The red carpet from this year’s Golden Globes is probably still at the cleaners and the stars’ borrowed bling has barely settled back into the jewelers’ vaults, but Tuesday the popular awards show’s future goes up for grabs in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom.

At issue is a dispute between the show’s organizers, the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn., and Dick Clark Productions (DCP), the company that hoisted the Globes out of scandal’s shadow and lifted it into one of the most prominent spots in the film and television industries’ annual awards season. DCP, which no longer is associated with legendary showman Dick Clark, has produced the show since 1983, one year after the 85-member Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. lost a broadcast deal with CBS following revelations that members had received favors in return for giving an award to actress Pia Zadora.

After a period of wandering in the cable wilderness, DCP—which also produces the American Music Awards and the Academy of Country Music Awards—negotiated a new broadcast deal with NBC, which continues to air the show. This year, the network paid $17 million to broadcast the show, which was hosted by Ricky Gervais and watched by nearly 17 million viewers.

So what’s the problem?
The Foreign Press Assn. alleges that DCP improperly negotiated a $150-million contract with NBC that will allow the network to continue airing the Globes through 2018. The central issue of the case is an amended agreement between DCP and the Foreign Press Assn that may or may not give the production company the right to produce the show in perpetuity, so long as it remains on NBC. DCP’s lawyers say that the clause was written into the agreement because of the press association’s post-scandal credibility problems. Opening arguments are scheduled for 9 am in US District Court in Los Angeles Tuesday.

“The quid pro quo is that HFPA is contractually bound not to pull the rug out from under DCP in the middle of the most successful television run in the Golden Globes’ history,” the DCP’s attorneys wrote in one of the many pre-trial briefs that already have been submitted to U.S. District Judge A. Howard Matz. For its part, the Foreign Press Assn denies it ever agreed to the so-called perpetuity clause, and its lawyers point to discussions alleged held in 1993 in which both parties discussed a 10-year extension to their partnership. The attorneys further argue that such a perpetuity clause would give DCP an incentive to sign only with NBC, a clear conflict of interest.

In fact, as the Globe telecasts have gained in popularity, other networks have expressed an interest in carrying them. CBS chief Les Moonves will testify -- probably next week -- that he hoped to bring the awards show to his network. Matz already has declined Moonves’ request that he be allowed to testify by video because of his busy schedule.

The judge also has urged the attorneys on both sides to streamline their witness lists and questioning, citing the thousands of pages of documents that already have been submitted in evidence and which, he said, have clearly framed the issues at trial. Matz also has said that the record regarding the alleged perpetuity clause is sufficiently ambiguous that a court trial is required.

What’s not in dispute is the Globe’s popularity and value to NBC. This year’s $17-million fee will rise to an annual $26 million under the terms of the disputed contract. When the network first began airing the awards show in 1996, it paid just $3.7 million per broadcast. DCP and the Hollywood Press Assn. split the revenue from the telecasts. Both have indicated that, whatever the trial’s outcome, they remain committed to the banquet-style format in which stars drink and socialize from one table to another. It’s an atmosphere that lends an air of spontaneity that resonates with viewers—and which has made for more than one memorably Champagne-assisted acceptance speech.

Read the rest of this entry »

Elton John's husband has apologized to Madonna for commenting that the Queen of Pop didn't deserve to win the Best Song award at the 2012 Golden Globe Awards. Taking to his Facebook account to clear out any misunderstanding, David Furnish explained that he never meant to offend the Material Girl.

"Wow! What a tempest in a teapot," the 49-year-old filmmaker wrote Thursday, January 19. "My comments regarding The Golden Globes have been blown way out of proportion. My passion for our film 'Gnomeo and Juliet' and belief in Elton's song really got my emotional juices going."

Furnish then stated that Madonna deserved the prize and that he had no hard feelings toward the pop star. He wrote, "But I must say for the record that I do believe Madonna is a great artist, and that Elton and I wish her all the best for next week's premiere of the film 'W.E.'."

