The Industry’s elite gathered to officially kick off award season, from the fashion to the winners, last night definitely lived up to all the hype and excitement.
Comedic genius Ricky Gervais, was back ready to entertain and effortlessly call out the rich and famous for being rich and famous.
This time around, it was clear that the powers that be learnt their lesson from last year’s fiasco and so Gervais was a lot more sedate and the show seemed more regulated than the last time. The jokes were kept to a minimal and the host had considerably limited screen time. Except for Madonna’s flawless comeback to Gervais’ jab about her being “Just Like A Virgin”, and George Clooney’s homage to Michael Fassbender’s member in the film Shame, the show’s format was devoid of any dramatics. However the host scored major points with his dialogue about being told to refrain from any Mel Gibson jokes and and any references to the Jodie Foster movie that Gibson regrettably starred in, The Beaver, which got less than glowing reviews.
The winners of the night the echoed the same themes from past award shows. The expected mixed in with the unexpected and the completely ludicrous.
The Expected: Octavia Spencer winning Best Supporting Actress for The Help, Meryl Streep taking home Best Actress for The Iron Lady, George Clooney winning Best Actor for The Descendants, and Michelle Williams taking home Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical for My Week With Marilyn.
The Unexpected: Martin Scorsese beating out Alexander Payne (The Descendants) and Michel Hazanvicius (The Artist) to win the Best Director trophy for Hugo. It was a pleasant surprise to watch Idris Elba walk away with Best Performance By An Actor title for the mini-series Luther. The fact that Showtime’s Episodes, was even nominated was a shocker!
Completely Ludicrious: Kelsey Grammar winning Best Performance By An Actor In A Television Series was a nasty joke. Damian Lewis from the Showtime hit, Homeland was robbed! Matt LeBlanc’s win for Episodes was just as senseless as the show itself. There must be a better way to help boost the comeback of a forgettable actor.
So one down, and about three more to go, but in the meantime, we can feast our eyes on the top looks that graced the red carpet.
For a complete list of winners, visit The Hollywood Reporter.
Tilda Swinton in Haider Ackermann
Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace
Paula Patton in Monique Lluillier
Charlize Theron in Christian Dior Couture
Kate Beckinsale in Roberto Cavalli
Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji
Helen Mirren in a dark blue confection