By Kati Johnston
Special to MSN TV

You read it here first: Now: David Duchovny. In 20 years: Walter Matthau. Now: Madonna. In 20 years: Bette Davis.

OK, I just had to get that off my chest. Let's continue, shall we?

Bing: 2012 Golden Globe Awards | Watch videos

What was your favorite moment? Tell us on MSN TV Facebook.

Silliest joke that was just begging to be told: Ricky Gervais, reciting the laundry list of things he was forbidden to talk about in his opening monologue, up to and especially including anything related to Mel Gibson " and Jodie Foster's 'Beaver.' though [cough] I haven't seen it myself."

Best achievement by an actual former Miss Golden Globes: TV Supporting Comedy Actress winner Laura Dern, who won for her role in HBO's edgy "Enlightened," in which she stars with her talented mother, Diane Ladd. (Notably missing from Dern's long thank-you speech, however, was dad Bruce Dern.)

Hottest actor, senior division: "Beginners" Supporting Actor winner Christopher Plummer. Captain Von Trapp, you are still one hot papa. Cue the whistle!

Hottest actor, mid-career division: Idris Elba, star of the BBC's amazing "Luther," absolutely dreamy and commanding in real life and completely compelling as the tortured British detective, Luther.

Smartest career switch from comedy to drama: Kelsey Grammer, who won (deservedly) Best TV drama actor for "Boss," in which his performance is truly chilling and pretty amazing. We may be on Team Camille where "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" is concerned, but when it comes to playing a menacing Illinois pol, you can't beat a vindictive Frasier Crane.

Most prominent Golden Globes-related celebrity who was MIA: Eternal teenager Dick Clark, whose Dick Clark Productions is mired in a lawsuit with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association over broadcast rights to the Globes TV show. (The HFPA wants to get out of the long-term contract with NBC and shop the rights to other networks that might offer more cash.)

We knew it: Gervais ribbed his pal Johnny Depp for Depp's pretty but wretchedly slow 2010 film, "The Tourist." "Have you actually seen 'The Tourist,' Johnny?" Depp's deadpan and resigned response: "Ah, no."

Only Seth Rogan can out-Gervais Gervais: In an apparently unrehearsed comment, Rogan, referring to his comely copresenter Kate Beckinsale, announced, apropos of nothing, that "I'm currently trying to conceal a massive erection." Beckinsale, who erupted in giggles, never quite recovered.

Most unnecessary hair ornament: The glittery hairband holding back the cascade of Michelle Williams' locks -- which measures, at most, three-quarters of an inch.

Cutest little jab: When Eric Stonestreet of "Modern Family" was shown on camera as a Best Supporting TV Actor nominee, castmate Ferguson, who wasn't nominated, held up a little card saying "WHATEVER." Cam.

Nude is the new black: Well, in Hollywood, anything nude is going to be popular. But nude, sleek or floaty gowns really grabbed the spotlight this year, gracing stars from red-carpet hostess Giuliana Rancic to "The Descendants" star Shailene Woodley to elegant young Sarah Hyland of "Modern Family." Julie Bowen combined fitted and gossamer and looked like a retro glam-queen. Even "MF's" Jesse Tyler Ferguson sported a nude bow tie with his tux. And Piper Perabo could have topped a wedding cake in her Cinderella puffball of shimmery nude, which appeared to come equipped with its own internal lighting system.

Best new generic apology to use for any occasion in Hollywood: "I'm sorry, I'm French."

Youngest working stylist in Hollywood: Sarah Michelle Gellar's daughter, Charlotte, 2, who chose Mom's Monique Lhuillier explosion of blue and white tie-dye. Some critics hated it, but we thought it was playful and springy -- and what's wrong with that, Mom?

Most interesting interpretation of the word "original" in an award name: Ludovic Bource, who won for Best Original Score for "The Artist," after weeks of criticism that he "heavily borrowed" from the score of Hitchcock's "Vertigo."