Both Elton and Madonna were nominated for the Best Original Song at this year's Golden Globes. The former was nominated for his song "Hello Hello" in animation film "Gnomeo and Juliet", but it was the latter who took home the prize thanks to her single "Masterpiece" from her directorial drama "W.E.".

Shortly after Madge won the award, Furnish vented his anger on Facebook as writing, "Madonna. Best song???? F*** off!!!." He went on ranting, "Madonna winning Best Original Song truly shows how these awards have nothing to do with merit. Her acceptance speech was embarrassing in its narcissism. And her criticism of [Lady] GaGa shows how desperate she really is."

During a backstage interview at the prestigious prize-giving show, Madge told reporters that she hopes there will be no hard feelings between her and the veteran British musician. "I hope he speaks to me for the next couple of years," she said. "He's been known to get mad at me so I don't know. He's brilliant and I adore him so he'll win another award. I don't feel bad!"

Read the rest of this entry »

Sixty-eight years ago, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, a group of journalists dedicated to covering all that was entertainment, created the Golden Globe Awards. The association is a nonprofit organization that donates millions of dollars to charities, funding scholarships and programs relating to entertainment. Throughout the years, its fame grew, and now, the Golden Globes are viewed by about 199 countries worldwide. Awards shows in many ways can be just like high school; the cliques hang together and the nominees take themselves a little too seriously.

The film industry thinks the Academy Awards (Oscars) rule. Then, there are the Emmys for those in the television “clique.” Another example is the Screen Actors Guild awards. Actors vote on other actors, and those who win will say something along the lines of, “it’s the best because it’s an award from my peers!” If you ask me, it has the earmarks of being ... well, just another popularity contest.

Awards shows tend to be specific to their field of entertainment (Academy Awards for film, the Emmys for TV and the Grammys for music). Unlike those awards shows, which seem to take themselves more seriously, the Golden Globe Awards combine movies and TV ... with plenty of room for fun and games.

This year’s GGs, again hosted by Ricky Gervais, took place Sunday in the Beverly Hilton Hotel in a luxurious, extravagant room filled with round tables, which are conducive to conversation. Celebrities such as George Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio, Rob Lowe, Tina Fey, Mila Kunis and newcomer Rooney Mara chill out, converse and catch up, toasting and cheering for the nominees.

A few years ago, I would have complained endlessly about sitting through three hours of hubbub over who was wearing what, people making sappy acceptance speeches, graciously thanking people who had nothing to do with their success, applause, applause, applause ... blah, blah, blah ... you get it. However, as a wannabe screenwriter, director, producer and TV series creator, I decided to take a look at the incredible Golden Globes.

Was it an absolute blast to see Robert Downey Jr., Brad Pitt, Madonna and the winning Meryl Streep (just to name a few)? Absolutely!Will I ever spend another three hours taking notes on the GGs? Well, let’s just say that unless I win one of these things or I one day morph into someone who enjoys watching grass grow, I won’t be watching the Globes from beginning to end anytime soon.

Read the rest of this entry »

No one really set my world alight at the 2012 Golden Globes red carpet. Last year was stellar with Anne Hathaway, Angelina Jolie and Eva Longoria owning the 2011 carpet. While there were some a-maz-ing dresses, some weren't quite right on the people wearing them. For example Elle MacPherson and Sofía Vergara were wearing truly amazing, strapless fishtail dresses, but the dresses left them both looking a bit gaunt and weren't showed off to their full bombshell capabilities.

Having said that, I really loved these ladies and their looks on the red carpet. Charlize Theron looked flapper candy-sweet in her girly Christian Dior dress, while Emma Stone went to the (luxe) dark side with one of her staple designers, Lanvin, and a heavy belt. And speaking of Emma Stone, Heidi Klum must really dig Emma's style as she COMPLETELY ripped off Emma's 2011 Golden Globe Calvin Klein look (have a butchers). As you know, Lea Michele always get my vote and her gunmetal-shimmer Marchesa dress was just plain awesome. Salma Hayek deserves to be on the best dressed list for channelling Elizabeth Taylor like her life depended on it and, last but not least, pretty, pretty Zooey Deschanel in Prada because I'm biased and her hair was soooo shiny.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tilda Swinton, nominated for a Golden Globe for her role in the dark drama We Need to Talk About Kevin, is a fashionista's fashionista: she wears avant-garde looks all of the time by Prada, Viktor & Rolf, Jil Sander and YSL on the red carpet. But to this year's Golden Globes, in many ways the most important Hollywood awards show for serious fashion-forward fashion, she wore an unusual and very modern look by her designer best pal Haider Ackermann.

