Golden Globes wins points for stars' goofiness

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The 64th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Press Room

Globe winners
Helen Mirren takes home two; Eddie Murphy prepares for his close-up

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Fashion favorites
White and metallic gowns were popular on the Golden Globes’ red carpet this year.

The most entertaining moments to watch, though, are the ones that come from the actors who cannot conceal their genuine excitement.

They break up the monotony of appearances by stars who babble boringly until the music swells and they’re led off the stage.

“Grey’s Anatomy” creator Shonda Rhimes concluded her acceptance of the award for best drama by almost screaming, “I’m staring at Jack Nicholson and Dustin Hoffman in front of me. This is surreal! Thank you — so much!”

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And America Ferrera actually apologized for being so visibly thrilled to receive the best actress award for her role in “Ugly Betty.” She said, “I’m so sorry, I’m such a mess right now. I’m still getting over the shock of our first award.”

Because of its far more informal nature than other awards shows, the Golden Globes also features unexpected but revealing shots of the stars: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie cuddling, a bored-looking Donald Trump whispering to Melania as Kyra Sedgwick made the long trek to the stage, the audience chattering as Ben Stiller tried to introduce a clip, Renée Zellweger leading applause for the Hollywood Foreign Press and demonstrating that she’s been taking classes at the Paula Abdul School for Clapping Like a Seal.

Besides the upsets and surprise wins — particularly those awards that the Oscars and Emmys would never give, at least not until a television show or film has slipped into irrelevance — these unscripted moments are the real reason people tune in.

Perhaps there’s something to all of that awards show fluff, preventing the possibility of hours of boredom, of which the Globes had plenty. But when a show just lets its stars be stars, sometimes they aren’t that bright, but sometimes they shine brilliantly.

Andy Dehnart is a writer and teacher who publishes reality blurred, a daily summary of reality TV news.

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