HOLLYWOOD—It was a night of surprises at the 68th annual Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, January 16, as “The Social Network” was the night’s big winner with four awards including Best Motion Picture-Drama as well as Best Director for David Fincher.  The ceremony was hosted by comedian Ricky Gervais who didn’t disappoint with his stinging dialogue.  While some may have thought his jabs at Charlie Sheen and “The Tourist” were a bit harsh, Gervais knows how to host a ceremony and give the viewers a good time.

Natalie Portman reigned supreme for Best Actress in a Motion Picture-Drama for her incredible turn as a ballerina on the edge of insanity in “Black Swan.”  She thanked her co-star Mila Kunis, director Darren Aronofsky and her fiancé while on stage.  Colin Firth won for Best Actor in a Motion Picture-Drama for “The King’s Speech.”

Christian Bale was victorious for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for “The Fighter.”  He was astonishing in his portrayal of crack addict Dicky Ecklund. He thanked his cast including Mark Wahlberg, Melissa Leo and Amy Adams during his speech and also acknowledged his wife and daughter. Bale’s co-star, Melissa Leo, was triumphant for Best Supporting Actress for her fierce turn as Alice Ward in “The Fighter.”  She was ecstatic, as she thanked her mother.  She even shouted out, “Look, mama I got a Golden Globe!”

Best Actress in a Drama series went to a shocked Katey Sagal for “Sons of Anarchy” defeating perennial favorites Julianna Margulies and Kyra Sedgwick. Best Actor in a Drama series went to Steve Buscemi for “Boardwalk Empire.” He thanked his cast and crew during his speech. Best Drama series went to “Boardwalk Empire,” which was a bit of a surprise because many expected AMC’s “Mad Men” to be victorious once again.

Best Supporting Actor in a TV series went to Chris Colfer for “Glee,” who was overwhelmed with joy and delivered one of the best speeches of the night.  His co-star Lea Michele held back tears while listening to Colfer’s speech.

“To all the amazing kids that watch our show and the kids that our show celebrates, who are constantly told no by the people in their environments, by bullies at school that they can’t be who they are or have what they want because of who they are, well screw that kids,” said Colfer while accepting his award.

Best Supporting Actress in a TV Series went to Jane Lynch for “Glee.”  This was a nail bitter; many thought Sofia Vergara from “Modern Family” or perhaps Kelly McDonald would be victorious for “Boardwalk Empire.”  “Glee” also took the prize for Best Comedy series, beating out “Modern Family.”

Best Actress in a Comedy series was awarded to Laura Linney for “The Big C,” who was not in attendance at the ceremony.  Jim Parsons won the award for Best Actor in a Comedy series for “The Big Bang Theory,” who was presented the award by his co-star Kaley Cuoco, who was unable to hold back her excitement.

The Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical went to Annette Bening for “The Kids Are All Right.”  “It was a labor of love for all of us to get this movie made,” said Bening while accepting her award.  The movie also won for Best Motion Picture Comedy or Musical, which gives it a stronger chance of being nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture.  Paul Giamatti was shocked with his win for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical for “Barney’s Version” defeating Johnny Depp, who was a double nominee for “The Tourist” and “Alice in Wonderland.”  I’m sorry, but “The Tourist” wasn’t a comedy or musical so viewers including myself are still boggled why that film was nominated.

Al Pacino picked up another Golden Globe for Best Actor in a TV Series or Movie for “You Don’t Know Jack,” while Best Actress in a TV Series or Movie went to Claire Danes for “ Temple Grandin.”  Danes thanked the real TempleGrandin who was in the audience while accepting her award.

While the Hollywood Foreign Press Association has made its picks, the awards season may turn out to be an interesting one with the Screen Actors Guild Awards right around the corner.  The Best Actor and Best Actress races for film could do a complete 360 with Hilary Swank, Robert Duvall and Jeff Bridges in contention for the top prizes.  This was one of my all-time favorite Golden Globe ceremonies in years. There were lots of laughs, surprises and humble winners.  Can’t wait till next year!