Swinton rarely wears color, so it was almost a shock to see her in this ice-blue metallic fabric, done in a tailored-suit shape that reflected her androgynous public image: the jacket was a bit masculine, and skirt highly feminine with a bit of a train. It's a boon to Ackermann's career, as the Belgian based in Paris is said to be in line to be the next designer of Chanel, when Karl Lagerfeld retires from his throne of many years.
Ackermann's hardly a household name -- but he's sure heading in that direction. Swinton's Globe look will certainly help bring him more recognition. "I adore Haider, and I wear his clothes as often as I can," Swinton told THR. "He's also a very dear friend, I was on vacation with him this summer. Now he can read my mind about what I want to wear."

Read the rest of this entry »

MONTREAL - The power of black squared off against the colours of the rainbow at the Golden Globes awards Sunday night. And guess what? Black won as Rooney Mara stepped out in a plunging Nina Ricci gown, edged in net. There was little doubt the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, featured in edgy fashion editorials recently, would stay true to her character’s dark image. But with Nina Ricci there is always a touch of romance to soften any edge.

The plunging neckline highlighted one trend of the evening, as more than a handful of actresses donned dresses with deep plunges, aided and abetted by a little sticky tape. Also in that style’s winner’s circle was Emma Stone in a two-toned Lanvin of deep aubergine and burgundy – with overly smoky eyes.

Charlize Theron wore pink Dior couture, signature big bow at hip, and a sparkling headband. The jewels were Cartier, or Cart-eee-yay, as they say in sunny Cal. Evan Rachel Wood’s plunging Gucci was a dark confection of sequined bodice and feathered skirt – and rather creepy on close inspection.

More than a few also went high-necked, Julianna Margulies, Zooey Deschanel and Jessica Chastain among them, proving fashion is just all over the place.

The stars did not play it safe this season, but aimed for maximum impact. Angelina Jolie aces every awards show, this time rocking a gown by Atelier Versace, the light satin column off-set with a pleated slash of blood red atop a high strapless bodice.

That was the elegant edge of going all out on a fashion limb. Just check out Sarah Michelle Gellar’s blue tie-dye-paint-splatter ballgown by Monique Lhuillier. Gellar’s two-year-old insisted mommy wear the dress, the actress told E. A stylist is born, perhaps?

Also by Lhuillier, a blinding yellow strapless worn by Paula Patton. Not that it looked bad – it just wasn’t safe. Piper Perabo, so perfect in black Oscar de la Renta last year, went for an almost sheer nude ballgown by Theyskens Theory, a risk worth taking. But not so for Dianna Agron in a red gown with a laser-cut bodice of swans, and shredded skirt. Ouch.

Also painful: Madonna in Reem Acra, busting out of her bodice, and her weird accent; Nicole Nicole Kidman in a studded gown by Versace that couldn’t have been tighter; and Lea Michele preening in a bare silver lace gown by Marchesa.

There was much oohing and aahing in the Twittersphere about Claire Danes’s gown by J. Mendel, with a cutout back, embellished cap sleeves and belt, white front, black skirt. Not so sure about that, folks. Another questionable ensemble was Tilda Swinton’s Haider Ackermann three-piecer, in pale blue. Hardly a colour for the high priestess of fashion, one would think.

And Jessica Biel in sparkly lace Victoriana fit for her wedding day, but without her engagement ring or fiancé Justin Timberlake. The two-tone dress was yet another trend. The ever-adorable Deschanel, in custom Prada, sported bright green sequins atop, black skirt below. Cool, and very unlike the sweetheart pink prom dress with red sash she wore to last year’s Emmys. The quirk factor was present in a white beaded collar, barely there back and tuxedo manicured nails.

