George Clooney wins Best Actor in the 2012 Golden Globes

From msnbc

LOS ANGELES — When Hollywood's top stars, including George Clooney, Angelina Jolie and Steven Spielberg, attend the Golden Globe Awards next week they will sip vintage champagne and nibble edible gold.

Golden flakes will top their dessert following a meal that chef Suki Sugiura will prepare using foods flown in from around the world for the event, which is one of Hollywood's most-watched film and television awards shows.

But unlike the film world's Oscars or TV's Emmys, where stars sit side-by-side in a theater, guests at the Golden Globes are treated to a gourmet meal by the event's organizers, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

Moet & Chandon, which has been the official champagne for the Golden Globes for 21 years, will serve its traditional Imperial mini bottles on the red carpet to arriving guests.

Inside the venue guests will sip its Grand Vintage 2002 for the first time.

Five hundred magnums of the 2002, which was bottled and has been sitting for seven years -- the longest resting period of any of the Moet Grand Vintages -- will be served at the Golden Globes on January 15.

Sugiura, the executive chef at the Beverly Hilton Hotel where the event takes place, has created a three course meal with a "global food harmony" theme that includes a combination entree of braised prime short rib of beef and sea bass marinated in miso from Sendai, Japan.

"They produce some of the best miso in Japan," said Sugiura. "We bring it here to share with each other, to appreciate each other and to enjoy it together. It's East meets West -- one world -- at the Golden Globes."

For dessert, executive pastry chef Thomas Henzi will serve a chocolate almond crunch terrine with acacia honey, caramel and fresh berries. The chocolate will be flown in from Switzerland, while the acacia honey caramel will arrive from France, the Tarragon hazelnuts from Italy and the Valencia almond paste from Spain.

"It's a rich desert," said Henzi, not only figuratively but literally.

Each desert plate will be sprinkled with 23-carat edible gold flakes along with a white chocolate ball sprayed with gold dust.

"In today's market, Gold costs $1600, $1700 for an ounce, sometimes up to $2000, so it's expensive," said Henzi. "We're looking at $1.20 per plate just for the gold flakes. And we're preparing 1500 plates!"

Flower arrangements by celebrity florist Mark Held, of Mark's Garden, who has been creating the floral centerpieces for the Golden Globes for about a decade, will complement the meal.

Held said he is working on an eight color combinations of flowers, all in deep winter tones of burgundy, gold, green and maybe even a deep pink.

"This year, we'll see a lot more color across the room. It'll be fun and lively because this is a lively event," he said.

Katiedot wrote:Can't help but think what a nightmare it must be for them - half the people are anorexic or on weird diets so won't eat anything, the other half will be too nervous or too busy talking to eat.

From Fox news (that always reliable source of information)

Golden Globe Predix: Ricky Gervais will offend; big night for Clooney, Streep

By Tariq Khan

Published January 11, 2012

When the Golden Globe Awards are presented on Sunday evening, there are three things that you can be certain of:

1. Host Ricky Gervais will make obnoxious jokes about many of the stars sitting in the audience.

2. Host Ricky Gervais will make obnoxious jokes about members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) – the group which presents the Golden Globe Awards.

3. Host Ricky Gervais will make obnoxious jokes about many stars NOT sitting in the audience.

But as much as Mr. Gervais may dominate attention, the real question to serious film fanatics is how well the Golden Globe winners will forecast the Academy Award results. Last year, “The Social Network” won Best Picture and Best Director at the Globes, but went on to lose both categories to “The King’s Speech” at the Oscars. However, four Globe acting winners (Colin Firth, Natalie Portman, Christian Bale and Melissa Leo) repeated their victories at the Kodak Theatre.

The same thing happened the year before. “Avatar” claimed Golden Globes for Best Picture and Best Director, but was defeated by “The Hurt Locker” in those two Oscar races. Meanwhile, four Globe acting champs (Jeff Bridges, Sandra Bullock, Christoph Waltz and Mo’Nique) went on to see Oscar glory just one month later.

What will this year bring? The Golden Globes have become increasingly harder to predict, and there’s virtually no overlap between their members and the voters in the Motion Picture Academy. But that doesn’t stop awards analysts (like yours truly) from trying to make sense of it all.

Here’s what to expect in the major film categories.

