Golden Globes: Gals, Gowns, Guys, Grins

By Rob Christopher in Arts & Entertainment on Jan 15, 2007 3:11PM

Just like Christmastime, each year Oscar season seems to start a little bit earlier. Some people were even making predictions way back in November, but we've done our best to hold our tongues. Why? Well, the Oscars are much less like a horse race and much more like just a good excuse to throw a party. If you're a film lover, it's better for your own sanity to care less about winners and losers and more about having a good time. (For example, last year: Crash. Crash?! We're still shaking our heads over that one ...)

Now however our tongues are loosened, because tonight is the Golden Globes, an event which has only slightly more integrity than the MTV Movie Awards but nevertheless "officially" kicks off Oscar season (much in the same way that the arrival of Thanksgiving makes it acceptable to start playing Christmas music). Tonight's broadcast on NBC5 begins at 7 p.m. Presenters include Naomi Watts, Tom Hanks, Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Lopez and about 46 other stars. Will local favorite Jennifer Hudson win for her performance in Dreamgirls? Will one of the winners moon the audience?

Since it's okay to talk about the Oscars now, we all better start making plans for where we'll be on the big evening. The Siskel will once again be hosting the only Academy-sanctioned Oscar party in Chicago. Tickets are rather pricey but include red carpet entrance complete with Klieg lights, buffet and (we kid you not) a Joan Rivers look-alike. All proceeds go to charity. The nominations will be announced at 5:30 a.m. PST on Tuesday, January 23. Be sure to check out the Sun-Times' new Oscar blog for the latest in wild speculation and innuendo.

In the meantime, would anyone care to make any predictions?