a very political person, I think politically, I like to make political films. ‘The Secret Agent’ is one of those.”

“It would be weird for me to work as a political artist and then shy away from saying what I think,” he said.

“I’m getting a lot of direct messages from vampires,” he said. “Finally, a film where the vampire is respected.”

In the film, O’Leary portrays a successful businessman who described himself as a vampire born in the 17th century. The strikingly absurd quote is a memorable moment in the film.

Wunmi Mosaku of “Sinners” wore stunning bright yellow to announce news of her pregnancy. She cradled her bump as she made her way up the stairs. In a Vogue essay, she celebrates her pregnancy and her Nigerian culture, explaining that in Yoruba, “we say Iya ni Wúrà.” It means “mother is golden.” When she saw sketches of her custom yellow Matthew Reisman gown, “I knew it was the right dress and the right moment.”

Mosaku is Nigerian British with an American husband who stays out of the spotlight.

Actor Delroy Lindo didn’t have much time to rehearse the three-page monologue before filming. But the magic came out while shooting the scene.

“As we filmed, the more conversant one became with the moment,” he said. “It was one of those situations that became more and more full, and the fact that it lands on you, as the audience, spiritually, is beautiful for me to hear.”

The film has a slew of nominations, including best drama motion picture, best director and best screenplay.

Kevin O’Leary, the businessman-turned-TV personality who starred as Milton Rockwell in “Marty Supreme,” said the role was written with him in mind.

O’Leary recalled director Josh Safdie saying to him: “We wrote this part, Milton Rockwell, he’s a real a-hole, and I think you’re the guy.”

After reading the script, O’Leary agreed. “I really felt that I’m that guy,” he said.

Presenter Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Jonas Brothers member Nick Jonas posed for cameras not long after celebrating their seventh wedding anniversary. She was dressed in a midnight blue tiered gown with a waist sash. He picked a traditional black tux.

Jonas shared a photo on Instagram Dec. 1 of Chopra in a red bikini with the words: “7 years married to my dream girl.”

A massive construction project across from the main driveway of the Beverly Hilton hotel has upended the Golden Globes.

Instead of walking down the red-carpeted driveway and into the lobby, the starry attendees are stepping onto an oxblood carpet, which is fully enclosed for the first time and set up along Wilshire Boulevard, which is shut down for the awards.

There are stairs to contend with as A-listers make their way, including what’s being called the golden ascent, a staircase designed to mimic a film reel as it unspools.

If they survive the gauntlet, the celebs will find a meal from Tony Nobu, a celebrity haunt known for its Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine, waiting on their plates in the International Ballroom. It’s practically comfort food for Kylie Jenner, whose family are regulars at the Malibu location.

The construction causing all the changes is a $10 billion mixed-use development featuring two luxury residential towers, a hotel, shopping and restaurants. For years, that property was a giant hole after a department store was shuttered and torn down.

Brittany Snow says she has mixed feelings about the arc of her character, Sophie O’Neil, on “The Hunting Wives.”

She says they are about to start shooting the fifth episode of Season 2 of the Netflix show.

“I wish that Sophie made better choices,” Snow said. “But we love to watch her make bad choices.”

She added, “I love playing a character like that. I can’t tell you that she’s the most altruistic human, but what fun would that be?”

That grand, Met Gala-esque staircase was only for the stars. The non-famous entered through another, ground level entrance.

“Don’t worry,” a staffer told a disappointed guest. “There’s a place to get your photo at the end too.”

Park Chan-wook, director of “No Other Choice” said he originally wrote the film for an American audience. Only recently did he decide to develop the piece as a Korean film, he said.

“I think, in turn, it improved the movie and the screenplay, because before then, we weren’t able to incorporate the AI technology element into the movie,” he said through a translator, while wearing Saint Laurent.

Park’s film is nominated for best motion picture for a musical or comedy. It is also nominated for best non-English motion picture.

Kaouther Ben Hania, director of “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” said the reception of her film has restored her faith in art.

“Many people told me, ‘This movie changed me,’” she said. “People in the beginning are afraid to watch it, but once they see the voice and hear the voice of Hind Rajab, this movie affects them and changes them.”

The movie includes an audio recording of the 5-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab before she was killed by Israeli forces in 2024. It’s nominated for best non-English motion picture.

“Sinners” director Ryan Coogler said he’s “married to cinema, and this movie felt like I was renewing my vows.” Chase Infiniti woke up to a dead phone the morning she was nominated for “One Battle After Another.”

Maggie O’Farrell, author of “Hamnet” and co-nominated for the adaptation’s screenplay, says the film “feels not like my child, more like a kind of niece or nephew.” And for “Sentimental Value” director Joachim Trier, it was time for some Champagne.

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University of California and Simi Valley police and bomb-sniffing dogs of no obvious, immediate affiliation were on hand to help monitor vehicles dropping off guests, involving a labyrinthine route that might befuddle even the most seasoned Angeleno, accessible only to those traveling east.

