An Ode to the Golden Globes: 7 Reasons It's Actually Better Than the Oscars

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(Image credit: Archives)

published 10 January 2015

The Golden Globes are the unofficial official kick-off of Hollywood's always-epic awards season, meaning that come Sunday, we're in for months of red carpets, news-worthy host moments, and hopefully some particularly great celebrity photobombs.

Everyone talks a big game about the Oscars, and don't get us wrong—we're Academy Awards die-hards too. It's like Tinseltown prom night, with everybody charmingly jittery and nervous.

But in our humble opinions, the Globes are way more fun. Let us count the ways...

1. It's Hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, AKA It's Actually Funny

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler were so out-of-this-world hilarious when they hosted The Globes in 2013 and 2014 that they were asked to come back for round three—though they swear this will be their last year. While Tina and Amy don't mock their fellow celebrities in a cruel way to get a laugh (unlike their predecessor, Ricky Gervais), there's plenty of humor at the expense of the industry, and all of it is spot-on. Prepare to high-five a million angels Liz Lemon-style.

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2. Everyone Gets Sloshed

The Golden Globes is an actual dinner with actual food and, even better, actual alcohol. Everyone drinks like no one's watching, which is funny because, hello, we're all sitting here watching you guzzle that Moët. By the end of the night, those acceptance speeches get real honest.

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3. It Combines Both Our Loves: TV and Movies

Unlike the Academy Awards and the Emmy Awards, the Golden Globes celebrates the best in both movies and TV, which means there are more talented actors than even we know what to do with. Emily Blunt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Lena Dunham being in the same room at the same time is thrilling enough (2015 has definitely been a breakout year for women in comedy), but don't forget that Matthew McConaughey could be giving yet another iconic acceptance speech if he wins for True Detective.

4. We're Co-Hosting the After-Party

Marie Claire is teaming up with The Weinstein Company and Netflix to host the after-party at the Beverley Hilton Hotel, which will be packed with stars like Amy Adams, Keira Knightley, Benedict Cumberbatch, Robin Wright, and Kevin Spacey—and we're taking pictures of the whole thing. Keep an eye on our Instagram and Twitter throughout the night, and check back on Monday morning for a whole big gallery of behind-the-scenes insider pics.

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5. Bold Fashion Choices Abound

Stars tend to be a bit more daring at the Golden Globes than at the Oscars, and we expect to see dresses that are just as chic as they are jaw-dropping. (A few of these, hopefully?) But of course bold fashion breeds plenty of hits and misses—remember when Jennifer Lawrence wore that white Christian Dior gown last year? Love it or hate it, it gave birth to a meme.

6. This Happened.

Pretty sure this GIF of Glenn Close speaks for itself. And for the aforementioned champagne.

7. Also This.

Don't worry, it's just Amy Poehler ferociously kissing Bono.

The show starts at 8 p.m. EST on NBC—see you Sunday night!

You should also check out:

The 2014 Golden Globes After-Party

The Best Golden Globes Looks EVER

Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm. She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.