Live-blog: The 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards

Jennifer Lopez (Associated Press photo) 

7 p.m.: Actress Jennifer Lopez and her plunging neckline are kicking off – as Nancy O’Dell put it so many times during the red carpet special – “Hollywood’s biggest party.” You’d think all that cleavage would have everyone’s attention, but she’s having to say “Hello, Mama talking, Mama talking.” She wants to get everyone’s attention for the first award – good, I hate long waits – for best supporting actress:

Nominees: Best Performance by an Actress In A Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Amy Adams – Doubt
Penélope Cruz – Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Viola Davis – Doubt
Marisa Tomei – The Wrestler
Kate Winslet – The Reader

Kate Winslet in the “Reader.” She’s also nominated for best actress for “Revolutionary Road.”

Winner: Score one for Kate Winslet for “The Reader.” She is clearly flustered: “I have a habit of not winning things,” says the actress who has been often nominated for Oscars but never, ever, ever won. She’s breathless, but she’s just reading her speech off a piece of paper. I actually like this better than just verbally fumbling for several seconds. However, she is using her status as “always the nominee, never the winner” to go on waaaayyy tooooo long. Please, someone clock her with the statuette she didn’t know what to do with it. Although, her thanking her kids at home was pretty cute.

7:06: Sting is up to give the prize to the best original song in a movie prize, which I would like to remind Nancy O’Dell he is NOT nominated for. I’m definitely rooting for Peter Gabriel’s “Down to Earth” from “WALL-E,” though I wouldn’t put it past the wacky Hollywood Foreign Press Association to give it to Miley “Hannah Montana” Cyrus.

Here are the nominees:

Best Original Song – Motion Picture
“Down To Earth” – WALL-E
Music By: Peter Gabriel and Thomas Newman
Lyrics By: Peter Gabriel
“Gran Torino” – Gran Torino
Music By: Jamie Cullum, Clint Eastwood, Kyle Eastwood and Michael Stevens
Lyrics By: Jamie Cullum
“I Thought I Lost You” – Bolt
Music & Lyrics By: Miley Cyrus and Jeffrey Steele
“Once In A Lifetime” – Cadillac Records
Music & Lyrics By: Beyoncé Knowles, Amanda Ghost, Scott McFarmon, Ian Dench, James Dring and Jody Street
“The Wrestler” – The Wrestler
Music & Lyrics By: Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen

Winner: Bruce Springsteen, “The Wrestler” from the movie of the same name. It’s not as good as Peter Gabriel’s song, but it’s solid and fits the excellent film.

Nice line from Bruce: “This is the only time I’m ever going to be in competition with Clint Eastwood, and it felt pretty good.” Clint looks grumpy about that comment; c’mon lighten up, Clint. No need to give him the Dirty Harry squinty eye over a little crack and a surprisingly girlish giggle from The Boss.

7:14: Simon Baker and Eva Longoria are here to present the next award, and Eva brings both color and boobs to the show with her fiery red gown that barely reigns in her impressive cleavage. I’m not even a guy, and I’m distracted, but I think they said something about giving the award for best supporting actor in a TV movie or miniseries.

I’d love to see Neil Patrick Harris win, but I have to root for Tom Wilkinson of “John Adams.”

Here are the nominees:

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Neil Patrick Harris – How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
Denis Leary – Recount (HBO)
Jeremy Piven – Entourage (HBO)
Blair Underwood – In Treatment (HBO)
Tom Wilkinson – John Adams (HBO)

Tom Wilkinson, “John Adams”

Winner: Wilkinson, who is stumbling through his acceptance speech and forgetting names along the way. I’m guessing he’s visited the bar.

7:18: Simon and Eva are impressively good at making the canned banter not sound canned, and they are staying to present the Golden Globe in the same category for the ladies:

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Eileen Atkins – Cranford (PBS)
Laura Dern – Recount (HBO)
Melissa George – In Treatment (HBO)
Rachel Griffiths – Brothers & Sisters (ABC)
Dianne Wiest – In Treatment (HBO)

Laura Dern in “Recount”

Winner: Miss Golden Globe 1982 (Don’t ask me what that is) Laura Dern.

She’s being professional, brisk and gracious in her acceptance speech, and I have to say that I like her all the better for it.

