Jesse Eisenberg and Claire Danes star in upcoming Disney+ series FLEISHMAN IS IN TROUBLE.

Synopsis:

“Fleishman Is In Trouble” is the story of recently divorced 41-year-old ‘Toby Fleishman’ (Jesse Eisenberg), who dives into the brave new world of app-based dating with the kind of success he never had dating in his youth, before he got married at the tail end of medical school. But just at the start of his first summer of sexual freedom, his ex-wife, ‘Rachel’ (Claire Danes), disappears, leaving him with 11-year-old ‘Hannah’ (Meara Mahoney Gross) and 9-year-old ‘Solly’ (Maxim Swinton) and no hint of where she is or whether she plans to return. As he balances parenting, the return of old friends ‘Libby’ (Lizzy Caplan) and ‘Seth’ (Adam Brody), a potential promotion at the hospital that is a long time coming — and all the eligible women that Manhattan has to offer — he realizes that he’ll never be able to figure out what happened to ‘Rachel’ until he can finally face what happened to their marriage in the first place.

The series was created for television by Taffy Brodesser-Akner, who adapts from her acclaimed novel and executive produces alongside Sarah Timberman, Carl Beverly and Susannah Grant of Sage Lane Productions. Valerie Faris & Jonathan Dayton (“Little Miss Sunshine,” “Battle of the Sexes”) also executive produce as well as direct multiple episodes across the series. “Fleishman Is In Trouble” is produced by ABC Signature.

FLEISHMAN IS IN TROUBLE arrives Thursday, November 17, 2022 exclusively on Disney+ in Canada. The premiere will feature the first two episodes of the eight-episode series. A new episode will be available each subsequent Thursday. 

(Photo/video credit: Disney+)

By David Baldwin

Cora Seaborne (Emmy-winner Claire Danes) is a widower in London circa 1893 who has never been able to make her own decisions, never mind pursue any of her own interests. When she hears of a possible mythical serpent terrorizing a small town in Essex, she moves into a cottage nearby and begins investigating. The more she learns however, the more things become stranger.

THE ESSEX SERPENT, based on the novel by Sarah Perry, is the type of series that opens rather mysteriously, before instantly becoming a grim slowburn that fills every frame it can with intense fog and pale, washed out colour schemes. Cora’s bright red hair and elegant fashion pieces – at least in comparison to the impoverished locals she tries to befriend – are some of the only real colours that pop throughout the first two episodes I viewed of the six-episode mini-series. That is of course, if you do not count the blood from the gruesomely evasive surgery scenes. Those scenes are excruciating in their attention to detail, as is the sumptuous period production design, lighting and costuming. The level of authenticity and tangibility is staggering, blowing away any form of competition in one fell swoop.

Where I worry with this series is with its multiple storylines. The aforementioned graphic surgery scenes have not been very relevant to the larger story just yet, nor has a storyline built around the Socialist beliefs of Cora’s servant Martha (Haley Squires). Both elements just kind of get in the way of Cora’s investigation and her grappling with the abuse she endured at the hands of her late husband. Her burgeoning friendship with the local Vicar Will Ransome (Tom Hiddleston, decidedly less comical than he was in last summer’s Loki series) is another one of the mysterious elements I wish the Series focused and explored more. My curiosity is genuinely peaked by what is quite likely going to come to fruition. That said, with only four episodes to go, I am not extremely confident all of these storylines and the three others I did not mention will come together as cohesively as they should. I will continue watching, but will try my best not to raise my expectations too high.

What I will keep my expectations raised for is the acting, which has been quite enjoyable so far. Danes is just as terrific as always (though she is substantially more reserved here than she was on Homeland), as is Hiddleston, who slips into the skin of that vicar a bit too smoothly. Squires puts in solid work, with Frank Dillane and Jamael Westman stealing scenes as the mysterious surgeons just waiting to factor into the larger story. The Ensemble is great, and help keep THE ESSEX SERPENT moving – even at its most glacial moments. Here is hoping our patience will be rewarded.