BEST ACTOR – DRAMA

Nominees: George Clooney in “The Descendants,” Leonardo DiCaprio in “J. Edgar,” Michael Fassbender in “Shame,” Ryan Gosling in “The Ides of March,” Brad Pitt in “Moneyball”

Prediction: George Clooney and Brad Pitt (tie)

Okay, so maybe I’m cheating here. But it’s such a tight race between Clooney and Pitt, two of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Both have previously won Supporting Actor Globes, Clooney for 2005’s “Syriana” and Pitt for 1995’s “12 Monkeys.” Both delivered superb performances in Best Picture nominees. And both had banner years in 2011. Clooney helmed “The Ides of March,” which also won him a Globe nomination for Best Director. Pitt starred in “The Tree of Life,” which earned him terrific notices a few months before “Moneyball” was released.

Given the HFPA’s love for celebrities, I suspect that they’re truly torn between the two. With only about 90 members (and five nominees in the category), a tie is very real (albeit remote) possibility. If you forced me to choose one, I would probably flip a coin and say Clooney. If he wins, he’s the instant Oscar frontrunner. But if Pitt prevails, it’s a whole new Oscar race. (And if there’s a tie – remember that you read it here first.)

BEST ACTRESS – DRAMA

Nominees: Glenn Close in “Albert Nobbs,” Viola Davis in “The Help,” Rooney Mara in “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” Meryl Streep in “The Iron Lady,” Tilda Swinton in “We Need to Talk About Kevin”

Prediction: Meryl Streep

Streep already holds the record for most competitive wins at the Golden Globes, with seven. Come Sunday night, she’ll have eight. She delivers what is arguably her finest performance ever as Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady.” Many observers feel that she’s already a lock for the Academy Award.

With the HFPA’s strong history of honoring her and her current Oscar momentum, it’s highly unlikely that the group will make another selection. Streep has proven to be a terrific speechmaker in recent years, marking the highlight of many a Golden Globe ceremony. Expect a standing ovation when her name is called, and some clever quips when she takes to the stage.

BEST ACTOR – COMEDY/MUSICAL

Nominees: Jean Dujardin in “The Artist,” Brendan Gleeson in “The Guard,” Joseph Gordon-Levitt in “50/50,” Ryan Gosling in “Crazy, Stupid, Love,” Owen Wilson in “Midnight in Paris”

Prediction: Jean Dujardin

With a landslide victory expected for “The Artist” in the previous category, French actor Dujardin appears to be a no-brainer here. It’s a physically challenging and emotionally draining performance. He sings, he dances, he screams and he laughs. He struts his stuff dressed in cool threads from the 1920’s and 30’s, much of it while carrying a dog.

Gosling and Wilson may have bigger names, but they also have thinner roles. Gordon-Levitt delivers a terrific performance, but it lacks the cache of Dujardin’s. True, Dujardin is a relative unknown in the US, but so were Marion Cotillard (“La Vie en Rose”) and Sally Hawkins (“Happy-Go-Lucky”) when they won in recent years. A Dujardin victory will give him a nice boost in the Oscar race. Can he go all the way? It’s still early, but my instinct tells me “oui.”

BEST ACTRESS – COMEDY/MUSICAL

Nominees: Jodie Foster in “Carnage,” Charlize Theron in “Young Adult,” Michelle Williams in “My Week with Marilyn,” Kristin Wiig in “Bridesmaids,” Kate Winslet in “Carnage”

Prediction: Michelle Williams

There’s little suspense in the category, with Williams earning awards buzz long before the film was even released. As Marilyn Monroe, she exudes a rare combination of grace, humor, sex appeal and vulnerability. The HFPA has always been keen on period pieces and films about show business, making this a one-two punch. Williams has previously been nominated for two Golden Globes, watch for the third time to be the charm.

The only chance for an upset could be if love for “Bridesmaids” carries Kristin Wiig through. Still, expect Williams to walk away with the Globe bridal bouquet. Monroe herself won this category for more than 50 years ago for “Some Like It Hot.”. When Williams wins, perhaps she’ll make note of that.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Nominees: Kenneth Branagh in “My Week with Marilyn,” Albert Brooks in “Drive,” Jonah Hill in “Moneyball,” Viggo Mortensen in “A Dangerous Method,” Christopher Plummer in “Beginners”

Prediction: Christopher Plummer

Plummer is widely seen as the frontrunner for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. He’s a screen legend, and delivers what is possibly the most moving performance of his career in “Beginners.” Unless Globe voters seriously want to defy expectations, there’s little chance for another actor to prevail. Hopefully Plummer can think of this as a rehearsal for his Oscar acceptance speech – because that’s where the race is headed.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Nominees: Berenice Bejo in “The Artist,” Jessica Chastain in “The Help,” Janet McTeer in “Albert Nobbs,” Octavia Spencer in “The Help,” Shailene Woodley in “The Descendants”

Prediction: Octavia Spencer

This category is often a tricky one, and this year is no exception. Spencer’s turn as a feisty maid in “The Help” has been one of the most talked-about performances of year. If members of the HFPA want to honor the film somewhere, this is probably the best place. The only danger to Spencer is if a sweep for “The Artist” pulls Berenice Bejo through, or if Globe voters opt to go with “Help” co-star Jessica Chastain for her large body of work in 2011. Overall, the odds still seem to favor Spencer.