Kate Winslet was smashing in Jenny Packham with a black satin top and white skirt, quite the contrary to most rules of style. Elizabeth McGovern also played the duo tones, in blue skirt and black strapless bodice, appearing a touch matronly, which of course is her role in Downton Abbey.

Staying true to character, the va-va voom Sofia Vergera chose blue Vera Wang – again – strapless, fitted and hugging every curve. Reese Witherspoon played a similar look in red by Zac Posen, as did The Artist’s Bérénice Bejo, in sapphire. And the cutest little bowtie? On Uggie, The Artist’s Jack Russell.

Read the rest of this entry »

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt fully dressed their part as a glamorous Hollywood power couple at the Golden Globe Award. She wore a body-hugging ivory strapless gown with a flash of red at the bustline that matched perfectly her lips and handbag. He donned a classic, bow-tie tuxedo by Salvatore Ferragamo.

Otherwise, though, the red carpet at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, largely ushered in a new group of fashion stars, including Zooey Deschanel in a unique Prada dark-green halter gown with black and emerald glass pearls on the bodice and ivory pearls at the neck, and Rooney Mara, in a deep V-neck black gown with a bare, harness-style bodice.

"It's a Nina Ricci and it was the first one I tried on," Mara said. "It was very comfortable."There was a sea of soft, pretty pinkish makeup shades on dresses worn by Charlize Theron in Christian Dior Couture, Elle Macpherson in Zac Posen, Heidi Klum in Calvin Klein, Kate Beckinsale in Roberto Cavalli and Emily Watson in Giorgio Armani.

Sofia Vergara turned some heads in a navy Vera Wang gown in the mermaid silhouette that's becoming her signature. The dress was a little more fashion forward than she's worn before - and she credits the fit. "She's like a genius now with my body," Vergara said. Red made a statement, too, especially on Reese Witherspoon in a strapless, corset-style Zac Posen gown.

Claire Danes took a more modern turn in a graphic black-and-white J. Mendel gown with an open back, and Kate Winslet did the opposites-attract thing in a Jenny Packham gown with a black hammered silk satin bodice and ivory silk crepe skirt.

Madonna, whose style has been all over the map in her long career, went back to her rock 'n' roll roots for this event in a wearing a dark green embroidered gown with cap sleeves by Reem Acra and a diamond-and-pearl cross by Neil Lane.

Read the rest of this entry »

It was a Golden Globes red carpet with more fashion fizzles than sizzles. Shades of pale were a popular trend, as were fishtail hems. And there was a certain boring sameness to many of the looks, including Bérénice Bejo's blue strapless Gucci gown, Freida Pinto's blue strapless Prada gown and Mila Kunis' black strapless Dior gown. But for those who dared to make more unconventional choices, it paid off.

Charlize Theron embodied the stuff of which Hollywood fairy tales are made. Her blush-colored chiffon Dior couture gown, with an oversized bow at the waist and thigh-high slit, was so striking it made one wonder if the French fashion house needs to bother finding a new creative director to replace the fired John Galliano after all, or just keep going with its in-house design team, which did a stellar job in this case. Theron made another inspired choice in her 1920s Cartier hair band, which, along with Michelle Williams' Fred Leighton hair band, is sure to spark a major new trend.

Claire Danes and Kate Winslet picked up on the black-and-white trend that is in fashion at this moment. Danes' graphic J. Mendel gown was a more modern iteration, while Winslet's Jenny Packham gown with a black hammered silk top, white column skirt and jeweled grosgrain belt, was old Hollywood at its best.

Sarah Michelle Gellar's blue-and-white ink splotch Monique Lhuillier ball gown, which she said her 2-year-old had a hand in picking out, was another unconventional choice that paid off. Rooney Mara's racy black Peter Copping for Nina Ricci gown, with lattice-like straps at the bodice, didn't disappoint either. If Lisbeth Salander had to go to the Golden Globes, this is what she would wear.

