Golden Globes
by Laura Nachman
Philadelphia Metro
January 16, 2006

Another awards season is upon us.  That means it’s time to make fun of Joan and Melissa Rivers and watch actors congratulating themselves for the next few months.  Things kick off tonight with “The Golden Globes” on NBC at 8 p.m. 

Here are some predictions for the major categories.

Dramatic TV Series
Commander in Chief (ABC)
Grey’s Anatomy  (ABC)
Lost (ABC)
Prison Break (Fox)
Rome (HBO)

“Lost” should be the favorite.  The international cast should help in the eyes of the Hollywood Foreign Press, who determine the awards.  “Commander in Chief” started out hot in the fall, but has cooled.  On the other hand, “Grey’s Anatomy” is gaining momentum as the weeks go by.

Will win:  “Lost”
Should win:  “Lost”

TELEVISION

TV SERIES, MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO)
Desperate Housewives (ABC)
Entourage (HBO)
Everybody Hates Chris (UPN)
My Name Is Earl (NBC)
Weeds (Showtime)

I do not agree with the “company line” that “Desperate” isn’t as good in this year.  Newcomer Alfre Woodard, though not seen in every episode, always adds to the ones she’s included.  “My Name is Earl” (also known as “My Name isn’t Joey”) is a bright spot for NBC.  Getting a nomination is reward enough for Showtime’s “Weeds.”  Former behind-the-scenes star Larry David continues to keep the “Seinfeld” humor alive in “Curb.”

Will Win:  “My Name is Earl”
Should Win:  “Desperate Housewives”

MOTION PICTURES

BEST DRAMA
-Brokeback Mountain
-The Constant Gardener
-Good Night, and Good Luck
-A History of Violence
-Match Point

“Brokeback Mountain, directed by Ang Lee of Taiwan and starring Heath Ledger of Australia should be a lock.  Woody Allen is getting his best reviews in years for “Match Point” and “Good Night, and Good Luck” is one of three nominations for George Clooney.  Villanova’s Maria Bello is nominated for her work in “A History of Violence.”

Should Win:  “Brokeback Mountain”
Will Win:  “Brokeback Mountain”

BEST MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Mrs. Henderson Presents
Pride & Prejudice
The Producers
The Squid and the Whale
Walk the Line

The praise has been pouring in for “Walk the Line.”  Bad pun alert – Its lead actor was “Joaquin the Line” in this one. Seriously, critics loved Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon.  The remake of the English classic “Pride & Prejudice” will probably win though.

Will Win:  “Pride & Prejudice”
Should Win: “Walk the Line”