The first two episodes of THE ESSEX SERPENT begin streaming on AppleTV+
on Friday, May 13, 2022, with fresh new episodes arriving every Friday.

Claire Danes and Tom Hiddleston star in THE ESSEX SERPENT, coming soon to Apple TV+. Just released is a new Trailer for the Series!

Synopsis:

Based on Sarah Perry’s bestselling novel of the same name will debut globally with its first two of six episodes on Friday, May 13, 2022.  

Starring a stellar cast led by Emmy and SAG Award winner Claire Danes, Emmy Award nominee Tom Hiddleston, Frank Dillane, Clémence Poésy and Hayley Squires, “The Essex Serpent” follows London widow Cora Seaborne (Danes) who moves to Essex to investigate reports of a mythical serpent. She forms an unlikely bond with the village vicar (Hiddleston), but when tragedy strikes, locals accuse her of attracting the creature. 

See the brand-new Trailer:

(Photo credit: Apple TV+)

HBO’s Behind the Candelabra walked away the big Winner at the 65th annual Primetime Emmy Awards tonight, handed out at Nokia Theatre tonight in Los Angeles.  The Ceremony was hosted by Neil Patrick-Harris who entertained the Audience with song, dance and laughter.

With 15 nominations and a total eleven wins, the TV Movie directed by Steven Soderbergh  won top honours of Outstanding TV Movie or Mini-Series.  In addition to wins in several other categories like Outstanding Single-Camera Editing, Sound Mixing, Hair, Prosthetic Makeup, in addition to the coveted Outstanding Lead Actor in TV Movie or Mini-Series, Michael Douglas was recognized for his widely-praised portrayal of Liberace.  Upon accepting his Award, he was sure to thank his Wife Catherine Zeta-Jones (recently separated) and also his Co-Star Matt Damon, stating to him, “You really deserve half of this. You want the bottom or you want the top?”, poking fun at their on-screen Gay Romance.

Winning for Outstanding Comedy and Drama Series respectively were ABC‘s Modern Family (this year receiving its 57th Emmy nomination and fourth consecutive win in the Category) and AMC‘s Breaking Bad (its first win in four nominations in the Category).

Breaking ground, Netflix Original Series House of Cards was recognized as the first-ever Internet-based Series to win an Emmy, victorious in the Category of Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series.  It also won for Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series and Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series too.  Its two Stars Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright however, despite being nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor and Actress in a Drama Series, each lost in their categories to Jeff Daniels (The Newsroom) and Claire Danes (Homeland).

Recently passing away, both Cory Monteith and James Gandolfini each were honoured by their Co-Stars at the Awards with heartfelt Tributes tonight, the former by Jane Lynch and the latter, Edie Falco.

For a complete list of Winners, click here.

(Photo credit: CBS/Associated Press)

The Stars began to descend upon Toronto for the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival today and although some of the Actors to arrive don’t see their Movies for a few days, they just couldn’t resist enjoying our City a bit more than work permits!

Daniel Brühl is definitely a name to look out for TIFF ’13 with two Marquee Titles at the Festival this year including Opening Night Gala The Fifth Estate, premiering tonight at two venues.  Unfortunately there have been no sightings yet of his brilliant Co-Star Benedict Cumberbatch still. This weekend he also will be here to present Ron Howard‘s RUSH, in which he stars as Formula 1 Driver Niki Lauda. The Actor was low-key, signing a couple Autographs, telling Fans he’ll greet them over the course of the week during TIFF Festivities.

Rising Star Paul Dano is a major force at TIFF ’13 also, here to present Thriller Prisoners in which he stars alongside Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal as a Suspect involved in the disappearance of two young Girls.  He also will be promoting Oscar Contender 12 Years a Slave from Director Steve McQueen, boasting an equally stellar Cast of Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Sarah Paulson and Chiwetel Ejiofor.  Dano was seen with the aid of cane and sans Girlfriend Actress Zoe Kazan, who also will be here this weekend for Romantic-Comedy, The F Word in which she stars opposite Daniel Radcliffe.