Like black, red is also a perennial red carpet fashion choice. Reese Witherspoon's fishtail hem Zac Posen gown was a snore, and Dianna Agron's gown covered in swan cutouts — as cool as it was — overwhelmed her. But Emma Stone showed red done right, with her maroon and fuchsia pleated Lanvin gown with jeweled eagle belt buckle. She looked like a fashion superhero. Lanvin had a big night on the red carpet, dressing Natalie Portman too.

Of course, placement of clothing and jewelry on the red carpet is big business for brands. When Uma Thurman wore that glorious lilac chiffon Prada gown to the Oscars in 1995, it put the Italian design house on the international fashion map and ushered in the modern era of celebrity dressing. It was nice to see Prada back on the red carpet at the Globes, dressing Zooey Deschanel in a green silk gown with an open back and pearl embroidered top. It was a quirky dress, but she's a quirky girl.

And speaking of product placement, it was the first time I had ever heard someone plug hair care on the red carpet. Nicole Richie name-dropped Suave Professionals products, along with designer Julien MacDonald, who made her silvery gown, and her own line, House of Harlow, which made her bag. Suave immediately started trending on Twitter. And the untidy ponytail — it was the hairstyle of the night — looked great on her.

Read the rest of this entry »

If revenge is a dish best served cold, you can only imagine what might be on Mel Gibson’s menu at the 69th annual Golden Globe Awards Sunday night.

Ricky Gervais, the mock-master whose barbs targeted Gibson and other stars at last year’s telecast, is back at the host’s podium for a third time. And Gibson is slated to be an awards presenter, destined to be introduced by his tormentor.

A year ago, it seemed certain that Gervais, the caustic British comic, would not be invited back to host the film and television awards show — seen as the annual, more rowdy precursor to the Oscars — after many concluded he had pushed the insult envelope too far.

Robert Downey Jr., who was also a butt of Gervais’s biting swipe, described the atmosphere at last year’s ceremony as “hugely mean-spirited, with mildly sinister undertones.” He also returns Sunday as a presenter. As does Cher, another target of a Gervais jibe last year.

Angelina Jolie was dissed for The Tourist last year; this time she’s a nominee for her directing debut, In The Land of Blood and Honey, up for Best Foreign Language Film. Will she be the one to finally award Gervais the shin kick he deserves?

It doesn’t seem to matter to the British comic, actor and co-creator of the original The Office, who was on a non-apology tour last week.

“I don’t know what I did wrong, really,” Gervais told Matt Lauer on the Today show. “What did I say that was untrue? I made a joke suggesting that Charlie Sheen might like a night out. I said that Robert Downey Jr. spent some time in clinics. And he did. I’m not judging him by that; it’s a joke.”

In fact, Gervais told Ellen DeGeneres when he appeared on her talk show he was “shocked at the reaction” to his quips.

“I knew what I was doing — it was standup. I know where the gasps are going to come. I know when the laughs are going to come,” he told DeGeneres.

While Hollywood may have cringed, TV execs cheered. Almost 17 million people watched on NBC, up slightly from when Gervais first hosted in 2010. In Canada, it was the most-watched telecast since 2004, with 3.2 million viewers on CTV.

The red carpet pre-show airs live at 7 p.m. on CTV Two on Sunday with the awards telecast following at 8 p.m. on CTV.

The stars are also defiantly telling Gervais to bring it.

“I’ll probably get the piss taken out of me, but it’s fine with me,” Elton John, nominated for his song from Gnomeo & Juliet, told the Associated Press. “I’m British. I can take it.”

So if Gervais is unapologetic and Hollywood will be out in full force and ready to take it on the chin, we see plenty of punchline potential. Here are some prime targets:

Kim Kardashian

Why she’s a target: The reality star married basketball player Kris Humphries in a widely publicized, grotesquely lavish ceremony and filed for divorce 72 days later. Also: she’s a Kardashian.

Possible gag: Something riffing on nominated movie Carnage? Or perhaps My Week With Marilyn — My Two Months With Kim.

