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Golden Globes Beat The Oscars In Jokes, Fun And Entertainment

Mike Vulpo |
February 27, 2011 | 8:12 p.m. PST

Columnist

Are the Oscars really the best awards show?
Are the Oscars really the best awards show?
As this year’s long, sluggish Academy Awards comes to an end, it is perfectly clear to me that the Golden Globes is the superior awards show for films in many ways.

First off, the stars at the Golden Globes genuinely appear to have an amusing time. It’s the kickoff to a longer than needed awards season, but stars aren’t sick of the red carpet and hassle included with award shows this early on. As celebrities pour into the Beverly Hilton, they are treated to a high-caliber dinner along with plenty of booze. When the commercials are over, viewers often see stars running back to their assigned tables after socializing with other stars. Those at the Oscars are sent to their assigned seat and are urged to sit through a show filled with uninteresting categories. I know I’m not the only know who doesn’t know the difference between sound editing and sound mixing.

In addition, the Golden Globes have much more meaningful categories and opportunities for stars to shine. Sure the Oscars have 10 films nominated for Best Picture but the Globes divide the award into comedy/musical and drama. Basically, there’s two of everything, including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Actress.

This year’s hosts made one show far more entertaining than the other. Compared with James Franco and Anne Hathaway’s less than hilarious monologue, Ricky Gervais got right to the controversial jokes when the show began. Anyone remember the Charlie Sheen, Mel Gibson, atheist and scientology comments? Gervais told jokes pop culture fans could relate to and put Hollywood’s ego back into place. All Franco could do was joke “How to Train Your Dragon” was not appropriate for young viewers to hear.

Yes the Oscars are more professional and have much more of a prestigious value associated with them. However, award shows should be entertaining for both the stars and viewers at home.

This year’s Academy Awards failed to keep me wondering, “What is going to happen next?” Instead, I wished Billy Crystal’s joke an hour before the show’s conclusion claiming, “Here’s the nominees for Best Picture” was true.

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