Monday, January 16, 2012

Thoughts on the Golden Globe Awards - An Uncomfortable Evening

Last night I watched the Golden Globe Awards--well I caught most of the program--in between reading, talking on the phone, and doing laundry. 

Uncomfortable is the word I would use to describe the event. Most of the audience looked like they were all dressed up to attend a wedding of a boss they didn't like, but had to attend anyway. Sitting at home I felt uncomfortable for them.

Ricky Gervais did a repeat performance as the emcee. Last year he was criticized for his put-downs of the audience, but his performance stirred up a controversy and generated publicity -- so that got him invited back this year. His jokes? weren't all that funny. His humor? was critical of the audience and the Foreign Press Association, who puts on the awards. Guess Ricky didn't get the memo about not biting the hand that feeds you. Or maybe he doesn't care. In any case, he set the tone for the event, which was, as mentioned above -- uncomfortable.

The room looked crowded and the tables were jammed together. After the winners' names were announced, guests stood to make room for winners to zigzag through the aisles to get to the podium.

Other attempts at humor fell flat. Jimmy Fallon looked foolish doing a Mick Jagger impresonation. And George Clooney's attempt at being funny by complimenting one of the other younger nominees about the size of his anatomy didn't get many laughs, expect from the guy who appeared happy with Clooney's compliment. Madonna swiped back at Gervais after she won an award, but calling him a girl sounded like an insult a teenager might hurl to get even.

Several winners thanked their families, their agents and a guy named Harvey something or other, whom they compared with as being God. Whenever Harvey's name was mentioned the cameras kept showing a balding man laughing and shaking his head. He seemed very pleased with all the fuss, so I guess he must be someone important--at least in Hollywood circles.

The evening was not a total waste.

Christopher Plummer's obvious love for his wife was touching. During his acceptance speech he commented how her "beauty and bravery take his breath away, even after all these years."

Michelle Williams accepted her award with grace and put it all in perspective when she spoke about her love for her daughter.

The first person Jessica Lange thanked after she accepted her award was the writer who created the great story. While a few other winners mentioned writers, Jessica Lange's came across as being sincere and not an afterthought. 

After watching last night's Golden Globe Awards, I've decided that I will make a note to watch movies (oops, I guess they're called films) that include Jessica Lange, Christopher Plummer, Michelle Williams, and a few other notables.

Did anyone else watch the awards last night? If so, what are your thoughts?

14 comments:

  1. Hi Donna. Good post. I purposely didn't watch them last night, which is unusual for me. Most of the time Movie and TV award shows are at the top of my TV viewing list. I just don't care anymore. I did catch the last few minutes, and the ending when Ricky said something like, Goodnight and thanks for coming. Enjoy your gift bags and champagne, (and other expensive things)and then something about the {bad} economy. Satirically funny, but The Stars certainly don't want to hear that!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Becky,
      You are right about the Stars not wanting to be chided for accepting goodie bags when they are ultra rich.

      Donna

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  2. I didn't watch it, and I guess I missed some uncomfortable as well as some touching moments.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sioux,
      Sounds like you spent your time more productively than I did.
      Donna

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  3. I watched part of it. Honestly, I am tired of snarkiness. Hasn't it gotten old by now? I can be kind of a pollyanna, but I'd rather put out positive vibes than mean ones. I can't stand Madonna. I thought Michelle Williams' acceptance was sweet and gracious, and agree with you about Jessica Lange. I didn't see Christopher Plummer, but that is wonderful to hear what he said about his wife. Oh - the best moment was the duet that William Macy and his wife (I know her name, can't think of it!!) - that was very cute and actually funny.

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    Replies
    1. I'm with you, Melissa, about being fed up with snarkiness. I must've been out of the room during the William Macy duet, darn it.
      Donna

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  4. I did not, and judging from what you shared, I guess I didn't miss much. I got sucked into a movie on the Hallmark Channel. :)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Karen,
      I love the Hallmark Channel, but when we switched our cable arrangements, Hallmark became an additional cost, so we don't get it anymore--and I miss it.
      donna

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  5. No, I missed it on purpose. I haven't seen enough of the "films" to know what was going on. I used to love a good awards show, but now I'm out of the entertainment loop. I do, however, subscribe to Entertainment Weekly, at a fantastic price, through my son's school fundraiser. The first section I turn to is at the back of the magazine. The book reviews.

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  6. Hi Val,
    I didn't know Entertainment Weekly includes book reviews. Good to know for the next time the neighborhood kids come selling magazines.
    Donna

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  7. I was reading a book and remebered they were on when I turned on the 10 o'clock news and it was late gettingn started due to the Golden Globes. I agree with Melissa about snarkiness, so after reading your review I'm just as happy I missed it. Have a great week!

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  8. Missed it and after your thoughts, I'm glad I did, but will look at Jessica Lange a little differently.

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