The 69th annual Golden Globe Awards were held Sunday, and while there weren’t any huge surprises at the event, there were a couple announcements that didn’t settle well with me.
The Best Motion Picture Drama award went to the George Clooney-led “The Descendants.” I completely admire Clooney for his outstanding acting, dashing good looks and his ability to conform to any role, but I truly think there were a couple of films that could have stolen the prize without much protest.
For instance, “The Help,” starring Emma Stone, probably would have been my choice for the award. The film helped open our eyes to a period that is often overshadowed when it comes to conventional filmmaking. I thought it was a vital part to 2011’s film industry success, but apparently I was wrong.
Another film that I would have liked to see get the nod was “Hugo,” directed by Martin Scorsese. The movie bridges the generational gap and allows viewers young and old to enjoy a warm, well-written adventure inside 1930s Paris. It’s not every day that a college student, a pre-pubescent teenage girl and a grandfather can all sit through a film and come out of it all feeling the same way: happy.
I don’t really have a problem with the Best Leading Actress and Actors in a Motion Picture Drama going to Meryl Streep and George Clooney, respectively, although I think Viola Davis, for her performance as Aibileen in “The Help,” got somewhat snubbed.
She was, in addition to Emma Stone, the driving force behind the movie, and who knows how the film would have turned out without her.
I can’t complain about any of the winners from the “Best Of” categories in the comedy and musical departments. Although they didn’t win, I was happy to see “50/50” was well-represented with a Best Motion Picture and Best Performance by an Actor (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) nomination.
When it came to Best Director, I thought George Clooney had it in the bag for his film, “The Ides of March.” Instead, it went to the aforementioned Martin Scorsese, for his film “Hugo.” Bravo Mr. Scorsese — well deserved. I applaud Clooney’s efforts, and I loved “The Ides of March,” but that million-dollar smile can only get you so far.
I admit I consider myself more of a film buff than a television junkie, but again, I think there were some people and shows that didn’t get the appreciation that they deserved.
Steve Buscemi, probably one of the best actors currently on television, should have won Best Performance for an Actor for his role in “Boardwalk Empire.” Bryan Cranston from “Breaking Bad” would be a close second, but Kelsey Grammer in “Boss?” Really?
He’s a good actor, but definitely not on par with the other two.
As for best drama television series, “American Horror Story” should have won, hands down. I am overjoyed however, that Jessica Lange won Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series for her portrayal as Constance Langdon in the show.
Possibly the least controversial winner of the night was Morgan Freeman, who was presented the “Cecil B. DeMille Award.” The award is presented to someone who has provided “outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.” I can’t think of anyone better suited for that honor and I am happy to see it fall into the right hands. It is well-deserved and if I had any criticism, it would be that I’m upset it took this long.