Although he’s not here for TIFF ’13 per say, Hugh Dancy and his Wife Claire Danes certainly are no strangers to the Festival, having visited many a time in the past for it.  Dancy is back in Toronto (Baby Cyrus in tow) to prep for the forthcoming second season of Hannibal.  I spotted Co-Star Mads Mikkelsen earlier today working out in my Building even!

One of the Films premiering at TIFF ’13 with the most buzz certainly is Blue is the Warmest Colour, which won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival this past May.  The Lesbian-theme French Drama stars an impeccably-talented Duo of Léa Seydoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos.  Although both resisted Fans a bit, eventually they gave way taking Photos and signing Autographs.  The Duo premiere their Film at TIFF tonight.

Ahh, my favourite Snap thus far!  I love Jake Gyllenhaal and it always is a pleasure seeing him.  The Actor, who stars in two Films at the Festival, Prisoners and Toronto-filmed Enemy, arrived in Toronto from New York City a couple days early and will be hard at work through the weekend in support of both Thrillers.  The former is gaining lots of Oscar buzz already after a strong showing at the Telluride Film Festival.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

It’s been a while since I’ve had a good Chat with my Readers and Followers, so I reached-out to everyone on Facebook and Twitter for their most burning questions and replied with as much insight as possible.  Enjoy and thank you for your continued loyalty and support, Wongsters!

xMr. Will

‏@Cindyandtheboys asks, “What was your motivation to get you started on what you do?”.

Hey Cindy!   I’ve been a Stargazer for many years and my love for Film and Pop Music is unparalleled.  I used to be the Kid who rushed to MuchMusic after class waiting by the window  for Gwen Stefani to come out and sign an Autograph and I have been attending TIFF as long as my Bank Account permitted.

By 2009, I had amassed so many Photos of my Celebrity Adventures that I created my Blog as an Outlet to combine my passions for Photography, Film, Music and Writing together in one and kicked it off around TIFF.  It would’ve been a severe waste having them sit dormant on my Computer or just on Facebook.   From there, I developed a passion getting Photos with my personal Heroes and Heroines because it gives me something to immortalize the experience by and well, it’s fun!

Word-of-mouth spread locally fairly quickly about my Blog. Some loved the idea, calling it one of the few true Celebrity Blogs to come out of Canada and some thought it nothing special.  Before I knew it, I was booking time off work to interview Bradley Cooper and Channing Tatum, and was on TV talking about Stars and even profiled on the National Post.  Last year, CBC listed me as one of the three most key People in the City to follow during TIFF.  So that’s that.  I love what I do as tiring as it is juggling three or four things on-the-go constantly and have no plans to stop because most of the time it doesn’t feel like work.

@MRDISCO3 asks, “What do you top your burgers with?”.

Hey Paresh! Good question. I’ve been off meat for three months now. Pitching-in my part to reduce my own Carbon Footprint as a Citizen of the Earth. Meatless Mondays, People. Google it and do it!

But to answer your question, if I could create my own Veggie Burger it would have: Jalapeños, Lettuce, Tomato, Sriracha Hot Sauce, Honey Mustard, Avocado/Guacamole, Sautéed Mushrooms and some crumbled Blue Cheese. It would be like a foot tall, really.  Maybe I’d throw a fried Egg on for added Protein too.  Is that too decadent? Is it?!?  I also recently accidentally discovered Salsa on Fries and it is incredible!

@CTRice asks, “What was the first screening you ever saw?”.

Hi Tristan (Scene Creek, everybody!!!), I could never forget my first Screening. It was back in April 1996, Jane Eyre at Alliance-Atlantis Cumberland 4. My Cousin Nancy had won passes and we were going to trek Downtown from Scarborough for a Movie and some amazing Ice Cream at Mövenpick (Richtree Markets) after.

