The Golden Globes tend to be more of a fashion show and trend-setting precursor to the Academy Awards than anything truly substantial, but after all, where would we be without frivolous, self-congratulatory gladhanding in a time of worldwide crisis? The 67th annual ceremony, voted for by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, took place Sunday Night at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.
Host Ricky Gervais kept things snarky and uncomfortable, digging at everyone from Paul McCartney to Mel Gibson to Angelina Jolie in his between-awards banter. Watch his opening monologue:
Avatar won for best picture (Drama) and best director (James Cameron), raising the most Oscar buzz. A sci-fi flick has never taken top honors at the Oscars, however, so this win is anything but a shoo-in. But at the same time, Cameron's track record - not to mention the film's goliathan dominance of the box office - make it a formidable opponent among the other nominees.
To add insult to injury, Avatar outdid fellow nominees Inglourious Basterds, Precious, Up in the Air and The Hurt Locker in other categories as well. Though The Hurt Locker has largely dominated the awards season thus far, it went empty-handed at the Globes ceremony.
The Hangover was a surprise winner in the best comedy category, beating out 500 Days of Summer, It's Complicated, Nine and Julia & Julia. Frankly I'm not sure why it was considered a surprise, given that it's just about the funniest damn movie you'll ever see. But I digress.
In the acting categories, best actor winner Jeff Bridges (Drama: Crazy Heart) received a standing ovation for his role as a washed-up country rocker, while Robert Downey, Jr. (Comedy/Musical: Sherlock Holmes) seemed shocked at his own win. The two actors seem to be heading for a showdown at the Oscars, although George Clooney may make an underdog grab with his impressive turn in Up In The Air.
Meryl Streep took home her seventh trophy for Julie & Julia, while Sandra Bullock won one for the first time for The Blind Side. Mo’Nique locked the supporting actress category for Precious, and after accepting her award for her work as a violent mother in Precious, she made an emotional speech in which she dedicated her win to victims of abuse. "I celebrate this award with every person that's ever been touched. It's now time to tell, and it's OK," she said.
Christoph Waltz took the supporting actor award for Inglourious Basterds. "Quentin made a big bang of a movie, and I wouldn't have dared to dream that my little world, my globe, would be part of that constellation. And now you've made it golden," Waltz, aka Tarantino's "Jew Hunter", told the crowd.
Among the TV winners, "Dexter" star Michael C Hall picked up the best actor in a drama award, while John Lithgow won the best supporting actor award for the same show. "Dexter" lost out, however, to "Mad Men" for the best drama series. "Glee" took the comedy or musical prize.
The Academy Awards take place this year on 7 March; voting for Academy members closes later this week.
Full list of winners on Page Two!
