It was a good day to be lesser-known.
The Globes also had two opportunities to get George Clooney at the ceremony and declined both chances.
Winfrey was considered a virtual lock for her boozy housewife role inThe Butler.
That didnt happen as egregiously this year.
Still, awards season is a game of being seen and the Golden Globes draw a massive TV audience.
A good showing therecanhelp, if only in terms of perception.
This is a healthy reminder that its still in play.
One member told me at the time that if voting were held then, it would win.
A shrug from moviegoers and critics wasnt enough to dissuade them.
Its a crowdpleaser that is building momentum through word-of-mouth, and this is another strong recommendation.
SNUBS:Saving Mr. Banks.
The story of Walt Disneys battles withMary Poppinsauthor P.L.
Its still favored for an Oscar nomination, but this was a missed opportunity.
PRIZE FIGHTER SCORE:4 out of 5.
So high-five on that one.
But I also calledSaving Mr. Banksinstead ofCaptain Phillips.
Do I get half a point for guessing a Hanks movie?
Latecomers to the raceAmerican HustleandThe Wolf of Wall Streetalso needed this to establish bona fides.
Its omission is especially surprising because distributor Harvey Weinstein has such strong sway with the HFPA.
Both are in movies that some Academy members have expressed reservations about, since theyre about grim subjects.
Hanks seems pretty solid, too.
SURPRISES:Idris Elba did impressive work as the iconic man who helped lead South Africa out of Apartheid.
Its about an unquestionably great man, but critics havent considered it a greatmovie.
Elbas performance has earned praise, but this is the first major award to recognize that.
SNUBS:Forest Whitaker forThe Butler.
Also left out: Michael B. Jordans intense, doomed young man fromFruitvale Station.
PRIZE FIGHTER SCORE:5 for 5.The tricky one was that fifth slot Idris or Forest?
This simply reinforces that conventional wisdom.
PRIZE FIGHTER SCORE:5 out of 5.The first four were easy.
I was hoping Winslets moving work would grab them, and it did.
Hes the only one out of this group you might lay money on.
Isaac and Phoenix are longshots for the Oscar, but worthy of whatever consideration this gives them.
Ethan Hawke forBefore Midnightcould also have been a possibility.
Both were extreme longshots, though.
PRIZE FIGHTER SCORE:5 for 5.But this was an easy one.
Amy Adams work as a super-sexed 70s grifter probably benefited the most from the attention of this nod.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus would be a good bet forEnough Said, if only comedies got more Oscar respect.
SURPRISES:Another Globe category where there werent any outrageous grabs at celebrity.
The Globes pretty well covered it.
PRIZE FIGHTER SCORE:4 out of 5.Whats with the sudden integrity, Globes?
I was sure McCarthy would get in as a way to put a popular comedienne in the room.
His transgender prostitute in the defiantDallas Buyers Clubis expected to win.
Fassbender is another likely contender for his savage, seemingly mentally unhinged slave owner.
SNUBS:No Tom Hanks forSaving Mr. Banks.
Take that, Walt Disney.
After yesterdays SAG omission, his chance at a dual nomination this year is starting to look weak.
Also no mention of James Gandolfinis endearing slob fromEnough Said.
Heres one case where the HFPAs more self-serving instincts may have taken over.
PRIZE FIGHTER SCORE:Oomph.
Not good.2 for 5.
I admire Abdi, but thought the Globes predisposition for celebrity would count him out.
I should have guessed Cooper and Fassbender, though.
The HFPA has a thing for him, and even gave him the trophy one year forIn Bruges.
Thought Id stick my neck out, anticipating the Globes to throw in a twist.
The only shock would be if their names didnt end up on the Oscar shortlist.
Julia Roberts is a possibility, but could easily fall out.
Few films this year are as divisive asAugust: Osage County.
SURPRISESNot a total left-wing choice, but a solid showing by Sally Hawkins for Blue Jasmine.
She is an outside contender for an Oscar nod and this is a definite boost.
SNUBS:Oprah, Oprah, Oprah, OPRAH.
So thats a silver lining to being wrong.
This is a sign that his tense thriller made a deep impression with at least one group of voters.
SNUBS:No Jonze, and no Marty.
Id expect at least two of the names on this list to be different come Oscar nominations morning.
PRIZE FIGHTER SCORE:3 for 5.
I had Cuaron and McQueen, but those were gimmes.
Payne was a longer call, but the HFPA has a long history of adoration for him.
In this category, I missed where it counted on the tricky ones.
