What To Watch For at Tonight's Golden Globes

Will there be less laughs because of the earthquake?
Absolutely. With the recent announcement of George Clooney's fund-raising telethon, Hope for Haiti, there's no question the devastation is on the forefront of Hollywood's mind. But, with funnyman Ricky Gervais as the host, it's going to be tough for the audience to keep too straight a face. The jokes (and alcohol) will flow as planned but we predict a somber moment or two.

Who will be the breakout star on the red carpet without Angelina there to steal the show?
Sandra Bullock will probably look amazing, but she's had too many misses over the years to put all our money on her. Similarly, Meryl Streep is everyone's favorite movie legend, but she's never been legendary on the red carpet. Emily Blunt has wowed before, but she might play it a little safe on her big night. Anna Kendrick and Vera Farmiga, both nominated for their roles in 'Up in the Air', have shown great style sense at other award shows and on the cover of EW, but we're just not sure they have the star power to bring the red carpet to its knees. And while we're excited to see what TV stars Courteney Cox and January Jones wear, we predict the cast of 'Nine' will be the ultimate showstoppers. Penelope Cruz, Marion Cotillard, and Fergie won't disappoint.

Without Brad Pitt attending, is the 'Inglourious Basterds' table pushed more to the back?
No question, the placement of the 'Inglourious Basterds' table will change. Without the star power of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, it's a whole different ballgame. But, with the film up for four awards and its director Quentin Tarantino attending, we guess it won't be pushed back too far. No one sits Tarantino in the back of the room.

Will George Clooney bring exquisite Elisabetta?
All signs point to yes. The dapper movie star has invited his lady friend Elisabetta Canalis to almost every red carpet event this season -- and we can't imagine he'd leave her at home for the Golden Globes. In fact, we 're dying to see what the current Roberto Cavalli model will be wearing!


How many Conan/Leno jokes will Ricky Gervais work into his opener?
Plenty. In fact, we think funnyman Ricky Gervais will dedicate at least a minute of his opening monologue to the Conan/Leno fiasco. And frankly, we can't wait to hear his spin on the whole mess.

Will James Cameron and Kathryn Bigelow thank each other if the other wins?
Way back in 1989, before 'Titanic' made him a household name, James Cameron married fellow director Kathryn Bigelow. After two years of marriage, the Hollywood couple split. It's been nearly 20 years and they are facing off (professionally) for the first time tonight for Best Director (Cameron directed 'Avatar'; Bigelow directed indie fave 'The Hurt Locker.') Recent interviews seem to portray a healthy and supportive friendship, but will they thank the other during an acceptance speech? We think no. But only because they'll have so many others to thank-not as a slight to their ex.

Does 'Avatar' emerge as the front-runner in the Oscar race if it wins?
No. Though 15 of the past 22 Best Picture winners did previously win the Golden Globe for Best Drama or Best Comedy, we just don't think Avatar will snag the Oscar. We predict the Sci-Fi flick just doesn't have what Academy voters want in a Best Picture winner. But the Oscars aren't the Oscars without the occasional upset. Just when a movie (or actor/actress) seems a shoo-in for a statue, a long shot will come out of nowhere and steal it away (remember "Crash'?) Even so, if Avatar wins tonight, it shouldn't feel too confident about the Oscar.

Will new shows beat established shows for top comedy/drama prizes?
Yes for comedy, no for drama. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association usually has a little fun with the Best Comedy category, picking winners that are surprising or unexpected. Past winners include 'Extras', UK's 'The Office', 'Sex and the City', and 'Ally McBeal'. This year, we think they'll give the award to the much-loved (and much-hyped) freshman series 'Glee'. As for Best Drama, while 'Big Love' is a solid dark horse in the race, we predict 'Mad Men' will get the win for the third year in a row.

Golden Globes Predictions Winners and Nominees

Watch the Girls on Pop explain the Globes - and predict some wins.

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