She played Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris in “Recount” and did a great job. Since it was a political film, it seems appropriate that she brought politics into it. She dedicated her award to all the people who made the last election so important and meaningful. It took 21 minutes for the election to get mentioned, which means I lose my bet with my sister. I thought it would in the first five.

7:22: The announcer says “And the table-hopping continues here at the Golden Globes.” That only confirms my feeling that the awards are just an afterthought here, ranking somewhere way, way below the free bar.

7:25: Don Cheadle just got introduced as the star of “Hotel for Dogs.” Oh, the shame of it. I don’t think I like the bald head look on Don, but I do like his fun spin on the dreaded canned banter as he introduces clips from “Burn After Reading,” one of the best picture, musical or comedy noms.

7:28: Well, we know Eva Mendes can read. Still not sure on the acting as she introduces her fellow Latino, the president of the HFPA, who is walking out to the same music that the mariachi bands who work at Mexican restaurants are always playing. Like that’s not a stereotype. Well, at least he’s not making a speech.

7:29: Zac Efron of “High School Musical” and Hayden Panettiere of “Heroes” are presenting the award for best actor in a TV series. Here are the nominees:

Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series – Drama
Gabriel Byrne – In Treatment (HBO)
Michael C. Hall – Dexter (SHOWTIME)
Jon Hamm – Mad Men (AMC)
Hugh Laurie – House (FOX)
Jonathan Rhys Meyers – The Tudors (SHOWTIME)

Gabriel Byrne, “In Treatment“ 

Winner: Gabriel Byrne, who isn’t even here to accept it. Guess he found a better place to get alcohol.  “In Treatment” has received multiple nominations, so I guess the HFPA loves it. Apparently, that love is unrequited as far as Gabriel Byrne is concerned.

7:31: Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto of the upcoming “Star Trek” reboot are making their ballyhooed first live appearance together. They don’t have much to say; they’ve actually made just a tiny, slight bit less interested in the movie. Anyway, they’re going to give the best actress in a TV show award:

Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series – Drama
Sally Field – Brothers & Sisters (ABC)
Mariska Hargitay – Law & Order
January Jones – Mad Men (AMC)
Anna Paquin – True Blood (HBO)
Kyra Sedgwick – The Closer (TNT)

Anna Paquin, “True Blood”

Winner: Anna Paquin of “True Blood.” That’s a surprise to me, though not an unpleasant one. I’ve never seen the show, but she seemed an underdog amidst several actresses who have a lot of hardware on their mantles.

7:37: British funnyman Ricky Gervais just shushed everyone and told all the Hollywood stars not to be rude. He’s got his glass of spirits and he’s just riffing up there, so this is actually genuinely funny. He’s griping about not being nominated by the HFPA, joking “that’s the last time I have sex with 200 middle-aged journalists,” and telling Kate Winslet, “See, I told you, do a Holocaust film and the awards come rolling in.” He needs to be hosting the Oscars, the Emmys and everything else. He’s just there to introduce the “Happy-Go-Lucky” clip. He can stay all night.

Ricky Gervais with Greg Kinnear in “Ghost Town.” Gervais drily joked about his lack of a nomination for the film, which was a box-office flop. Gotta love a guy who can laugh something like that off.

7:39: This is probably the least amount of screaming the Jonas Brothers have heard since they hit puberty. They are used to the crazed squeals of teenage girls, and this is not their crowd, except for Miley. And I’m a bit scared to hear they have a film “3D experience” coming out. Can the hormonal girls cope?

Anyway, they’re going to present the animated film award, and it’d better go to “WALL-E.” Nominees:

Best Animated Feature Film
Bolt
Walt Disney Pictures; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Kung Fu Panda
DreamWorks Animation SKG; Paramount Pictures
WALL-E
Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

“WALL-E” 

Winner: “WALL-E”! Yeah, here comes director Andrew Stanton, whom I’ve interviewed and found quite cool, to accept the award. He’s thanking the whole cast, which is OK because it’s really short, and telling his kids that “you inspire every emotion I try to capture onscreen.” Awww.

