Golden Globes Shine for 64th Time

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association handed out its Golden Globes for the 64th time on Monday. The HFPA has gone from a rather interesting amalgam of stringers to a genuine force in entertainment criticism in that time. Indeed, the Oscars crowd could learn a few things from the association, not least of which is being able to end the show on time.

Before the event began, there was the red carpet piffle with the media spending too much time on the usual nonsense about fashions. Frankly, one doesn’t car what Selma Hayek wears – she is stunning regardless. Yet no one talked about Jeremy Irons’ coat, which harkened back to the 1840s or earlier. Apparently, what the gentlemen wear is irrelevant so long as it is uncomfortable.

Dame Helen Mirren led a minor British invasion picking up two trophies: one for “Elizabeth I” and the other for playing Elizabeth II in “The Queen,” (which had it been named “Elizabeth II” would have confused Hollywood into thinking it was a sequel, and would have set tongues wagging about a trilogy with “Elizabeth III.”) Hugh Laurie (Cambridge Footlights) scored for “House,” and Sacha Baron Cohen won for “Borat.” Mr. Cohen also gave the only acceptance speech in memory where the words “anus,” “testicles” and “rancid bubble of air” appeared, and did so more than once (rumors that Lawrence Olivier made a similar speech a Buckingham Palace upon his elevation to the nobility appear unfounded).

A far better “thank you” speech came from Alexandre Desplat for Best Original Score for the film “The Painted Veil.” After a quick merci, he said thank you to the people who mattered and got off the stage. Nonetheless, Forest Whitaker’s speechlessness for Best Actor in “The Last King of Scotland” probably said more than any words. He lacks the leading man looks of Denzel Washington or Leonardo DiCaprio, but he has been blessed with thespian talent that he has refined day in day out with attention to his craft. He may be the best actor of his generation. He can now say he beat Mr. DiCaprio, Will Smith and Peter O'Toole for the award. The man has arrived.

“Dreamgirls” surprised many not for its Best Picture (Musical or Comedy) award but rather for giving Eddie Murphy a supporting actor award (he’s not that kid in “Raw” anymore, and maybe, he’ll be allowed to show it now). Martin Scorsese has yet to win an Oscar for Best Director, but he’s got another Golden Globe, this time for “The Departed,” and at this point, an Oscar would be the Academy trying to make itself look competent. “Babel” won as best picture (drama), and that was a bit of a surprise, only because of strong competition.

So, now it’s on to the Oscars, and the much more tedious presentation of awards. Pointless production numbers, the glitterati sitting in rows at a theatre rather than around tables with drinks, and a show that will run 30 minutes or more over its allotted time. One can hardly wait – for next year’s Golden Globes.

© Copyright 2007 by The Kensington Review, Jeff Myhre, PhD, Editor. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent. Produced using Fedora Linux.

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