'Social Network' electrifies Golden Globes

TIPS IN OSCAR RACE

The Golden Globe Awards, which are given out by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, are one of the major Hollywood shows leading to the film industry's most-prized honors, the Oscars, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Many film industry watchers look at the winners of Golden Globes and other honors for clues as to which films, performers, directors and writers might win Oscars. This year, "Social Network" has swept many early honors and added the Golden Globe to its cache of trophies.

In other Golden Globe movie honors, Paul Giamatti won the prize for best actor in a comedy film for his role as a caustic man in "Barney's Version."

Boxing drama "The Fighter" picked up two Golden Globes for Christian Bale as supporting actor portraying a drug-addicted fighter and for Melissa Leo as supporting actress playing the mother of Christian Bale's character.

"Toy Story 3" was named best animated movie for what director Lee Unkrich called ""an animated movie that beat with a human heart." And Denmark's "In a Better World" was named best foreign language film.

Host, comedian Ricky Gervais, got the show off to a start by poking fun at movies like "The Tourist" and actor Charlie Sheen, who in recent weeks has been reported partying wildly, causing concern at the CBS television network that airs his comedy, "Two and a Half Men."

Gervais also referenced a scandal that has rocked the HFPA this year. A former publicist sued the group claiming its members received favors in exchange for nominations from movie studios.

Before the show, glamorous actresses in colorful dresses and shimmering jewels paraded down the red carpet. Natalie Portman, wore a light pink Viktor and Rolf dress with a red flower across the front, and Nicole Kidman donned a cream-colored, off-the-shoulder dress by Prada.

Michael Douglas, fresh from treatment for throat cancer, and his wife Catherine Zeta-Jones turned out for the show. Douglas presented the trophy for best film drama and received a standing ovation.

"There's just got to be an easier way to get a standing ovation," he said. "Thank you all very much. Needless to say, I'm very, very, very happy to be here tonight.

Unlike the Oscars, Golden Globe voters also honor TV programs and actors. HBO crime series "Boardwalk Empire" was named best TV drama. Its star, Steve Buscemi, won best actor in a TV drama.

Musical "Glee" picked up three honors: best TV comedy, best supporting actor for Chris Colfer who plays a gay high school student and for Jane Lynch, a scheming cheerleading coach.

"Carlos" was named best made-for-TV movie. Al Pacino took the Golden Globe for best actor in a TV movie or mini-series for "You Don't Know Jack," and Claire Danes won best actress in a TV movie or mini-series with "Temple Grandin."