I remember getting into a huge misunderstanding with my Dad that day right in front of my Cousin who came over for Dinner about something terribly mundane.  My Dad offered to wash dishes so I could hurry to the Movie and I asked, “Really!?” maybe perhaps a little too excited, which he interpreted as sarcasm but really it wasn’t! I basically got a lashing verbally for no reason and remember sobbing all the way to the theatre because I was embarrassed and two, I was looking forward to my first Screening for days and felt my night was ruined.  By the time I got home, things were fine again.

It wasn’t a v. exciting Adaptation of Jane Eyre to be honest and obviously I’ve been to many more enjoyable Screenings ever since. It’s a miracle I wasn’t scarred from wanting to go to the Movies ever again!

@Typo_eh and Kathi on Facebook ask, “Who was your worst Celebrity experience?”.

Hi Siobhán!!  Hi Kathi!!  Are you guys psychically-linked or something?!   Well, other than being shouted at by Ashley Judd after asking her nice and civil for a Photo, which then spilled over into a debacle on Twitter, I’d say the worst experience ever was Lady Gaga. A couple years ago I was being harassed daily by someone over E-mail and on my Blog.  I had Tracking Reports pulled and he would view the same page over and over 20-30 times some nights in the wee hours of the morning.  This Reader thought he’d do himself a favour and entertain himself by emailing Lady Gaga‘s Management a slanderous E-mail with my Photo, claiming that I was violent and dangerous, essentially getting me blacklisted when she visited Toronto.

Not realizing this, being the huge Fan I was, I asked her for a Photo upon exiting her Hotel amidst the hoards of Fans and Autograph Seekers. I cannot say that  I enjoyed being shoved against a Topiary by her Security Guard Ed and once I recovered, he forcefully shoved me a second time as several eye witnesses watched. Of course, nobody genuinely cared as they were there to see Lady Gaga, admiring their Photos with her and their Autographs.  It was particularly heart-breaking because I love her Music so much and at that point I had gone to every single Toronto Show she ever had, owning all her Singles and CDs. I had T-Shirts and Posters.  I was gaga for Gaga.

This Jerk who has been chasing Celebrities for years, tried the same tactic multiple times, including a Jessica & Ashlee Simpson appearance at The Bay, which I actually was invited to in order to snap Photos in the Pit for my Blog.  I was escorted out by Security once they matched a sent Photo with my face.  Of course, another Blogger who absolutely despises me, caught wind of this and went to town, spreading word quickly that I was ejected from the Venue.  Hmm. 

I knew this was really getting serious when the Head of Security at a major American Network in New York City called me to clue me onto an E-mail he received from him regarding two Actors from the Network who were filming a TV Movie in Toronto.  Of course, he knew right away that this Person’s intentions were malicious from the E-mail and just wanted to give me a heads-up out of the goodness of his heart. Multiple Publicists also reached out to me around that time regarding similar type E-mails, which thankfully they knew better than to believe.

Eventually, I got one step ahead of the game when a certain British Boy Band came to town.  Their Security Guard noticed me, pulling me aside to show me one of these slanderous E-mails on his Phone. Low and behold, the Jerk showed-up  also, hoping to get a Photo  and like an episode of Cheaters, I outed him in front of everybody including the Band, who chimed-in, giving me hi-fives and encouragement.  He was a mess and left in tears.

The messed-up thing is that after that occurrence, I’d receive messages from this Jerk threatening to inflict harm on himself because of my actions and he’d gone about posting my Home Address on Twitter.  Essentially, I was being stalked and didn’t even know it.  I and others know well that this Person is not mentally stable, so I feel bad even writing about this and bringing it up, but at this point I really don’t care anymore.  And such a Drama needs to be heard because I get so many Tweets and messages from others who wish they were me because apparently my life is so perfect!

He’s left me alone ever since, but the damage has been done and I’m sure someone who didn’t know me better might have a skewed perception of me from what they’ve heard. Looking back though, I don’t know why I didn’t do more about it.  I’ve moved on and hopefully he has found some sense of balance.

@CTRice asks, “Has a Celebrity ever denied to take a photo with you?”.

