Unfortunately, Ricky Gervais wasn’t the high point in this year’s Golden Globe Awards. His return to the show saw the Brit comedian’s quips neutered, despite his best attempts to really rip the Hollywood establishment apart. Sure, there was his F-bomb, and there was his pretty good take on Natalie Portman’s pregnancy causing a nomination drought, but it was the establishment — Madonna and Colin Firth, specifically — who properly ripped into Ricky.

Not that I’m a heartless guy. I really wanted Ricky to succeed, especially after how he hosted last year’s Golden Globes.

See the full list of this year’s Golden Globe nominees

The show was a mostly predictable affair, win-wise. On the television front, it was Showtime’s new drama Homeland that emerged as the biggest winner, with two trophies: one for Best Drama Series, and another for Claire Danes for Best Actress in a Drama Series. Modern Family won their second Best Comedy Series nod, while Downton Abbey was named Best Miniseries.

The film side of things saw French silent film The Artist take home three awards, including Best Drama and Best Actor for Jean Dujardin. The Descendants took home two, with George Clooney getting his third Golden Globe.

There were a few pleasant surprises: Kelsey Grammer, Jessica Lange and Idris Elba won for their television work, while Christopher Plummer begins his Oscar race with a Golden Globe for his powerful performance on Beginners.

The other set of pleasant surprises: Tina Fey photobombing Amy Poehler when she was being presented as a nominee for Parks and Recreation. (See Twitter abuzz with this GIF.) Same with Jesse Tyler Ferguson, holding a “whatever…” sign when Eric Stonestreet was being presented as a nominee for Modern Family.

The full list of winners:

TV WINNERS


Best TV Series – Drama: Homeland

Best TV Series – Comedy/Musical: Modern Family

Best Miniseries or TV Movie: Downton Abbey

Best Actor in a TV Series – Drama: Kelsey Grammer, Boss

Best Actress in a TV Series – Drama: Claire Danes, Homeland

Best Actor in a TV Series – Comedy/Musical: Matt LeBlanc, Episodes

Best Actress in a TV Series – Comedy/Musical: Laura Dern, Enlightened

Best Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie: Idris Elba, Luther

Best Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie: Kate Winslet, Mildred Pierce

Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series, Movie or Miniseries: Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones

Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series, Movie or Miniseries: Jessica Lange, American Horror Story

FILM WINNERS


Best Motion Picture – Drama: The Descendants

Best Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical: The Artist

Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama: George Clooney, The Descendants

Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama: Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady

Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical: Jean Dujardin, The Artist

Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical: Michelle Williams, My Week with Marilyn

Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture: Christopher Plummer, Beginners

Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture: Octavia Spencer, The Help

Best Director: Martin Scorsese, Hugo

Best Screenplay: Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris

Best Animated Film: The Adventures of Tintin

Best Foreign Language Film: A Separation

Best Original Song: “Masterpiece” by Madonna, W.E.

Best Original Score: Ludovic Bource, The Artist

What did you think of the 2012 Golden Globes? Tell us what you thought of Gervais’ hosting and all of this year’s winners!

(Image courtesy of NBC)

Henrik Batallones

Staff Writer, BuddyTV