Monday night was the 63rd annual Golden Globe Awards. The award show spans both television and motion picture achievement, and is often used as a predictor of Academy Award winners.

The winners are chosen by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, a non-profit organization founded by Los Angeles-based journalists working for overseas publications.

I always watch all the award shows, even the ones honoring daytime television stars about whom I know nothing. There's something about watching celebrities that never fails to entertain.

Celebrities are one group of people we are allowed to make fun of without looking bad. I watch the award shows for highlights of the best entertainment from the year, but also to scrutinize the lives of others without any consequences.

This year, "Brokeback Mountain" was the big winner in the motion picture world. It won four out of seven nominations.

I like to observe the poise, or lack thereof, the celebrities have when presenting or accepting the awards. Some of them show their human side, stumbling over words and showing emotion. Ang Lee is an example. When he accepted the award for Best Director for "Brokeback Mountain," he was comfortable on stage, yet truly touched by the award despite the fact that he has won so much.

It's the little things at award ceremonies that I watch for, like Anthony Hopkins taking a moment to smooth his hair before walking on-stage to accept the Cecil B. DeMille Award.

Still others embrace our stereotype of the super-sheik perfect celebrity. These celebrities are at ease presenting, they seem natural and they look great. They're totally perfect, too perfect. I think they might be robots. Clint Eastwood is one of those celebrities, too smooth to be human. So is Jamie Foxx, who has totally embraced his new role as super-celebrity.

Renée Zellweger was looking extra bony. Her frail frame could barely even support her dress. I think she over-compensated a little for her role as Bridget Jones. I dare say she looked better as the slightly overweight heroine.

John Travolta was the presenter in one of the most prestigious categories, which was ironic because he no longer does any commendable acting. Best Actor in a Motion Picture — Drama was a category that had stiff competition. I was pulling for Russell Crowe until he reminded me how arrogant he is by making cocky gestures and weird faces when they called his name.

I can't believe "A History of Violence" was nominated over "Cinderella Man" or "Syriana" for Best Motion Picture — Drama, but at least "Brokeback Mountain" took that one home. Let's hope the Academy makes better choices for the Oscar nominations.

Joaquin Phoenix took home the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy and deserved it. He even made me like country music a little bit.

Reese Witherspoon was also recognized for her work in "Walk The Line" with the Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy. She was amazing as June Carter, the best I've ever seen her. She deserves an Oscar.

I was excited to see Rachel Weisz win Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture for "The Constant Gardener". I hope it continues to be recognized as one of the year's best.

In the Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role for a Motion Picture category, George Clooney won for "Syriana." It was well-deserved,, but Paul Giamatti in "Cinderella Man" really deserved to win that category. Let's hope he's not snubbed at the Oscars. He's an amazing actor who has yet to be truly recognized for his work.

So, overall the Golden Globe winners were what I expected. I can't wait to see who cleans up at the Oscars.

Alessa Thomas is the State News film reporter. Reach her at thoma470@msu.edu.