The 2011 Golden Globes

As a TV, movie, and actor junkie, it should come as no surprise that I'm a HUGE fan of  awards season.  Every year, I faithfully watch the Emmys, Golden Globes, and Oscars, and if I lived in England, I'd happily watch the BAFTAs too. 

Usually I have to watch the awards shows by myself, but last year I discovered a kindred spirit in my roommate Shanda.  This year, we no longer live together, but since we're both done with graduate school and back in the Birmingham area, we got together to watch last night's Golden Globes at her house. 

The two movies that really stood out this year, at least to me, were The King's Speech and The Social Network.  Shanda and I were thrilled when Colin Firth won Best Actor (Drama) because out of all of his memorable roles, King George VI is without a doubt his best performance.  And since Geoffrey Rush's character and performance was so integral to the success of the movie, we both wished that he had won a Golden Globe alongside Colin Firth.

As much as I loved The King Speech, I was SO EXCITED when The Social Network won Best Picture (Drama) because a) it surpassed everyone's expectations and was GREAT and b) it's sure to be a movie that defines my generation.  Similarly, I believe that David Fincher and Aaron Sorkin deserved their wins in their respective categories, Best Director and Best Screenplay.  Without these two solid foundations, The Social Network would have been as laughably bad as people expected it to be, even with the actors' amazing performances.

For the television awards, I had a much hard time picking out my favorites because there are so many quality shows on the air right now.  However, I think the Golden Globes completely missed the boat in several key categories.  I really enjoyed the first season of Boardwalk Empire, but I wouldn't name it Best Television Series (Drama) like the Golden Globes did.  Steve Buscemi definitely deserved to win for Best Actor (Drama), though, and Kelly MacDonald was robbed of her award,  Their scenes were always amazing, and their performances instantly elevated the quality of individual episodes.

In the comedy category, I didn't approve of the way that Glee dominated with Best Television Series (Comedy), Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress.  I adore Jane Lynch, but that award should have gone to Kelly MacDonald, and Glee is too uneven to be called "the best" when Modern Family is consistently hilarious.  I am glad that Chris Colfer won, though...anyone who watches Glee can tell you that he deserves all of the praise that he receives.

The only award I'm truly upset over, though, is Best Miniseries or TV Movie.  I've never heard of Carlos, so it might be wonderful....but how did The Pacific not win???  I'm completely obsessed with The Pacific (I've seen it three times and it just gets better and better with each viewing), and I totally went into that award with a false sense of security.  "Of course The Pacific is going to win, just like it did at the Emmys and just like Band of Brothers did...it's just the best!"  Ugh, I am so disappointed in you, Golden Globes.