BEST DIRECTOR

Nominees: Woody Allen for “Midnight in Paris,” George Clooney for “The Ides of March,” Michel Hazanavicius for “The Artist,” Alexander Payne for “The Descendants,” Martin Scorsese for “Hugo”

Prediction: Martin Scorsese

This is the toughest category to call. If I’m right about “The Descendants” and “The Artist” taking the two Best Motion Picture prizes, then either Alexander Payne or Michel Hazanavicius would be the most likely victor. But the HFPA loves both “Hugo” and its director Scorsese, whom they have honored twice before. If members want to spread the wealth around on Sunday night, he would seem to be the most logical choice. Of course, no one ever said that the Golden Globes were logical. If they were, would Ricky Gervais really be hosting the show again?

BEST MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY/MUSICAL

Nominees: “50/50,” “The Artist,” “Bridesmaids,” “Midnight in Paris,” “My Week with Marilyn”

Prediction: “The Artist”

Unlike last year, which saw the likes of “Burlesque” and “The Tourist” make the category, this year’s contenders are all quite strong. In a weaker year, any one of them could easily prevail. But this year “The Artist” appears to be the solid Oscar frontrunner, so watch for Globe voters to anoint it first. It benefits from the fact that it’s not a pure comedy and not contemporary.

The mixed dramatic elements and period setting add it to its prestige, while the black and white/silent movie factor adds to its intrigue. “Midnight in Paris” seems lightweight by comparison and “Bridesmaids” is just too mainstream. The last Golden Globe Comedy/Musical winner to eventually receive the Best Picture Oscar was 2002’s “Chicago.” “The Artist” just might be the next.

BEST MOTION PICTURE DRAMA

Nominees: “The Descendants,” “The Help,” “Hugo,” “The Ides of March,” “Moneyball,” “War Horse”

Prediction: “The Descendants”

Unlike some years, there’s no slam dunk in this race. You can count out “The Help,” “Moneyball” and “War Horse,” which failed to earn directing nominations. HFPA voters love both “Hugo” and “The Ides of March,” but the former may seem too unconventional and the latter simply too commercial to win the top award.

This leaves the acclaimed “The Descendants,” which was named best picture by the Los Angeles Film Critics. Family drama has always been a popular Globe genre and the reviews have been strong across the board. The film is boosted by George Clooney’s star power and a tight, moving script. Part of me wants to pick “Hugo” just too be adventurous, but “The Descendants” is the safest choice of the bunch.

From OL Mag US version

George Clooney: Ryan Gosling 'Really Wants' To Win Golden Globe Award

By Leigh Blickley

January 11, 2012 - 1:19 pm

George Clooney is no stranger to awards season. But neither is his co-star and competition, Ryan Gosling, who George says "really wants" to walk away with the Golden Globe for best actor this year. George's response? Better luck in 2013, Ryan!

When asked who he wants to win the Golden Globe at the National Board of Review Awards gala in NYC last night, George told reporters, "I know who really wants it is Ryan Gosling. He’s been working out. He’s been trying his best, and I think next year he’s going to finally get it." Next year? Guess George plans on walking away with the statue this Sunday — unless his buddy Brad Pitt does.

But George says neither of them can compete with Shame star Michael Fassbender's "full-frontal nudity."

Either way, George is staying happy these days, thanks to his gorgeous gal pal, Stacy Keibler. "Stacy's doing a pretty good job!" George told OK! at the awards gala last night.

And he'll enjoy award season with Stacy because, "She classes up the whole event."

Reporting by Evan Real

GEORGE Clooney is gunning for Ricky Gervais!

The actor will apparently be on the offensive at Sunday’s Golden Globes — because the British comedian is hosting the ceremony.

Clooney is a best actor and best picture nominee.

“George is actually a big fan of Ricky but he’s ready to take him down a peg or two,” says a source close to the star.http://www.showbizspy.com/article/242922/george-clooney-gunning-for-ricky-gervais.html

“George has a razor-sharp sense of humor that is easily equal to Ricky’s and there are a lot of stars in Hollywood who are hoping he uses it

Joanna wrote:Cinders....A lovely sentiment but maybe your phrasing
is a little suspect ?