7:42: The ever-sexy Johnny Depp, who will play John Dillinger in the upcoming movie “Public Enemies,” which I can’t wait to see, is there to present the best actress in a musical or comedy. He’s very low-key, let’s see how the winner’s speech goes …

Nominees: Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
Rebecca Hall – Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Sally Hawkins – Happy-Go-Lucky
Frances McDormand – Burn After Reading
Meryl Streep – Mamma Mia!
Emma Thompson – Last Chance Harvey

Sally Hawkins, “Happy-Go-Lucky”

Winner: Sally Hawkins, “Happy-Go-Lucky,” who looks so excited and just swiped away a tear. She’s taking her time getting to stage, getting all kinds of compliments, including from a gracious Meryl Streep. She’s really just crying and said “Sorry, I have to put this down. I’ll get it later” and set down the statuette. She’s really touched, she’s actually really crying and trying to get through “as much of this as my voice and nerves and knees will let me.” She’s gushing over Emma Thompson and Emma’s asking if she’s OK.

Her performance in the movie is really sparkling, and she comes across as so genuine, it’s so hard not to like her. And she looks beautiful in her flowing black gown, updo and dangly earrings. But I think she’s told everyone on the planet she loves them, including me. And now she’s leaving with an “I really should’ve shut up a long time ago. Thank you.” She seems so sweet.

7:47: OK, I’m glad I’m not there in person. I couldn’t take it, because everyone really is being rude. I’ve seen whoever is sitting next to America Ferrara snoozing (or passed out) with her well-done-up head thrown back, and a couple at the front table were giggling and chatting with each other during Sally Hawkins’ speech. Call me a party-pooper but these people need to put down the wine glass and take an etiquette lesson. Sheesh.

7:52: Jake Gyllenhaal, looking attractive in a neat beard, is introducing the clip for “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” He is just reading it straight off the ‘promptr, so not much to say about that.

7:53: Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore, who are in the upcoming movie “Grey Gardens” together, are there as presenters and they have the giggles. They’re holding hands and snickering like schoolgirls. And here comes the grave-sounding announcer to tell us the nominees for best TV movie or miniseries. And it better be “John Adams,” or I’m going to start my own revolution.

Best Mini-Series Or Motion Picture Made for Television
A Raisin In The Sun (ABC)
Sony Pictures Television, Storyline Entertainment, and Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment
Bernard And Doris (HBO)
Trigger Street Independent Productions in association with Little Bird and Chicago Films and HBO Films
Cranford (PBS)
A Co-Production of BBC and WGBH Boston.
John Adams (HBO)
Playtone in association with HBO Films
Recount (HBO)
Spring Creek/Mirage Productions in association with Trigger Street Productions, Everyman Pictures and HBO Films

“John Adams”

Winner: “John Adams,” which executive producer Tom Hanks is coming up to accept and graciously introducing Gary Goetzman. If you haven’t seen this HBO miniseries, you should, and Tom Hanks says everyone should read the book. He’s thanking everyone but not going on and on. He’s got a lot of awards show experience, of course.

7:57: Demi Moore is in a gorgeous albeit white gown, and she’s going to give the award in the best supporting actor in a movie category. I’m sure it’s going to go to the late Heath Ledger, despite the big applause for Tom Cruise and Robert Downey Jr. of “Tropic Thunder.”

Here are the nominees: Best Performance by an Actor In A Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Tom Cruise – Tropic Thunder
Robert Downey Jr. – Tropic Thunder
Ralph Fiennes – The Duchess
Philip Seymour Hoffman – Doubt
Heath Ledger – The Dark Knight

The late Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight”

Winner: Heath Ledger. “The Dark Knight” director Christopher Nolan is coming up to receive the award on his behalf, and everyone is giving him a standing ovation. They are paying attention now. And they are showing a clip of his performance, and Nolan is saying that everyone involved in the film is accepting it with a mixture of incredible pride and sadness. His speech is short, heartfelt and appropriately somber. He notes that Heath will live on through his work, and it doesn’t even sound cheesy. Heath’s performance is truly remarkable and deserving of the award. He really disappeared into the role and made “The Dark Knight” an amazing film-going experience.

8:05: Tom Brokaw is here at this star-studded event, so it must be time to introduce the clip for the excellent film “Frost/Nixon,” which has multiple nominations, including one for Oklahoma native and director Ron Howard.