Impossible!  LOL Just kidding, of course! I’ve been turned down before and it’s inevitable it will happen and I respect that, but I’d say one of the harsher Declines came from Joseph Gordon-Levitt.  Once I was one-on-one with him and he chuckled at me and walked off after I asked nicely for a Photo. Hence, when I hear stories from those who have had positive experiences with him and what a great Guy he is, my eyes just roll.

Or how about running into Claire Danes at the Grocery Store only for her to react as if I had SARS or something when asking her for a Snap?  She quite literally jumped three feet back. I saw her in the neighbourhood a few times after that and didn’t bother her again. That was fun.  Some are nice when the Cameras are on, some value their Privacy more than others.

Of course, it’s the few who got away that I remember most when in reality a vast majority of Celebrities I’ve met have been more than nice and accommodating.  Once, Nicole Kidman came over to take a Snap with me during TIFF and then some super-annoying Girl got in the way, getting her Photo  and then Nicole was pulled away by her Handler. That hurt.  And do you believe the Girl eventually found my Blog and had the audacity to ask me to remove the Photo I snapped of her and Nicole?  Go away.

Last year Penélope Cruz said “yes” to the Photo but then suddenly changed her mind when her Publicist said she had to go.  That hurt equally bad on a Nicolean level.   I also met Julia Roberts once candidly and although she said “no” to the Photo she was still nice to chat and be kind, offering to sign an Autograph instead which still was gracious. She wrote “TO WILL, PEACE, JULIA“. That was “pretty” epic.

@apluswagvantage asks, “You despised the Celebrity’s Album/Movie/TV Show/Persona. How are you gracious when interviewing him/her?”.

Hi Charles! I generally don’t approach a Celebrity for a Photo unless I have some admiration for their Work, so that takes care of the forced graciousness thing, I guess!  🙂  Autographs are something I used to love collecting, but now I do it more for my Readers and help them experience  a part of the magic when they can’t physically be there with me.  The Photo-with means much more to me.

I have however been a part of Press Tours where the Talent promoting the Film literally are in the Movie for like one scene and it’s like pulling teeth to concoct something profound and throught-provoking to ask. That horrific feeling that you’re going to say something foolish… your palms get sweaty and your throat gets dry. At that point, you just have to take the reins and broaden the scope and somehow find something to connect and relate to about the Film.  That’s happened more than a couple times!

Sari on Facebook asks, “Who was the nicest Celeb that you have met?”.

So many, Sari! Adele, Katy Perry, Linda Hamilton, Hugh Jackman, Jessica Chastain, Nia Vardalos, Colin Farrell, Colin Firth,  Michael Fassbender, Bradley Cooper, Channing Tatum, Michael Bublé, Abbie Cornish all go beyond and above the Call of Duty and consistently do it time and again! I even brought a tear to Adele’s eye letting her know how much her Music meant to me once. So personable!

I understand that the scale of Celebrity “niceness” often depends on how their day’s going, but these named individuals consistently wow me every time and I’m sure there are several more I’m neglecting.

Terri on Facebook asks, “Seems to me that in recent months you have achieved some of your childhood dreams….What dreams of Celebs or Events have still eluded you and what bigger dreams Mr. Will are you hoping to reach for?”.

Hey Terri! There is so much to accomplish still.  The end goal is to continue building a groundbreaking Fan-centric Website and go-to source for Celebrities and Entertainment in Toronto. I am continually trying to expand my scope further and build new Partnerships for my Readers, getting them a taste of all that good stuff first! I aspire to do this full-time and slowly am getting there. One day we’ll perhaps have a more national presence even!

I’d love to attend the Oscars and Grammys one day as basically I live for those two, and I am kinda obsessed with the Golden Globes too!  I’ve still never visited L.A.  One day.  My dream Interviews would be Natalie Portman, Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway or Kate Winslet.  I’ve met Mariah Carey before, but would really want to reflect on her Career with her over some Champagne. That would be perfect.