Ashton Kutcher

Why: His recent split from Demi Moore.

Gag: Last year, Gervais introduced Moore’s ex, Bruce Willis, as “Ashton Kutcher’s dad.” There’s got to be a follow-up. Like father, like son?

Mel Gibson

Why: It’s a long list.

Gag: Whatever it is, it will be nasty.

David Duchovny

Why: Duchovny checked himself into rehab for sex addiction in 2008.

Gag: Use your imagination. Remember, the title of Duchovny’s nominated series is Californication.

Michael Fassbender

Why: Fassbender was in just about every movie last year. He spends a great deal of time completely, impressively naked in Shame, the movie he is nominated for about a tormented sex addict in New York City.

Gag: Possible Duchovny gag here or something relating to Fassbender’s “assets.”

George Clooney

Why: Nominated for his not-so-glamorous turn in The Descendants, in which he is shown running, panting and sweating in Bermuda shorts and flip-flops.

Gag: People magazine demands he return his two Sexiest Man Alive trophies.

Meryl Streep

Why: An American actress starring as a British icon in The Iron Lady. Streep is herself an iron lady of Best Actress prizes.

Gag: Something distasteful involving aging celebrities and senile heads of state.

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association

Why: The HFPA is behind the Golden Globes, but that didn’t stop Gervais last year from alluding to a bribery lawsuit involving the organization’s apparent freebee seekers. He chalked up the group’s nomination of turkey Burlesque to a free trip to Las Vegas and tickets to see Cher. Then Gervais made an old-man-on-the-potty joke about HFPA president Philip Berk. Berk will escape a repeat Sunday. He has been replaced by Aida Takla-O’Reilly.

Read the rest of this entry »

Gervais took sharp swipes at Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, Robert Downey Jr and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association at last year's ceremony, leading to criticism that the British comedian had gone too far.

Downey Jr described the vibe as "hugely mean-spirited, with mildly sinister undertones."Showing no signs of holding back at this year's ceremony, Gervais took to Twitter yesterday to get the ball rolling. He posted a picture of the Modern Institute of Plastic Surgery and Anti Aging with the caption, "Some last minute preparation so I don't look out of place at The Golden Globes..."

Nominees are already preparing themselves for the funnyman's pointed jabs. "I'll probably get the piss taken out of me, but it's fine with me," said Elton John, nominated for his song from Gnomeo & Juliet.

''I'm British. I can take it."The Big Bang Theory actor Johnny Galecki, who is up for his first Golden Globe for his work on the sitcom, said that when he got word he was nominated, "one of my first five thoughts was, 'Oh Christ, Gervais is going to make fun of me.'"

But the actor isn't really worried. "I'll be flattered by it. I'm looking forward to it. I hope he doesn't just zero in on the height. That's just easy pickings," the 165cm tall actor said. Damian Lewis, nominated for his work on the TV series Homeland, said he might also be an easy target for Gervais. "If he's got a thing about redheads, I'm a sitting duck," Lewis said. Glee and American Horror Story executive producer Ryan Murphy is excited about Gervais' return and the spice he brings to the three-hour telecast.

"It's always good with the shows to have an unpredictable element to them, and he certainly is that," Murphy said. "He's very funny and very smart and I think he will make nominees even more nervous than they already are, which is kind of funny."

Seth Rogen, who produced and starred in best picture nominee 50/50, is also looking forward to Gervais' return. He even went online to check out what the comedian said last year. "It was the first time in a long time I'd gone on YouTube and watched something an awards show said," Rogen said. Supporting actor nominee Christopher Plummer said he appreciates Gervais' irreverence.

"I think finally everybody's come to that same conclusion: That that's him, he doesn't mean it, but he's very funny," Plummer said. Jean Dujardin, nominated for his starring role in the silent film The Artist (which is also up for best picture and is the night's leading nominee with six bids), said it would be an honour if Gervais even mentioned him.

But there's a caveat, the actor said: "If he mocks me, he has to do it silently, without any words."The 69th annual Golden Globe Awards will be presented on Sunday evening local time at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.

Read the rest of this entry »