8:06: Colin Farrell is making fun of the riff-deserving awards-show writing as he presents the award for best foreign language film. He’s also sniffling and assuring us that he still has a cold, “it’s not the other thing it used to be.” He seems clearheaded when so many others don’t so I’m inclined to believe him.

“Waltz with Bashir”

Winner: “Waltz with Bashir,” Israel. I haven’t seen it yet, but I’ve heard great things about this animated documentary, so I think it gets style points for its uniqueness at the very least. The director is dedicating the award to production babies born during the making of the film, in the hopes that the war that’s depicted in the film (and ongoing) looks like “an ancient video game to them.”

8:10: Maggie Gyllenhaal and Aaron Eckhart of “The Dark Knight” are presenting the best actress in a miniseries or TV movie prize. Again, I’m rooting for “John Adams,” ’cause it’s just that good.

Best Performance by an Actress In A Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Judi Dench – Cranford (PBS)
Catherine Keener – An American Crime
Laura Linney – John Adams (HBO)
Shirley MacLaine – Coco Chanel
Susan Sarandon – Bernard And Doris (HBO)

Laura Linney, “John Adams”

Winner: I get my wish: the prize goes to Laura Linney, who was fantastic as Abigail Adams in “John Adams.” It’s her first win in four nominations. Her speech is professional, brisk and she’s thanking all the right people, including the incredible Paul Giamatti who played John Adams. Her flowing gown is gorgeous, but pale yellow. Again, as I said during the red carpet special, have they outlawed color in California? There is no color in any of these fancy gowns.

8:18: Gerard Butler, who looks fantastically sexy in a tuxedo, is introducing the clip for “In Bruges,” one of the noms for best picture, musical or comedy.

8:19: Elizabeth Banks and Seth Rogen are together again to present the award for best screenplay, and Seth is delivering some cracks about wishing he could have been a presenter back in the ’80s and doing cocaine with Mickey Rourke instead of being drunk with him. It’s not as funny as it sounds, and I think Seth is typically funny.

Here are the nominees:

Best Screenplay – Motion Picture
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Written by Eric Roth
Doubt
Written by John Patrick Shanley
Frost/Nixon
Written by Peter Morgan
The Reader
Written by David Hare
Slumdog Millionaire
Written by Simon Beaufoy

“Slumdog Millionaire”

I’m hoping for a win for “Slumdog Millionaire,” which I’ve seen three times now and love and might just watch every day. Sorry, gushing.

Winner: Simon Beaufoy, “Slumdog Millionaire,” and I’m nearly as excited as the movie’s stars, Dev Patel and Freida Pinto, who are on their feet clapping and cheering. He’s thanking Danny Boyle for making his script fly. I’m rooting for fellow Okie Ron Howard in best director, but I’m all in for “Slumdog” for best drama pic.

8:22: Here are Patrick “McDreamy” Dempsey and Amy Poehler to present best actor in a TV comedy, apparently in vocal synchronicity.

Here are the noms:

Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series – Musical Or Comedy
Alec Baldwin – 30 Rock (NBC)
Steve Carell – The Office (NBC)
Kevin Connolly – Entourage (HBO)
David Duchovny – Californication (SHOWTIME)
Tony Shalhoub – Monk (USA)

Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock” 

Winner: Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock.” He took the prize two years ago for the same role in “30 Rock.” He’s joking that he feels so old because he used to bring Rumer Willis juice boxes; Rumer is the well-dressed lass who is escorting the winners off the stage, and she already took some ribbing from her mom, Demi Moore, who took a moment to gush with pride and then reminded the young lady to stand up straight.

Alec also is thanking “30 Rock” mastermind Tina Fey profusely and delivering other thanks, including to his daughter Ireland, who he said makes him laugh when he’s at home.

8:29: Renee Zellweger is introducing the clip for “The Reader,” but I’m not even listening, I’m staring in disbelief at the usually elegant actress’ horrible gown, which has a black skirt and a black sort of mesh top with weird, half cutout, half puffy sleeves. And her usually sleek blond hair is puffy, too, so at least it matches.

8:30: Apparently, Megan Fox stole Renee’s glamour tonight, because she looks beautiful and virtually unrecognizable from “Transformers.” She and Terrence Howard are there to present the award for best actor in a TV movie or miniseries, and again, possible revolt if Paul Giamatti doesn’t win for “John Adams.”

