The Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s (HFPA) 68th annual Golden Globes, presented by NBC, showcased excellence in both film and television produced throughout the year, Jan. 16.

Creations such as The Social Network, “Glee” and Black Swan grabbed the night’s big titles and lived up to their hypes.

Host Ricky Gervais hit off the show with a comedic monologue, making even the audience members cringe at some harsh jabs at movies and celebrities. However, he effectively grabbed the attention for all of the impending excitement.

Among its four Golden Globe wins, The Social Network took home the award for Best Motion Picture – Drama. The movie, nominated for six Golden Globes, also won Best Director – Motion Picture (David Fincher), Best Screenplay – Motion Picture (Aaron Sorkin) and Best Original Score – Motion Picture (Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross).

The Kids Are All Right was awarded with two Golden Globes — Best Motion Picture – Comedy Or Musical and Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy Or Musical (Annette Benning) — out of their four nominations.

When it came to television, HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” won for Best Television Series – Drama, and “Glee” (FOX) snagged Best Television Series – Comedy Or Musical. The two beat out previous award favorites such as “Modern Family” (ABC), “30 Rock” (NBC) and “Mad Men” (AMC). A graduate of Clovis East High School and cast member of “Glee,” 20-year-old Chris Colfer made his Globes debut by winning the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television.

Natalie Portman’s role as a traumatized ballet dancer in Black Swan brought her the title of Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama, and Colin Firth won Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for his role as the stuttering King George VI of England in The King’s Speech.

Both were rewarded for their dedicated performances — especially Portman’s training for a physically intense movie, and Firth’s embodiment of a troubled leader struggling to overcome a speech impediment.

Under the category of Best Animated Feature Film, Toy Story 3 took home the Golden Globe.

A special tribute was paid to Robert De Niro with his acceptance of the Cecil B. DeMille Award. Through this, the HFPA recognized De Niro’s decades of outstanding films, both acting and directing. When presented with the award, a montage of his films was played, and the audience gave the actor a standing ovation.

Although the night itself was one of celebration, the Golden Globes ceremony is generally regarded as an indicator of which films will be substantial competitors at the Academy Awards on Feb. 27. Considering The Social Network‘s sweep, The King’s Speech‘s seven nominations (the most nominations of the night) and Portman’s favored role in Black Swan, the three, among others, promise to be strong contenders at the Oscars.

For a full list of Golden Globe nominations and winners, visit the official Golden Globes website.

For more coverage of awards ceremonies, read the Aug. 29, 2010 article, 62nd Primetime Emmys honor ‘Modern Family,’ ‘Mad Men’.

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