Last night, the 67th Golden Globes Awards were given out by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA). According to the HFPA mission statement, one of the goals of the organization is to “recognize outstanding achievements by conferring annual Awards of Merit, serving as a constant incentive within the entertainment industry, both domestic and foreign, and to focus wide public attention upon the best in motion pictures and television…”
At the beginning of the show, the Globes did just that but there were other times (including the conclusion of the program) when undeserving victors beat out more worthy competition.
The awards show cast a new light on two deserving performers who were not well-known for their strong acting abilities. First, in what I thought was the highlight of the night, Mo’Nique won the award for “Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role” for “Precious.” She was given the first award of the night and gave a wonderful speech. In her brilliant performance, the comedienne portrayed a selfish and cold woman who abuses and enables the abuse of her own daughter. At the Globes, Mo’Nique started her speech by thanking God for “the amazing ride.” Later she spoke of all the “Preciouses” and about speaking up about abuse. It was a classy moment.
Sandra Bullock gave her own elegant speech after winning for her role in the film “The Blind Side.” Speaking about family having your back, the classy Bullock gave a shout-out to the family that the movie portrays. As I wrote previously, Bullock has been a commercial success for a long time but now she’s receiving critical raves and awards, including her new Golden Globe. Along with Mo’Nique, she has shown critics a new way of looking at her. Both have redefined their image.
After only one season, the uplifting show “Glee” won for “Best Television Series – Comedy or Musical.” Julianna Margulies, who was previously known for her role on the show “ER,” also won an award for her role in “The Good Wife.” I previously wrote about how “Glee” and Margulies were worthy of their nominations and am glad both went home winners.
There was one major disappointment: “Avatar,” currently the second highest-grossing motion picture of all time, won “Best Motion Picture – Drama.” Although that film is a special-effects triumph, the storyline’s disappointing and it often delves into clichés. I wish the far more deserving “Up in the Air” had won. The George Clooney film had a great story, wonderful performances, and spoke to our economic reality.
My disappointment over “Avatar’s” victory, though, will be short-lived. Last night, Mo’Nique and Sandra Bullock were recognized for strong performances and now have a new light shining on their careers. Additionally, “Glee” and Margulies were able to garner more attention from the public. Those awards are something to celebrate.
As far as “Avatar” goes, the James Cameron picture may not be able to maintain its momentum for the full awards season and with the Academy Awards still several weeks away, the winners of that prestigious award ceremony are still “up in the air.”
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.