Nominees: Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Ralph Fiennes – Bernard And Doris (HBO)
Paul Giamatti – John Adams (HBO)
Kevin Spacey – Recount (HBO)
Kiefer Sutherland – 24 (FOX)
Tom Wilkinson – Recount (HBO)

Paul Giamatti, “John Adams”

Winner: I don’t want a revolution today, as Paul just won his first Golden Globe in three noms. He’s saying “This was a hell of a job, a hell of a job, this little costume drama we put on.” He’s thanking everyone who saved his tail every day on the project. It was a multi-part miniseries about the Revolutionary War and birth of our nation, so I’ll bet it was arduous to put together. He not only thanked the cast and writer Kirk Ellis – and credited Tom Wilkinson for starting him smoking again – but also thanked the crew. Gotta respect that.

8:35: Laurence Fishburne, newly of “CSI,” and Glenn Close are up to present the best TV comedy honors. I’m betting on “30 Rock,” since it’s won everything else.

Nominees: Best Television Series – Musical Or Comedy
30 Rock (NBC)
Universal Media Studios in association with Broadway Video and Little Stranger Inc.
Californication (SHOWTIME)
Showtime Presents in association with Aggressive Mediocrity, and Then…, Twilight Time Films
Entourage (HBO)
Leverage and Closest to the Hole Productions in association with HBO Entertainment
The Office (NBC)
Deedle Dee Productions/Reveille/NBC Universal Television Studio; NBC
Weeds (SHOWTIME)
Showtime/Lionsgate Television/Tilted Productions, Inc.; SHOWTIME

“30 Rock”

Winner: “30 Rock.” Yeah, it was pretty obvious. Tracy Morgan is telling everyone that he and Tina Fey had an agreement that if Barack Obama won the election, he would speak for the show from now on. “Welcome to post-racial America, and I am the face of post-racial America, so just deal with it Cate Blanchett.” No cut to Cate Blanchett there, because she, like Gabriel Byrne, apparently found a non-televised bar.

He’s rambling on, but he’s pretty funny, since he remembered to thank the craft services lady who made him tacos, and Alec Baldwin had to remind him to thank NBC head honcho Jeff Zucker. It’s basically a riff on his comedy and character on the show, and it’s a refreshing change of pace from the dreaded banter.

8:43: Pierce Brosnan is talking about when he listened to the songs of ABBA back in the ’70s, he never would have imagined that those songs would be in a smash musical that would be made into a movie in which he would be fortunate enough to sing. I don’t think it’s fortunate for the people who hear Pierce sing in it, but he’s introducing the clip for “Mamma Mia!”

8:44: Sean “I’m not even sure what my name is at this point” Combs and Kate Beckinsale are on hand to present the best original movie score prize. She looks gorgeous, though she’s wearing - surprise, surprise - an off-white dress, and he’s doing most of the talking.

Nominees: Best Original Score – Motion Picture
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Composed by Alexandre Desplat
Changeling
Composed by Clint Eastwood
Defiance
Composed by James Newton Howard
Slumdog Millionaire
Composed by A. R. Rahman
Frost/Nixon
Composed by Hans Zimmer

“Slumdog Millionaire”

Winner: A.R. Rahman “Slumdog Millionaire.” They can just keep giving it awards, as far as I’m concerned, because it’s amazing.

Rahman thinks his win is “unbelievable,” and he’s think M.I.A. for the collaboration and the 1 billion people in India. Not, individually, of course, but as a whole.

8:47: David Duchovny (who just corrected the pronunciation of Rahman’s name) assures his son that he’s happy even though he didn’t win best actor in a TV drama, before presenting the award for best actress in TV comedy, along with Jane Krakowski of “30 Rock.” We all know who’s going win, and not just because Krakowski is presenting.

Nominees: Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series – Musical Or Comedy
Christina Applegate – Samantha Who? (ABC)
America Ferrera – Ugly Betty (ABC)
Tina Fey – 30 Rock (NBC)
Debra Messing – The Starter Wife (USA)
Mary-Louise Parker – Weeds (SHOWTIME)

Tina Fey, “30 Rock”

Winner: Yep, it’s Tina Fey of “30 Rock.” She’s just been on fire this year, so there was no way she was going to lose. She’s saying “Good gravy,” and continuing, “I’ve always loved the Hollywood Foreign Press; when I was a kid, I had all the Hollywood Foreign Press action figures.” She’s thanking Will Arnett for the joke. She’s now saying how fortunate she is to have the great year she has had and adding that “if you ever feel too good about yourself, there’s this thing called the Internet.” She then proceeds to tell some of her online haters “you can suck it.” But she ends with telling her husband she loves him. She is quite a funny lady.