Most harmonious duet: Husband and wife presenters William H. Macy and Felicity Huffman's little ditty about "it's an honor just to be nominated, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah." The end.

Borderline overexposed: And not in the good way (see "nude," above): Sofia Vergara, whose acting and comic chops are unparalleled, and whose beauty is undeniable. But doesn't it seem like she's suddenly everywhere? Hawking Diet Pepsi, cosmetics, you name it. Look out, Sofia -- you don't want to become Antonio Banderas circa 1991.

Most eye-catching designer tuxedos: The hand-painted teensy ones adorning "New Girl" Zooey Deschanel's nails. (Complemented by Deschanel's exquisitely styled long brunette locks and bangs -- channeling Agent 99 from the original "Get Smart." Sorry, big sis Emily of "Bones," but little sis makes your gown look rather frumpy.)

Best Everywoman product placement: Never you mind, Dolce and Gabbana. Eat your heart out. The most enthusiastic endorsement of a product on the red carpet came from the effusive Julie Bowen, who "starts my whole routine with Jergens moisturizer. That's it, Jergens." Can we get an amen?

And since when is the Queen Mum a hair icon?: Kelly Osbourne, reprising her role as a fashion commentator, better explain that granny bun in that shade of granny-tinted-blue.

Best imitation of a hand-cut school Valentine: "Glee's" Dianna Agron's bright-red cut-out gown (actually, as she pointed out, layers of "laser-cut swans").

Bringing willowy back: There are many reasons to love Claire Danes, including her stellar Golden Globe-worthy work in "Homeland," but an obvious one is that she's embraced the loveliness of being naturally slim and, yes, flat-chested. We love the fact that she's skipped the implant craze -- and her elegance and lovely figure stand out even more.

Best imitation of a peppermint lozenge: Angelina Jolie, looking shiny, hard and sharp in white with that jagged edge of red. Hot and cool.

"Like a thief in the night": It comes and goes. Madonna's British accent, that is. On the red carpet she sounded like she'd just been whisked away from "Downton Abbey", but suddenly, in that (long) acceptance speech, she sounded like the Michigander that she is.

Most moving tribute: The clips of the incredible career of Cecil B. DeMille Award winner Morgan Freeman. It was a moment to let true dramatic genius wash over the room, and a moment to remind movie lovers why, in fact, we love movies.

Best "Friends" comeback: Matt LeBlanc, who won for Best Actor in a TV Comedy, for Showtime's "Episodes," showed what he can do with wickedly clever scripts and crisp direction. We can now happily say: Joey Tribbiani has (finally) left the building.

Favorite up-and-comer: Best Movie Supporting Actress winner Octavia Spencer, for "The Help." As the moral compass of the film, Butler's Minny stood out among a very talented cast. Is it any wonder she has at least three films due out later this year?

Zut! Was that a wardrobe malfunction?: Just as Best Film Actor, Comedy-nominee Jean Dujardin ("The Artist") was announced as the winner, a buxom blonde threw her arms around him square in front of the camera, looking as though she was fixing to bust out of the top of her dress.

Most mysterious piece of traveling cutlery: OK, what was Harvey Weinstein trying to pass around the room during Meryl Streep's meandering acceptance speech (in which she seemed to be trying to think of as many actresses in as many random movies as possible)? A fork? A flashlight? A USB drive? A Swiss Army knife? I hope someone will clue us in -- but Streep didn't seem to need any props to give her props.

Handiest pocket accessory: Dog treats for Uggie, who played The Dog in "The Artist." Uggie nearly stole the film from the actors. And on Sunday, Uggie, who reportedly received his own engraved Golden Globes invitation, wiggled with delight onstage, almost stealing the heartfelt acceptance speech from the filmmakers who were expressing their gratitude for their Best Comedy Movie win.

Come to think of it, the Golden Globes left us wiggling with delight too.

Kati Johnston is a regular contributor to MSN Entertainment: kati.johnston@comcast.net

Write a comment...

0Comments