The new year has started off with a bang, not only are we highly anticipating some great movies coming out this year, but also still engrossed in last years films, blockbusters and television programs. Movies such as ‘Avatar’, ‘Up’, ‘The Hurt Locker’, ‘The Princess and the Frog’, and television shows like the phenomenal ‘Glee’ and ‘Grey Gardens’ would all suffice to be called flourishes of 2009.

And the first major awards show to commence this 2010 is none other than the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards, held at the Beverly Hills Hilton in California. The committee behind this glittering ceremony held every January is the Hollywoood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), known worldwide for it’s mutli-million dollar donations to charity. As the international box office has dramatically expanded in recent years, so has the Globes’ prestige increased. The awards now have the distinction of being one of the three most-watched award shows on television.

So, once again we witness casts of international stars and celebrities gear up with make up and glitter, and put on their Hollywood’s best to strut their way down the red carpet. A little rain didn't stop the party as the distinguished stars dominated the red carpet in their couture dresses, trinkets and umbrellas as they filtered into the awards. The devastating earthquake in Haiti was a big topic of conversation on the red carpet as stars wore red ribbons in support and talked about their donation efforts.

This year’s Golden Globes however, had a dangerously humourous twist to it with British comedian Ricky Gervais hosting the show. On screen, we see the guests of the show acceding to gales of laughter from mischievous Gervais’ s jokes. He started the night off poking fun at Steve Carell, NBC, the network airing the show, and the HFPA. Fellow actors and actresses were also his targets, such as Mel Gibson, Jay Leno, and not even legendary personality Paul McCartney was spared from Gervais’ barbs. On the whole, however, most agree that Gervais did a diverting and pleasing job hosting the show, although some think his quips crossed the line.

Moving on to the actual awards- giving, the esteemed award of Cecil B. DeMille Award was awarded to Martin Scorsese for his remarkable contribution to the world of entertainment. He gave a beautiful speech and honoured DeMille, showing that he truly understands film history. Moreover, viewers were on the edge of their seats when the top Golden Globe for ‘Best Motion Picture’ was being presented, for the competition was so tight with ‘Precious: Based on the novel Push by Sapphire’, ‘Up in the Air’, ‘Inglorious Basterds’, and ‘The Hurt Locker’ all in the nominees category. Still, there was no surprise when Avatar grabbed the honour by winning the title. Jeff Bridges was named ‘Best Actor’ for his role in ‘Crazy Heart’ and Sandra Bullock bested Emily Blunt and Gabourey Sidibe to win ‘Best Actress’. Meryl Streep was nominated twice in the same category for ‘Best actress in a Comedy or Musical’, and won for her role in ‘Julie & Julia’, of which was also nominated for ‘Best Motion Picture- Comedy or Musical’, but was surpassed by ‘The Hangover.

I was glad that Robert Downey Jr. unquestionably and deservedly won ‘Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical’ for his convincing portrayal of British giant Sherlock Holmes. Another highly anticipated award was ‘Best Animated Film’. High grossing films such as ‘Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs’, ‘Coraline’, ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’, and ‘The Princess and the Frog‘ all fell into this category. The eminent award, however, was granted to ‘Up’ by Pixar, who raised the bars of animated films again with this heartwarming film about a curmudgeonly old widower who uproots his life to pursue a lifelong dream. The movie also achieved ‘Best Original Score’ for the soundtrack composed by Michael Giacchino .
And of course, who else could win ‘Best Director’ but James Cameroon, who is underway of beating his own previously set record of highest grossing movie with ‘Avatar’. The director said that he was unprepared for the win because he thought Kathryn Bigelow would get the award for ‘The Hurt Locker’, but was evidently glad he was proven wrong. Yet one more feat to triumph over is the 4 nods the latest hit series, ‘Glee’ received, including 1 win - ‘Best Television Series for a Musical’ .

As the last of the envelopes were opened and speeches uttered, Hollywood retired from a night of glamour and excitement with hopes fulfilled and support refueled. All in all, not did just the winning celebrities this year get to be in the spotlight, but also the nominees and crew who did their best to show their capabilities and impress the crowd. The buzz has subsided, the glittery gowns have been put aside, the smiles and showmanship been dimmed out. This year’s Golden Globe event was undoubtedly interesting and of higher standard, with sci-fi blockbuster ‘Avatar’ stealing the night. And while celebrating last year’s milestones and achievements, the world also looks forward to what Hollywood will show us this year. On that note, I’d like to conclude that the 67th Golden Globe Awards was a success and grand event of their prominent history.