Golden Globe After-Parties Still Boozy, Spirited

It was a subdued night of post-Golden Globe Awards partying for Hollywood, but the bashes were lavish and extravagant by any other standard.

From left to right, actress Amy Poehler, actor Will Arnett, an unidentified man, and actress Drew Barrymore at the HBO Golden Globes after-party on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009, in Beverly Hills, Calif., U.S.A.

(Dan Steinberg/AP Photo )
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A year after the writers' strike shut down the awards show ceremony and its after-parties, the alcohol flowed again at several shindigs Sunday at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Despite the recession, post-Globe revelers shared booze, food and the sheer will to make merry.

Clutching a tumbler of whiskey, his hair askew, "Mad Men" actor and nominee Jon Hamm grinned next to his girlfriend, surrounded by cast members at an intimate, exclusive bash for the AMC '60s-themed show, which won a best TV drama trophy for the second year in a row. Retro tunes blasted overhead as guests ate mashed potatoes served in martini glasses. Decorations were minimal.

"To win again is great. We're going to light the lamp. We're going to party until late," said Hamm, a little unsteady on his feet.

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Hamm pointed out that even with layoffs within the entertainment industry and beyond, a party could provide an economic boost.

"It employs a lot of people. I was a caterer and waiter for a long time of my life," he said.

Hamm's co-star Michael Gladis, sipping on a scotch and soda, said he had been drinking for hours.

"We're good at it. It's all about pacing," he joked, noting the show's characters' penchant for at-work boozing.

Unlike previous years, The Weinstein Co., E! and Paramount Pictures did not host after-parties at the hotel. Showtime held an offsite party at the nearby Peninsula Hotel, and Fox Searchlight hosted a party at the restaurant Craft.

NBC Universal's annual party on the Hilton's rooftop was a mostly industry affair, with guests dancing to a DJ spinning tunes by Prince and Britney Spears. Vases of white roses and lilies, and silver containers full of white feathers, decorated the area. Massive black chandeliers hung from the ceiling.

Attendees feasted on a modest spread of grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, pasta and beef tenderloin served with mustard and horseradish.