'Betty,' 'Borat' Yield Golden Globe Surprises

Jan. 17, 2006 — -- By giving separate awards for comedy and drama in major categories, the Golden Globes is usually short on surprises, and long on acceptance speeches.

This year, though, it was a little bit different.

From victorious newcomers like Jennifer Hudson of "Dreamgirls" and America Ferrara of "Ugly Betty," to established veterans honored for the first time, like Eddie Murphy, this year's Globes became a milestone evening for many celebrities.

"If I have on an inch of makeup, I can do anything," said the 45-year-old Murphy, who won best supporting actor in the drama category for his work in "Dreamgirls."

Murphy has certainly starred in his share of blockbusters, but "48 Hours" and "Beverly Hills Cop" aren't the sort of films that garner award-show attention, at least for actors.

The actor beat out Jack Nicholson ("The Departed"), Brad Pitt ("Babel"), Mark Wahlberg ("The Departed"), and Ben Affleck ("Hollywoodland"), and could now be considered a front-runner for supporting actor honors when Academy Award nominations come out next week.

It was no surprise that "Dreamgirls" won as best picture in the comedy/musical category, but Hudson's victory as best supporting actress heralds her arrival as a major star.

Showbiz Fantasy Come True for Hudson

A year ago, Hudson was best known as an "American Idol" loser, and was working on a show on a Disney cruise ship.

"You do not know how much this does for my confidence. Because of this, it makes me feel like I'm part of a community, and it makes me feel like I'm an actress," Hudson said from the podium.

While Sacha Baron Cohen's recent success has launched him into the upper echelons of celebrity, who would have thought a year ago that the British comic would ride his "Borat" character to a Golden Globe victory with a best actor in a musical or comedy award.

"Thank you to every American who has not sued me so far," said Cohen, taking a not-so-subtle jab at the many lawsuits that have been leveled against him by people whom he made fun of in his $127 million blockbuster film

While money talks, it certainly wasn't the determining factor in Cohen's victory. He was up against Johnny Depp, whose film "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," was the year's top grossing film, with $423 million at the box office.

Several big stars went home empty-handed in the TV category, some as a result of America Ferrera's big evening.

The 22-year-old "Ugly Betty" star beat out such major stars as Marcia Cross and Felicity Huffman ("Desperate Housewives"), Julia Luis-Dreyfus (The New Adventures of Old Christine"), and Mary Louise Parker ("Weeds").

"Everything that I've ever accomplished in this life has been due to the strength and intelligence and will that you gave me, Mommy," Ferrera said.

Her big evening was underscored by "Ugly Betty's" victory as best TV comedy.

One well-known star who made a surprise trip to the podium was Alec Baldwin, who won best actor in a TV comedy for his show, "30 Rock," which has earned only modest ratings in its first season.

Baldwin was up against Zach Braff ("Scrubs"), Steve Carell ("The Office"), Jason Lee ("My Name Is Earl") and Tony Shalhoub ("Monk"), and still came up on top.

"I'm glad this isn't too heavy because I just had hernia surgery Dec. 21," Baldwin said. "So, I just wanted to share that with all of you."