The Golden Globes has also chosen a harrowing staircase climb for its celebrity guests, flanked by photographers on both sides. The setup is not unlike the daunting Grand Staircase for the Met Gala.

The presenters announced Thursday feature a mix of Hollywood A-listers like George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Queen Latifah, along with rising stars like the leads from “Heated Rivalry,” Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams.

Additional presenters include: Amanda Seyfried, Ana de Armas, Ayo Edebiri, Charli xcx, Chris Pine, Colman Domingo, Dakota Fanning, Dave Franco, Diane Lane, Hailee Steinfeld, Jason Bateman, Jennifer Garner, Joe Keery, Judd Apatow, Justin Hartley, Kathryn Hahn, Keegan-Michael Key, Kevin Bacon, Kevin Hart, Kyra Sedgwick, Lalisa Manobal (Lisa from Blackpink), Luke Grimes, Macaulay Culkin, Marlon Wayans, Melissa McCarthy, Mila Kunis, Miley Cyrus, Minnie Driver, Orlando Bloom, Pamela Anderson, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Regina Hall, Sean Hayes, Snoop Dogg, Wanda Sykes, Will Arnett and Zoë Kravitz.

The Globes usually want a party, not politics. But that might be hard in the award show’s first ceremony during President Donald Trump’s second term.

The fatal shooting of 37-year-old mother Renee Good in Minneapolis by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may be on the minds of many attendees. The night’s frontrunner, “One Battle After Another,” notably opens with a raid on an ICE detention facility.

While the Globes’ TV drama and comedy categories have massive overlap with last year’s Emmys, the limited series group is full of new blood.

Recent buzzy series " All Her Fault," “The Beast in Me” and “The Girlfriend” have all been nominated for best limited series and the honor of probably losing to “Adolescence.”

Compared to the crazy-convoluted Emmys calendar, the Golden Globes TV eligibility window is as simple as the singular soul on “Pluribus.”

If most of a show aired the previous year, it’s eligible. That’s it.

The big nominees are still nearly all reruns though. Everything in the best drama series category was up for best drama at September’s Emmys, including the winner “The Pitt.”

“Pluribus” is the only invader in the group, and has a good chance of getting the Globes to conform to its will. “Heated Rivalry” didn’t make the team.

Last year, the Golden Globes largely avoided conversations surrounding President Donald Trump’s politics. That may not be the case this time around.

Since Trump reclaimed the White House, the president’s name has been added to the exterior of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts building. Numerous artists have canceled appearances at the center, and ticket sales and attendance have fallen, and viewership for December’s broadcast of the Kennedy Center Honors program was down by about 35% compared to the year before.

Meanwhile, Trump also said he would slap a 100% tax on movies made outside the United States, though no such tariffs have yet to be levied.

And the awards event will also be taking place in California, one of the states central to political redistricting ahead of U.S. midterms this year.

This year’s voting body is made up of nearly 400 journalists and film critics from around the world, who cover the entertainment industry for international audiences.

The ceremony was originally presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. After a series of scandals, Dick Clark Productions and Eldridge Industries acquired the rights to the show in 2023. The voting body has expanded to include more racial, ethnic and gender diversity since then.

Any foreign entertainment journalist working for an internationally based media outlet can apply to be a voter.

The Golden Globes this year introduced the best podcast category, and the nominees represent a mix of news and celebrity conversations all the while avoiding political controversy. Up for the inaugural award:

The nominations seemingly avoided controversy by passing on popular conservative-leaning podcasts from the shortlist, such as “The Joe Rogan Experience,” which topped all major podcast platforms in 2025, and “The Megyn Kelly Show,” “The Tucker Carlson Show,” “The Ben Shapiro Show” and Candace Owens’ “Candace.”

Also axed from the nominees: the left-leaning “Pod Save America,” and popular true-crime podcasts “Morbid” and “Rotten Mango.”

Warner Bros. might be on the cusp of being sold, but it stands to dominate Sunday’s Globes. The studio is behind the odds-on favorite “One Battle After Another,” the most likely drama winner, “Sinners,” and the most nominated series, “The White Lotus.”

Warner Bros. Discovery has agreed to be acquired by Netflix in a deal with $82.7 million. The only studio with more nominations than Warner Bros.’ 31? Netflix, with 35.

FILMS

1. “One Battle After Another”: 9

2. “Sentimental Value”: 8

3. “Sinners”: 7

4. “Hamnet”: 6

5. “Frankenstein” and “Wicked: For Good”: 5 each

TELEVISION

1. “The White Lotus”: 6

2. “Adolescence”: 5

3: “Only Murders in the Building” and “Severance”: 4 each

5. “The Bear,” “The Beast in Me,” “Black Mirror,” “Hacks,” “Nobody Wants This,” and “The Studio: 3 each

Nikki Glaser rolls out the red carpet during the 83rd Golden Globes press preview on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

General view of atmosphere at the 83rd Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

A general atmosphere at the 83rd Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)