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Success definitely just happen overnight for Mandy Patinkin.  The Veteran Actor/Singer has the Awards to match the Accolades and although he just lost-out at the Golden Globes for his superb work on Showtime‘s Homeland as CIA Division Chief Saul Berenson this year, he has a TONY Award and a Primetime EMMY Award to his name.   You might know him for his work in The Princess Bride, Yentl and Chicago Hope.

Patinkin currently is in-town promoting of the multiple Golden Globe and Primetime EMMY Award-winning Series starring Claire Danes and Damian Lewis, which premieres in Canada for the first time Wednesday, March 6, 2013  at 10:00 PM EST on Bravo. In addition to a morning-full of Press at the Bell Media Building today, he later today will be recording Interviews at CBC for George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight and Q Radio.   An appearance on Entertainment Tonight Canada also is scheduled.

Right before heading the lunch, Patinkin and his Handler were amazing to have his Driver pull-over and he roll-down the window of his Mercedes Benz to pose for a Photo, going above and beyond the call of duty.  Thrilled to have met this Acting Legend, who was more than gracious!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

The 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards were held tonight at The Shrine in Los Angeles, as one of the final major Awards Ceremonies leading up to next month’s Oscars.  The Awards, which allow Actors to honour their v. own, recognize both Film and Television Performers.  As is the case with the SAG Awards, what makes it unique is that their is now Best Picture Award as the Ceremony honours performances strictly.  This year, Dick Van Dyke was the honourary Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Winning top honours tonight was Argo for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, which is making it seem increasingly likely as a real Best Picture Candidate at the Oscars, considering its Motion Picture – Drama win at the Golden Globes a couple weeks back.  Actor/Director Ben Affleck, who was a noticeable omission from the Directing Category at the Oscars, delivered a heartfelt and funny Speech, remembering to thank Wife Jennifer Garner: “I wanna thank my Wife, who I love, and my Kids, and Warner Brothers, who I love, but not as much.”.  The Ensemble Cast from Argo includes: Clea Duvall, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman, Alan Arkin, Victor Garber, Scoot McNairy, Kerry Bishé, Tate Donovan and more.

Lincoln also continues to be a major presence this Awards Season with Daniel Day-Lewis solidifying his case for Best Actor at the Oscars with a win  for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture.  This counts as his third win at the Awards, after previously having won in 2003 and 2008 for Gangs of New York and There Will Be Blood. In what was a competitive Category, Tommy Lee Jones too was awarded Supporting Actor, Film for his work in Lincoln too after having been defeated by Christoph Waltz a couple weeks ago at the Golden Globes.

Jennifer Lawrence, who despite recovering from Pneumonia still ventured-out in her Dior Couture (same label as her Golden Globes Dress), pulled-off a surprise upset over an Alexander McQueen-clad Jessica Chastain, with her spirited work in Silver Linings Playbook.  While accepting the Award, even Katniss herself couldn’t avoid a slight Wardrobe Malfunction with her dress appearing to tear at the knees, although it was later confirmed via Dior that in fact this was part of the design.

Meanwhile,  Anne Hathaway won Supporting Actress, Film for her stunning performance in Les Misérables, her first ever SAG Award and just one of many won of late.  The Actress stunned in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture, daring in a black Dress which drew some parallels to her scandal-inducing Tom Ford Dress worn at the New York City Premiere for the Film in December.

Now into its final Season, 30 Rock nabbed two Awards for Actor and Actress in Television Series, Comedy with both Alec Baldwin and Tina Fey respectively, while the Cast of Modern Family for a third time won Ensemble Cast, Comedy, Television Series.  ITV British Import Downton Abbey won Ensemble Cast, Drama, Television Series.

For Television Movie or Miniseries, both Film Veterans Kevin Costner and Juliane Moore were victorious for their work in History’s Hatfields and McCoys and HBO‘s Game Change respectively.  Claire Danes also continues her domination this Awards Season, winning for her work on Showtime‘s Homeland for Actress, Television Series, Drama, while  Cranston won Actor Award, Television Series, Drama  for AMC’s Breaking Bad (making him a double-Winner also for Argo), beating-out Danes’ Co-Star Damian Lewis who won at the Golden Globes.

