Everyone who knows me knows, as my best friend says, that movies are “my thing.” I am an avid and unabashed movie buff and damn proud of it.
This year’s Golden Globes was a celebration as usual, but there was a damper literally with the rain and energetically because of the disaster in Haiti. (And because Ricky Gervais did a pathetic job of hosting). It was an interesting year, but not really in terms of fashion. I’m not sure if it’s just the recession or the distressing state of the world in general, but I feel like Hollywood actors and actresses are not even trying anymore. A lot of people showed up looking like they barely prepared for a major awards show (yes, you Julia Roberts). They just take their celebrity for granted and do whatever they want even if it’s not appropriate for the occasion. Oh – and I am so sorry I watched the red carpet on NBC because Billy Bush, Natalie Morales and Vanessa Minnillo did a terrible job. The rain was their main focus, their interviews were lackluster and they were totally out of synch. I have a new respect for Joan Rivers and Ryan Seacrest.
Now – in terms of fashion, there were a few interesting dresses. My favorites were Toni Collette, Julianna Margulies, Felicity Huffman and Marion Cotillard. Honorable mention goes to Kate Hudson in Marchesa and Tina Fey in a whimsical Zac Posen print. Other than that, there was a lot of the same – lots of strapless in colors that are barely colors with very little jewelry and uninteresting hair, black bustier tops and way too many ruffles to be flattering on anyone. Even some of the most beautiful women in the world like Penelope Cruz and Sandra Bullock got it wrong. Very disappointing. For some of what I'm talking about about, click here: http://www.eonline.com/photos/gallery.jsp?galleryUUID=1813#56238
What pleased me the most this year is that some relatively small movies (except Avatar, which I’ll get to later) got recognition. Two of my favorite films of 2009 were 500 Days of Summer and A Single Man, which both earned nominations. The overwhelming theme of the evening however was giving numerous awards to people who’ve never won anything before and deserved to win for a long body of work. This list includes Toni Collette, Julianna Margulies, Kevin Bacon, Michael C. Hall, Chloe Sevigny, Robert Downey Jr., Drew Barrymore, Sandra Bullock and the most underrated actor of our time - Jeff Bridges. I was so happy for him finally being recognized, I literally cried. My biggest disappointment of the evening was that Joseph Gordon Levitt (another veteran actor) did not win for 500 Days of Summer.
The biggest non-surprises of the evening were the winners of Best Picture Comedy or Musical and Best Picture Drama. The Hangover is the #1 R-rated comedy of all time and Avatar made a billion dollars in its opening weekend. An upset there would have been fun – like Precious beating Avatar. For once I would like to see a film win for being the best, not just for being the biggest box office. Ah, a girl can dream…
