Reviewing the Golden Globes

The 2012 Golden Globes were full of predicted winners, but also with the always-present surprise or snub. But first, I'd like to begin my commentary by discussing the host, Ricky Gervais.


Back for his third consecutive hosting duty at the Globes, he was funny as ever. C'mon, who doesn't love Gervais (I know I certainly do)? He was, however, considerably more tame than he was last year, perhaps trying to avoid the same controversy (although I doubt it -- Gervais isn't one to restrain himself. There was probably an "inside" reason to his politeness). But the few jabs he did make were hilarious. Jodie Foster's Beaver? God and your agent having equal impact on your career? The very HFPA? It was all tremendously funny.


The film winners were all pretty much expected. George Clooney, Michelle Williams, Christopher Plummer, Octavia Spencer, Jean Dujardin and even Meryl Streep didn't come as huge surprises (I correctly predicted this last outcome, although I do hope Viola takes home the Oscar; the HFPA just loves Streep). A very welcome surprise was Martin Scorsese's Best Director win for Hugo (although some might consider that Michel Hazanavicius was snubbed for The Artist; I thought the latter indeed should have been the victor, but I loved Hugo so much that I couldn't help being pleased with the outcome). Ludovic Bource rightfully won for his The Artist score (I mean, who else could've won that? The film, being silent, was entirely music). And how about Madonna's Best Original Song win for "Masterpiece"? Nothing says a "bought" award more than that. Sorry Madonna, but your song didn't even measure up to some others, like The Help's "The Living Proof." Woody Allen won for his Midnight In Paris screenplay, and The Artist and The Descendants both won for Comedic and Dramatic Pictures, respectively.


Over in television, the results were much more surprising. Some were givens, however, such as Kate Winslet's win for Mildred Pierce and Jessica Lange for American Horror Story. Peter Dinklage won for A Game of Thrones (I incorrectly chose Guy Pearce for Mildred Pierce, although I wasn't shocked in the least that the former won) and Idris Elba won for Luther. Laura Dern and Claire Danes were expected; the real shock was the men. I would never have predicted Kelsey Grammer for Boss. I thought the lovely Bryan Cranston should have won instead, for Breaking Bad. And Matt LeBlanc for Episodes? That was probably my favorite surprise of the night. I saw it as long-overdue recognition for his stellar run on Friends, although he is plenty charming and hilarious on Episodes. Modern Family was the obvious winner in the Comedic category, and the freshman drama Homeland, which had some of the best reviews of the season, won in the Dramatic category.


Overall, it was a very entertaining night, as the Globes always are. Far less serious in attitude and prestige than the Oscars, it carries a lighthearted, much less competitive sense of competition. It provided the necessary fun and nonchalantness for stars and viewers alike before the Oscars.