Toronto Viewers tonight were inconvenienced by technical glitches, delaying the broadcast of the SAG Awards on Global Television. Finally at approximately 9:00 PM the issue was resolved, but not without   Torontonians first being so outraged that they took to Twitter to vent so much that the Station trended.  Bad Publicity can be good too perhaps.

Read Global Television‘s Tweets about the glitches below:

 See some of the best looks from the SAG Awards tonight including  my favourite, Chastain and Seyfried in Zac Posen:

Complete List of Winners here.

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Warner Bros.)

Giving just a taste of what’s to come at the Oscars next month, the 70th annual Golden Globe Awards took place tonight at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.  As originally thought, the Race to next month’s Oscars is just as wide-open as ever based on tonight’s results. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association awarded top Honours to Argo for Motion Picture – Drama, when many thought Zero Dark Thirty or Lincoln would be victorious. To further illustrate the drastic differences between the HFPA‘s tastes and that of the Academy, Ben Affleck shocked many in failing to garner a mention for Best Director when Oscar Nominees were unveiled this past Thursday. To put this into context, Affleck‘s win tonight for Motion Picture – Director had him defeating previous Oscar Winners Kathryn Bigelow and even past Cecil B. DeMille Award Winner, Steven Spielberg. Nonetheless, with Argo nabbing two key Awards, in addition to Django Unchained winning Original Screenplay and Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture (Christoph Waltz) and Les Misérables also winning an impressive three Awards: Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Actor in a Musical or Comedy (Hugh Jackman) and Supporting Actress in a Musical or Comedy (Anne Hathaway), these three Best Picture Nominees definitely cannot be ruled-out.

Jodie Foster, a six-time Golden Globe Nominee herself, was honoured with the Cecil B. DeMille Award this year, raising quite a few eyebrows with her v. candid Speech which for the first time publicly had her addressing her Sexuality. “I’m just gonna put it out there loud and proud, so I’m gonna need your support on this. I am single. Yes I am”, she said with a bit of nervousness. “I already did my coming-out a thousand years ago in the Stone Age in those very quaint days when a fragile young Girl would open-up to Family and Friends”.  On her longevity as an Actress Foster says, “There are a few secrets to keeping your Psyche intact over such a long career – love people and stay beside them.”.

As predicted, Jessica Chastain and Daniel Day-Lewis won respectively for Best Actress and Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama. This is the second time Chastain has been nominated, her first Nomination coming with 2011’s The Help.  Also this is the sixth time the reclusive Day-Lewis has been nominated and his second time winning the prestigious Award.  He won in  2008 for There Will Be Blood.

Meanwhile, Hugh Jackman earned his first-ever Golden Globe  for Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, with  Les Misérables; he received  his first nomination back in 2002 for Kate & Leopold.  Jackman edged-out Bradley Cooper, a first-time Nominee for his work on Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy Winner Silver Linings Playbook.  Both Actors will vie with Day-Lewis at next month’s Oscars for the  coveted Best Actor Award.

The Hunger Games Star Jennifer Lawrence, won her first Golden Globe for Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for her work in Silver Linings Playbook.  “What can I say? I beat Meryl!”, she joked upon accepting her Award from hilarious Anchorman 2 Duo, Kristen Wiig and Will Ferrell.  “JLaw” as she likes to be called, received her first Golden Globe in 2010 for Breakthrough Role in Winter’s Bone.

Three-time Golden Globe Nominee Anne Hathaway was seen widely as a heavy Favourite to win for Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture and did not disappoint for her work in Les Misérables.  Defeating an exceptionally-talented Group including Helen Hunt, Nicole Kidman, Amy Adams and Sally Field, Hathaway likely will take home Best Supporting Actress next month also.  The New York Native’s Acceptance Speech was full of compliments, giving nods to Co-Host Tina Fey, using a word she made famous, “Blarg!” and also praising Field for her Oscar-winning work in Norma Rae.