8:55: Martin Scorsese is onstage to present the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award to Steven Spielberg, saying he thinks of “history” when he thinks of Spielberg – the history he’s captured on film, their personal history and Spielberg’s place in movie history. You can’t argue that Spielberg is a deserving honoree; I’m just a bit surprised that he hasn’t won this award sooner, even if he just turned a relatively young 46. Just look at some of the highlights on this clip reel: “Jaws,” “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “E.T.,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and the other Indiana Jones movies, “The Color Purple,” “Jurassic Park,” “Schindler’s List” … It’s just simply astounding that he has directed so many indelible films. And when you look at his producing credits, which range from “Animaniacs” to “Band of Brothers,” it’s even more jaw-dropping.

Steven Spielberg (AP photo)

9:01: Now, we’re going to hear from the man himself, Spielberg, and everyone’s giving him a standing O as he gets the award. He’s blowing kisses and repeating “thank you” over and over. He’s noting the statuette has been redesigned and thanking Scorcese, calling him “my inspiration.”

Spielberg is sharing a life-changing childhood memory: His dad took him when he was 6 years old to see DeMille’s “The Greatest Show on Earth,” though he says it didn’t get him into filmmaking, it got him into model train sets, and he tried to recreate the huge train wreck sequence. When his dad told him to knock it off, he took their video camera and filmed one last big train wreck and found that he got as much satisfaction out of watching the home video as he did out of making the wrecks happen. He says that he takes the same anxiety of “Can I get away with this?” from making that home movie as he does on his movies now. Cool story.

He’s now talking about the importance of mentors in the film business and giving credit to his own mentor, producer Sid Sheinberg. He’s talking about the importance of making quality movies, not forgetting to make movies like the types of films nominated tonight in tough economic times and not falling back on the tendency to just make movies for the broad audience. As a film reviewer, I have to say hear, hear. I like to see some broad films, but films like “Slumdog” and “Happy-Go-Lucky” that focus on, as Spielberg noted, “individuality,” are so refreshing.

While Spielberg was talking, the camera cut to several actors whom he turned into stars: Drew Barrymore, Tom Hanks, Laura Dern. He has earned that reputation for being one of the most powerful people in Hollywood.

9:13: Emma Thompson and Dustin Hoffman, who have really nice chemistry in “Last Chance Harvey,” are together to present an award and Emma is joking that they offer a hefty discount if they are hired together. Hoffman says no.

They’re going to present the award for best director, and the nominees are really strong.

Best Director – Motion Picture
Danny Boyle – Slumdog Millionaire
Stephen Daldry – The Reader
David Fincher – The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Ron Howard – Frost/Nixon
Sam Mendes – Revolutionary Road

Danny Boyle on the set of “Slumdog Millionaire”

Winner: Danny Boyle, “Slumdog.” I was rooting for Ron Howard, but I cannot be disappointed because “Slumdog” is just the best movie I’ve seen in ever so long. He’s thanking everyone, including the GGs for their mad love for his film, and he’s remembering to thank all the people of Mumbai, India, who are watching. He gets choked up when he thanks his kids, and bolts from the stage before he can start to cry.

9:17: The ever-lovely Sigourney Weaver graces the stage to introduce the clip for “Revolutionary Road.”

9:18: Sandra Bullock is in an beautifully layered gown, which is draped prettily and looks lovely on her. Naturally, it’s off-white. She’s being very charming and amusing as she introduces the nominees for best actor in a movie comedy or musical.

Colin Farrell, right, with Brendan Gleeson, “In Bruges”

Winner: Colin Farrell, “In Bruges.” I’ve really got to see this movie. He and Brendan Gleeson – personal favorite of mine – just exchanged a hug. Colin jokes that they must have done the ballot counting in Florida, getting some giggles and amused groans. That was funny! And he’s thanking writer-director Martin McDonagh for ignoring him when he told him to cast someone else. He’s waxing a bit about how everything they do in filmmaking is love, and he’s promising to share the award with Brendan and telling him he’ll cut it in half after he gets offstage and give him half a hemisphere.

