Golden Globes: A Few Surprises...

Well, the Golden Globes have come and gone and there were a few surprises, but no big shockers. While I hoped Avatar would win Best Picture - Drama (don't judge 'til you've seen it people; it's impressive), I had convinced myself that Up in the Air still had enough buzz to prevail. Equally surprising was James Cameron's win for directing the film. I didn't think anyone wanted that blowhard near a microphone again, and we all were reminded of why as he began speaking in his secret language of the Na'vi. Oh, James, when will you learn to just smile and say "Thank you." Must you be such a dumbass and alienate (no pun intended) so many people whilst accepting their praise? The biggest shocker was in the Best Picture - Musical/Comedy! I don't think ANYONE expected The Hangover to win. Certainly, many people think it was deserving, but it's still a big surprise. Well done.

Sandra Bullock won Best Actress in a Drama for the Blind Side. I think we all agree her dress was lovely and ethereal. This picture doesn't quite do it justice, looked lighter and frothier (sp?) on TV. Then again, maybe TV did it too much justice and it actually isn't as lovely as I thought. Still, I didn't like the back as much as some... a little odd and unfinished looking. Even though I thought Sandra Bullock would win for The Blind Side, it was still surprising to actually see it happen... I'm conflicted over the win (and for that matter, the movie). I want to be happy for her, I enjoyed the movie and I enjoyed her performance, but at the same time I felt a little guilty liking it... it's got a strange aftertaste of white self-congratulation that, I think, was unintended, but there it is. She certainly has worked hard and made some good movies, but she might be right that this particular award was bought and not earned. Everyone seems to just be relieved that a big movie with a big star can still pass as a major award winner.

Meryl Streep, who won Best Actress in a Musical/Comedy, gave the speech of the night for: eloquent, thoughtful, sweet and deeply human. She really made the most of a few minutes and gave a memorable speech that swept away all the praise that's been heaped on her in exchange for a humble statement: "In my long career, I've played so many extraordinary women that basically I'm getting mistaken for one... I'm very clear about the fact that I'm a vessel for other people's stories and other women's lives." She continued by paying tribute to her mother, who inspired the role and has clearly inspired her. It was a breath of fresh air to hear someone thinking about what the award honored instead of hearing a mad scramble to appease as many agents, publicists and studio execs as possible in a few brief moments. She also looked beautiful and seemingly 20 years younger; that bright red lipstick looks great! Definitely one of the better dressed women of the night. Although, can we talk about Helen Mirren!? Dayyyyum! Serriously, that woman has an amazing bod-ay. Who says a sexagenarian can't be sexy? I have to find a picture of her. For the sake of all the older ladies with body issues, I hope Helen had on at least 1 pair of Spanx, otherwise she may be setting the bar too high.

Jeff Bridges won Best Actor in a Drama; again, job well done, but this performance wasn't his best, it seems to be just good timing for an actor long overdue for some awards hardware. Morgan Freeman, you da man! I hope you win the next round. Robert Downey Jr. won Best Actor in a Musical/Comedy... that was kind of surprising. Although, he's been riding a good-buzz wave for awhile since he cleaned up and re-branded himself. I can't say that I really cared much about that category; still haven't seen many of the nominees.

Mo'Nique and Christoph Waltz walked away with their respective Supporting Actress/Actor awards and the world gave a collective yawn (predictable). Actually, I was genuinely happy for each, even if I'd rather see Christopher Plummer win. And, Mr. Waltz, please shave that nasty grey-brown beard you've been rocking. You are such a handsome man when you're clean-shaven and I want the whole world to know by Oscar night. Mo'Nique looked gorgeous (dang, girl! you have nice skin! That neckline was really elegant, even with the little back fat you had going on) but - and this is directed to the dummy, Drew Barrymore - her speech was not THAT eloquent. It felt more like a plug for her husband. How long until she asks to roll out a preview of his next project in lieu of an acceptance speech? Seriously Drew, what crack have you been smoking!? That speech was rambling and incoherent and set to hyper speed. Last year she showed up with that crazy-train, booze-fest hair and this year she had some sort of light-stick contraption on her dress! What the hell, lady? By the way, that win was shocking! I don't think anyone predicted a Drew-win since her co-star, Jessica Lange, and fellow nominee Sigourney Weaver have been cleaning up all the awards in that category the rest of the year.

Still, a good show indeed, thanks to Mr. Gervais! Job well done. That Mel Gibson joke was priceless! Wow! Ball-sy! More comments to follow in the days to come. In the meantime, enjoy this clip: