Golden Globe contenders for drama

Pix with a strong international flavor go toe-to-toe with distinctly American stories as the HFPA assembles its slate for best motion picture drama. Don't assume an overseas bias: Remember, "The Social Network" beat the "The King's Speech."Albert NobbsClassic precursor: GG nominated "The Remains of the Day" (1983)Chances for a nom: Rather good. Over a dozen GG nods, and twin wins for Glenn Close, have previously gone to pic's cast.If not the big one: Turns by Glenn Close and Janet McTeer * * * CoriolanusClassic precursor: With the handheld battle footage, you'd swear it's "The Hurt Locker," at least until the iambic pentameter kicks in.Chances for a nom: Other juxtapositions of modern visuals and Shakespearean diction -- Baz Luhrmann's "Romeo + Juliet" and Julie Taymor's "Tempest" -- made little impression.If not the big one: Vanessa Redgrave sinks teeth into her juiciest film role in years.Janet McTeer * * * A Dangerous MethodClassic precursor: Think ego and id, "Frost/Nixon."Chances for a nom: At least one intellectual heavyweight shows up on every GG drama list.If not the big one: Viggo Mortensen's Freud looks impressive upon careful analysis. * * * The DescendantsClassic precursor: 1983 winner "Terms of Endearment"Chances for a nom: Heavily touted award chances don't seem to be waning.If not the big one: George Clooney is a foreign press fave. * * * Extremely Loud and Incredibly CloseClassic precursor: 1994 megasmash "Forrest Gump"Chances for a nom: Stephen Daldry's features have gone three-for-three.If not the big one: Max von Sydow's haunted Old World grandpa * * * The Girl With the Dragon TattooClassic precursor: Shares with "Insomnia" the bone-tingling atmosphere of a Scandinavian murder mystery, and status as a U.S. remake of an overseas original.Chances for a nom: Few outright thrillers have appeared on the Globe rolls.If not the big one: Rooney Mara -- fresh face; flashy part * * * The HelpClassic precursor: '60s idealistic streak, invokes 2006 nominee "Bobby."Chances for a nom: Excellent, given the HFPA penchant for sentimental ensemble dramas.If not the big one: Octavia Spencer * * * HugoClassic precursor: 1953's "Lili" Chances for a nom: Infused with love of cinema, European temperament and 3D dazzle, this one will be tough to ignore.If not the big one: Martin Scorsese's helming * * * The Iron LadyClassic precursor: Meryl Streep walked off with a Globe as another real-life lady, that time with an iron skillet, in "Julie & Julia."Chances for a nom: It's a rare Streep vehicle that doesn't show up on the annual HFPA rosterIf not the big one: Streep's Thatcher * * * J. EdgarClassic precursor: "Citizen Kane" and "The Aviator"Chances for a nom: The overseas scribes have shown American historical sagas a surprising amount of love.If not the big one: Leonardo DiCaprio's eponymous role * * * Martha Marcy May MarleneClassic precursor: 2002 Globe honoree "The Hours"Chances for a nom: Muted female-centric melodramas haven't figured often in GG/Drama races.If not the big one: A fresh young female face has copped a nod annually for the past eight years; Elizabeth Olsen may make it nine. * * * MoneyballClassic precursor: A young hotshot barges in to shake an org to its core; shades of "Gung Ho" (1986).Chances for a nom: At risk: They didn't nominate "Bull Durham" or "Field of Dreams." If not the big one: Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin's hip, witty script could tickle even committed baseballphobes. * * * Tinker Tailor Soldier SpyClassic precursor: "The Spy Who Came in From the Cold"Chances for a nom: Pic's hyperawareness of Europolitical tension will hit a nerve.If not the big one: Lack of GG attention to Gary Oldman should come to an end this year. * * * The Tree of LifeClassic precursor: Carl Dreyer, who (yes!) copped a Globe back in 1956, for "Ordet"Chances for a nom: Palme d'Or may have been honor enough.If not the big one: Should Jessica Chastain get a nod, it's likely to be for this film, of the nearly dozen she made in 2011. * * * War HorseClassic precursor: Steven Spielberg directs the sniffle-inducing odyssey of a young boy and his beloved creature. Can you say "E.T."?Chances for a nom: Thoroughbred has impressive European pedigree mixed with "Seabiscuit" sentiment. If not the big one: John Williams' Prokofiev-tinged score is one of his most stirring. * * * GOLDEN GLOBES RACETops in tubthumps? Best Picture: Drama | Best Picture: Comedy or Musical | Television | Animation Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com