Now, he’s just going on, thanking agents and lawyers and such. My sister’s boredom alarm is beeping.

9:27: I bet all the guys are disappointed to see Salma Hayek and her cleavage take the stage. She’s introducing the clip for “Vicky Cristina Barcelona,” which stars her BFF Penelope Cruz.

9:28: Sacha Baron Cohen, who cleans up surprisingly well, just flubbed his first joke but nailed the series of verbal smackdowns on Charlie Sheen, Victoria Beckham, Madonna and Guy Ritchie. It was really funny to me but the stars look a bit pained.

He’s a funny guy and he’s naming the best film comedy, and all the nominees are set in Europe, my sister and I just observed.

Best Motion Picture – Musical Or Comedy
Burn After Reading
Working Title/Releasing Company; Focus Features in association with Studio Canal
Happy-Go-Lucky
Summit Entertainment, Film4, Ingenious Film Partners, Miramax Films; Miramax Films
In Bruges
Blueprint Pictures; Focus Features
Mamma Mia!
Relativity Media, Playtone, Littlestar; Universal Pictures
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Mediapro; The Weinstein Company

So, that’s odd.

“Vicky Cristina Barcelona”

Anyway, the winner: “Vicky Cristina Barcelona,” but Woody Allen isn’t here, leaving the producers and Penelope to accept the award on his behalf. All these acceptance speeches are starting to run together. I’m just hearing blah, blah, blah at this point.

9:33: And these annoying little teasers from GG announcer guy have gotta stop soon. “Tomorrow’s headlines will be made tonight by these famous people,” intoned over images of stars mingling. Gag. I’m really getting tired of this particular awards show.

9:35: But I do have to admit that the latest couple of ads for Fowler Honda are pretty amusing. That Chad Stevens is pretty hit and miss with those commercials, but the spoofs on the shoe-throwing incident at a recent President Bush press conference and his take on the UPS whiteboard guy are really pretty amusing.

9:36: Indian actor Shahrukh Khan and “Slumdog Millionaire” star Freida Pinto are here to introduce the clip for “Slumdog,” which they’re both gushing about as a huge thrill and source of pride to India. And I’m loving this film still. (And at least Freida’s dress is a color, sort of a dark yellow.)

9:38: Wow, Cameron Diaz is wearing a color, a really bright color, a vivid pink. She and Mark “Say hi to your mother for me” Wahlberg are chatting about Mark being bummed because “Entourage” lost. But now they’re presenting the best actress in a film drama prize. Can Kate make it 2 for 2?

Kate Winslet with Leonardo DiCaprio in “Revolutionary Road.”

Winner: Yes, she can. And she’s screaming with joy and hugging her husband/”Revolutionary Road” director Sam Mendes. She really seems stunned, she’s breathless and can’t remember all the other nominees’ names. She keeps telling herself “OK, gather, gather.” And she’s trying to make her acceptance speech on the fly, actually taking herself step by step through the people she should thank.

She’s thanking the hair and makeup department – which really did an incredible job aging her in the film – before finally getting to Leonardo DiCaprio and her hubby. Leo’s blowing her a kiss, and Sam’s laughing as she thanks him “for killing us every single day.” She’s thanking her kids again, and now she’s completely losing it as she leaves the stage. She never wins, so she’s entitled to a little acceptance speech lunacy.

9:43: Rainn Wilson of “The Office,” who’s up there with “Gossip Girl” Blake Lively, proudly announces that they’re TV actors and cranks out some funny, goofy comments about how it’s only the sexism of the industry that kept him from being the “Gossip Girl.” They’re also giving the award to best drama TV series.

Nominees: Best Television Series – Drama
Dexter (SHOWTIME)
House (FOX)
Heel and Toe Films, Shore Z Productions and Bad Hat Harry Productions in association with Universal Media Studios
In Treatment (HBO)
Sheleg, Closest to the Hole Productions in association with HBO Entertainment
Mad Men (AMC)
Lionsgate
True Blood (HBO)
Your Face Goes Here Productions in association with HBO Entertainment

“Mad Men” 

Winner: “Mad Men,” and creator Matthew Weiner is joking that the English actresses stole his crying bit. The whole cast is up there, and maybe it’s the show’s ’50s vibe, but some of them know color! And actress Elisabeth Moss even wore a red dress! I know, she’s a rebel for breaking the monochromatic color pattern.