Despite some heavy competition, two-time Golden Globe Nominee and now two-time Winner Waltz rose above all to win Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for his spirited turn in Django Unchained. With the exception of Co-Star Leonardo DiCaprio, he will be up against Philip Seymour Hoffman, Tommy Lee Jones and Alan Arkin again next month at the Oscars in the same Category.

In the Television categories, HBO‘s Sarah Palin-inspired Game Change and  Showtime Drama Series Homeland walked away the big Winners. The former won for Mini-Series or Motion Picture for Television, in addition to Stars Julianne Moore and Ed Harris each winning Actress and Supporting Actor respectively. The latter garnered four nominations this year, including Television Series – Drama.  New Mom  Claire Danes, who won last year for Actress in a Television Series – Drama repeated the feat again this year, while Co-Star Damian Lewis won the Award for Actor.  HBO‘s Breakout Hit Girls despite falling short at the Primetime Emmy Awards late last year, would not be refused tonight winning Television Series – Comedy and also its Writer and Star Lena Dunham winning Actress in a Television Series – Comedy.  Coincidentally or not, Season Two of the Series premiered tonight.

As always, Fashion is a huge part of the Festivities and especially stunning on the Red Carpet tonight were Hathaway donning an elegant white Chanel Dress.  Chastain rarely disappoints and tonight she chose Calvin Klein as her Clothier of choice, looking Classic Hollywood and Katharine Hepburn-esque.  Lawrence also drew a lot of attention for her red Dior Couture Dress cinched with a thematically-appropriate gold belt, as did Foster in a navy Armani Number.    Lucy Liu who currently stars in TV Series Elementary, may have drawn some mixed responses for her floral Carolina Herrera Dress, but she gets big points here for the inspired Look. Also, hilariously snappy Co-Hosts  Tina Fey and Amy Poehler graced the Carpet in Wife and Husband Outfits, Fey looking particularly amazing in L’wren Scott. Of the Gentleman, no one can deny that Leonardo DiCaprio was King of the Ball in Tom Ford!

For a complete list of Winners, click here.

(Photo credit: @GoldenGlobes)

HBO came out on-top tonight at the 64th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, winning a whopping 26 Awards with their Game of Thrones tying with Showtime‘s Homeland for top wins by Series with six wins apiece. Politics definitely were a common thread among many of tonight’s Winners with HBO‘s Game Change – centering on Sarah Palin – winning Outstanding Miniseries or Movie, while Homeland  is about around a CIA Officer who suspects that a U.S. Marine was turned by the Al-Qaeda, now threatening the U.S.

Many were surprised by Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series with Veep, which centers around the fictional Office of a U.S. Vice-President,  in a highly-competitive Category which had her up against Amy Poehler (Parks & Recreation), Tina Fey (30 Rock), Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie), Zooey Deschanel (The New Girl) and Lena Dunham (Girls).

Meanwhile, Jon Cryer finally nabbed his first win for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series with Two and a Half Men after being nominated for Supporting Actor in previous years – winning once – defeating previous Primetime Emmy Winners Alec Baldwin (30 Rock), Jim Parsons (Big Bang Theory) and Larry David (Curb You Enthusiasm), among others.

Claire Danes, who currently is spending time with Husband Hugh Dancy as he films Hannibal in Toronto, was awarded Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Homeland, while her Co-Star Damian Lewis also won Outstanding Lead Actor.  The Series itself took home Outstanding Drama Series, defeating AMC‘s Mad Men which was on the verge of winning a record fifth time.

Not that there ever was any doubt about it, Julianne Moore, who only recently wrapped production on Carrie in Toronto, won for her portrayal of Sarah Palin in Game Change in the Category of Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie.

Fans of ABC‘s Modern Family can rejoice as the Series wins Outstanding Comedy Series a third time, while Eric Stonestreet won for a second time in the Category of Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, while Co-Star Julie Bowen was victorious also for a second time for Outstanding Supporting Actress.

Click here for a complete list of tonight’s Winners.

(Photo credit: HBO)