Why the Golden Globes beat the Oscars

The Golden Globes boast the most demanding performances from the stars: How to play it cool to Ricky Gervais’ insulting jokes. The ultimate award show for aficionados is a sublime satire on celebrity culture.

”The Golden Globes are just like the Oscars – only without all that ’esteeem’,” said host Ricky Gervais, when opening the award show.

Seriously, did you see The Tourist?! This year Gervais only offended stars that weren't present. Except for Johnny Depp. And, er, Jodie Foster, Helen Mirren and ...

“The Golden Globes are to the Oscars what Kim Kardashian is to Kate Middleton,” he continued, describing the show by comparing the American reality show star to the Crown Princess. That was after his initial, well-meaning remark:

”Nervous?! Don’t be – this is not about you!”

But he’s underestimating the Golden Globes.

Granted, The Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s award show is seen as a less significant lit must test for the Oscars. Still, it’s so much cooler.

Not only, because like Gervais says, its ”a bit louder, a bit trashier, a bit drunker and more easily bought”.

Having her directorial debut, a Bosnian war story, In the Land of Milk and Honey, nominated best foreign language film, might have helped Angelina Jolie handle that Ricky Gervais insulted The Tourist. Again.

It has the most concentrated crowd of A-list actors and directors, outside the notoriously glamourous Vanity Fair Oscar Party, where tv cameras do not venture. You can enjoy a casual version of the stars having dinner and drinks at round tables with friends and colleagues. Even if, you don’t know whether or not Angelina Jolie only laughs at Gervais’ jokes to show she can handle his continued trashing of The Tourist.

George Clooney can do anything it seems. Except win as a director. Winning best actor, he and his film The Ides of March lost 'best drama' to his own director Alexander Payne for the beautiful The Descendants.

And not only did exquisit films such as The Descendants and The Artist–– win the main prizes for best drama and best comedy, and Meryl Streep get the award for her jawdropping Margaret Thatcher portrayal – all of which this blog has greatly admired. Contrary to the Oscars, the Golden Globes award mainly movies and actors. You don’t have to sit

Cool tv heroine. Claire Danes' depiction of manic-depressive CIA-agent Carrie Mathison is this years' big surprise.

through costumes and special effects and what not. You actually know the people being celebrated. Which can be kind of an advantage at a party.

Thus, did the Hollywood Foreign Press Association award the smart, slick and truly intriguing CIA-thriller Homeland as best tv drama. And Claire Danes who is thrilling as Homeland’s complex heroine won for best actress in a drama series.

Easy target. Reality star Kim Kardashian was a favourite to Gervais and his sarcastic comedy at the Golden Globes. At least there is a chance, she did not get the jokes on her.

In a time where tv shows are to the commercial movie industry what … well … maybe not exactly what Kate Middleton is to Kim Kardashian – which is primarily better (and usually more warmly) dressed, but certainly smarter, more entertaining and bursting with talent and great storytelling – the Golden Globes rule.

Royal reality star. The Crown Princess, formerly Kate Middleton, is a rival to Kardashian on conquering the American tabloids. May the best cover girl win.

Check out the rightfully proud Golden Globe winners on www.goldenglobes.org/