9:50: Susan Sarandon, soon to be in Peter Jackson’s film version of “The Lovely Bones,” is onstage to name the best actor in a movie drama. I’m so rooting for Frank Langella or Micky Rourke.

Nominees: Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama
Leonardo DiCaprio – Revolutionary Road
Frank Langella – Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn – Milk
Brad Pitt – The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Mickey Rourke – The Wrestler

Mickey Rourke, “The Wrestler”

Winner: Mickey Rourke, and though my personal fave is Langella, who looks very gracious and happy for Rourke, you gotta love this story. Along with Robert Downey Jr., it’s the biggest comeback of the year, and a terrific awards-worthy performance.

“It’s been a very long road back for me, and I’m not a very good public speaker; I was kind of hoping that Robert Downey would come up and speak for me,” he says.

He actually looks great, even with the streaky, in-his-face hair. And he’s sincerely and gratefully thanking his agent and director Darren Aronofsky for taking a chance on him.

He just called Darren Aronofsky a tough SOB, and the director flipped him the bird on national TV. Way to be awake there NBC censors. It is the Golden Globes after all. They should know someone’s going to flip the bird or drop the f-bomb. It’s kind of a given.

He’s thanking a lot of the people involved, including Axl Rose who gave them permission to use “Sweet Child O’ Mine” for the movie even though they had no money. He’s rambling, but he’s entitled after such a long road.

Now, he’s thanking his dogs and his late dogs – now it’s time to wrap it up. They’re cuing the “get off the stage music.”

9:56: We’re going over the three-hour mark. Ugh.

9:59: Maybe I should have mentioned Tom Cruise in my comebacks of the year list. He’s come a long way from jumping on Oprah’s couch to presenting the big award, best motion picture drama, which I hope is “Slumdog.”

Nominees: Best Motion Picture – Drama
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Warner Bros. Pictures and Paramount Pictures; Warner Bros. Pictures and Paramount Pictures
Frost/Nixon
Imagine Entertainment, Working Title, Studio Canal; Universal Pictures
The Reader
Mirage Enterprises; The Weinstein Company
Revolutionary Road
An Evamere Entertainment BBC Films Neal Street Production; DreamWorks Pictures in Association with BBC Films and Paramount Vantage
Slumdog Millionaire
Fox Searchlight Pictures and Warner Bros.; Fox Searchlight Pictures and Warner Bros.

“Slumdog Millionaire” 

Winner: Cue the big Bollywood-style celebratory dance number, because it is “Slumdog.” Producer Christian Colson is getting everyone up on the stage, and they are ecstatic. His speech is nice enough but a bit British and staid; I think they should have let Anil Kapoor, who plays the game show host, make the speech. Now, they’re rushing him offstage, so he’s rapidly thanking everyone in the world, including his girlfriend for only dumping him once. (And I thank Darren Aronofsky woke up the censors because I’ve heard a couple of glitchy dead spaces that were probably blanked out curse words, including from Colson.)

My sister and I were just observing that these awards shows have terrible clock management skills, since the early award winners get plenty of time to chatter and the recipients of the later, more important awards get rushed off the stage. The producers could use lessons from the coaches for the Indianapolis Colts. They’re probably available since they got beat in their first playoff game; I noticed from the Oreo commercial just a moment ago that Peyton and Eli Manning are devoting more time to the Double-Stuft Racing League. It’s funny and all but I’d rather watch them sling passes – not interceptions, Eli.

10:03: Tom Cruise just said thanks and good night, so I guess it’s over, just three minutes over the three-hour time limit. Maybe the Oscars will only go three minutes over its four-hour timeframe. And maybe I’ll get invited to star in “Slumdog II: Electric Indian Bugaloo.”

Anyway, that’s the 66th Golden Globes. Thanks for following along with me here at the live-blog. I’ll add a few more photos to this and try to regain the feeling in my buttocks and legs before delivering your Golden Globes wrap-up.

-BAM

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