The World War I drama “1917” was named the best dramatic film Sunday at the Golden Globes. “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood” was chosen top comedy. But the night’s true winner was host Ricky Gervais for deploying his edgy humor to cut through Tinseltown pomposity.
The Globes are studied for what they say about the Oscars. “Once Upon a Time” looks like the front-runner. It also won for supporting actor Brad Pitt and for Quentin Tarantino’s script in which the director rewrites Hollywood history. Pitt thanked his family in the Ozarks and co-star Leonardo DiCaprio.
Sam Mendes was the surprise winner for director for “1917,” his immersive war drama that should be seen on a big screen. His grandfather’s story inspired the film, which opens Jan. 10 in Florida.
Lead dramatic honors went to Joaquin Phoenix of “Joker” and Renée Zellweger of “Judy.” He was frequently bleeped as he praised fellow nominees. She discussed the international reaction to her portrayal of Judy Garland.
Unlike the Oscars, the Globes also give prizes for lead comedy-musical performances. Taron Egerton was the surprise winner for playing Elton John in “Rocketman,” and comedian Awkwafina was honored for “The Farewell.” She thanked director Lulu Wang, who draws on her family’s story to present a poignant saga with an unforgettable ending.
Laura Dern was named top supporting actress for “Marriage Story” and joked about playing a divorce attorney. The Globes confirmed that Zellweger, Phoenix, Dern and Pitt are favorites at the Oscars.
Gervais, who was hosting the Globes for a fifth time, proved he hasn’t lost his ability to stun. “Let’s have a laugh at your expense,” he told the start-studded audience.
His joke targets included Judi Dench in “Cats” (he was bleeped), a “Sophie’s Choice” sequel, Jeffrey Epstein, Harvey Weinstein, the length of “The Irishman” and Martin Scorsese’s height. Gervais said the famed director wasn’t big enough to go on theme park rides, and he nodded in agreement.
“Everyone is watching Netflix,” Gervais said. “This show should just be me coming out going: ‘Well done, Netflix. You win everything tonight.'”
Netflix didn’t.
HBO’s “Succession” was top drama series, and star Brian Cox won the dramatic actor prize. “This kind of event does your head in,” he said.
Prime Video’s “Fleabag” was top comedy series, and star Phoebe Waller-Bridge won comedy actress. She thanked former President Barack Obama for putting the show on his list. “As some of you may know, he’s always been on mine,” she said.
Ramy Youssef won the comedy actor award for Hulu’s “Ramy.” Olivia Colman was named outstanding dramatic actress for her performance as Queen Elizabeth II in Netflix’s “The Crown.” She acknowledged, “I already got a little bit boozy because I thought this wasn’t going to happen.”
HBO’s “Chernobyl” was named outstanding miniseries. Supporting TV prizes went to Stellan Skarsgard of “Chernobyl” and Patricia Arquette of “The Act.” She pleaded with people to vote in 2020.
Michelle Williams amplified that idea when she won for the FX miniseries “Fosse/Verdon” in which she plays Broadway star Gwen Verdon. Williams urged women to vote in their self-interest.
Russell Crowe, a winner for Showtime’s “The Loudest Voice,” sent a message from Australia about the fires. “Make no mistake, the tragedy unfolding in Australia is climate change-based,” he said in a message read by presenter Jennifer Aniston. “We need to act based on science, move our global workforce to renewable energy and respect our planet for the unique and amazing place it is. That way we all have a future.”
Kate McKinnon of “Saturday Night Live” gave a touching tribute to Ellen DeGeneres, winner of the Carol Burnett Award for life achievement.
Charlize Theron presented the Cecil B. DeMille Award to Tom Hanks. He was suffering a cold but celebrated that his clip package featured his appearance on “The Love Boat.” He attributed his emotional comments to the cold.
South Korea’s “Parasite” received the foreign-language prize. It, too, is the heavy favorite to win at the Oscars.
Elton John and Bernie Taupin won the song award for “I’m Gonna Love Me Again” from “Rocketman,” a bio of the superstar. John said it was the first time the songwriters had earned a prize together. That detail should help their chances at the Oscars.
The night’s big lesson: If we must have awards show hosts, it helps when they’re as provocative as Gervais. He was bold and never boring.
Email me at hboedeker@orlandosentinel.com. Want more TV and movie news? Go to orlandosentinel.com/tvguy.
