One of the jewels in Tinseltown's crown was packed away until further notice, as the Writers Guild of America continued with its contentious strike action against Hollywood Producers.
The Golden Globes, one of the most glamorous award shows in the calendar year, was cancelled in favor of a low-key press conference, which came and went without fanfare.
The broadcast, which aired on NBC, lasted about sixty minutes - and stuffed in it - were the names of the winners...a task which normally takes about 3 1/2 hours to unveil to start-struck viewers at home.
There were no mad dashes to the podium, awkward moments on stage, or impromptu political speeches about Zionist hoodlums; indeed - not one actor excitedly gushed, as they peed their pants - "You like me. You really like me."
Instead of endless footage of red carpet (ho hum), fleets of luxurious stretch limos purring at the curb, and voluminous shots of stars scanning the landscape - picking their noses - and jockeying for best face-time on-camera...the nominees were read out in rapid-fire procession with the award-winners announced before the dust had the opportunity to settle.
Ah, but didn't we miss the suspense - the adrenalin rush - of it all?
But, the format did have its plusses.
Producers were able to offer up clips of the nominees, toss in some background color - and ultimately - tantalize us with teasers just before commercial break...without those pesky, scene-stealing celebrities, getting in harm's way.
Of course, we were forced to put up with bothersome Television Hosts - like Billy Bush of "Access Hollywood" - who was having a bad hair day. And, struggle through fluffy commentary by self-described "insider experts" in the show biz arena. Most of the time, their predictions were off the mark, go figure!
NBC cleverly used the occasion to herd viewers to their web site, NBC.COM. Fans, and armchair critics alike, were offered the opportunity to vote on their favs before the vote-counts were broadcast later in the program.
The idea was a novel, fun one; obviously meant to sooth and entertain an audience that must have been a bit testy about the awards-show cancellation, and subsequent, non-glitzy turn-of-events.
You know what they say; necessity is the motherhood of invention.
When it came to the prize-getters, there were a number of upsets, and welcome surprises.
I, for one, was rooting for Marion Cotillard, who starred in the feature film "La Vie En Rose". Her best actress win in the Musical film category is a good sign for the upcoming Oscar run. For those unfamiliar with the film, or Ms. Cotillard's performance, check out my review. (Post, La Vie En Rose, 9/5/07)
Johnny Depp broke a curse that has been swirling around him for the past decade; after losing a bid six times, "Sweeney Todd" proved to be a lucky charm which nabbed him the pretty little Golden Statuette.
Many were overwhelmed by Tina Fey's win. The writer and creator of 30 Rock was not expecting a nomination (or a Golden Globe) in the category of Best Actress in a comedy, but that's the way it turned out for the talented young woman.
Some speculated that David Duchovney's win for "Californication" was a carry-over from the "X-Files" days, when the Foreign Correspondents previously gave an approving nod.
Julie Christie - who gave a remarkable performance in a drama shot in Canada (Away From Her) - won, after a drought of thirty years. The last time she was nominated was for "Shampoo", when she was being squired around by the film's star, Warren Beatty.
Julian Schnabel - an illustrious artist of note - won for Best Director for "The Diving Bell & the Butterfly"...his first time out at directing.
Though some thought "No country for Old Men" (quite overrated, and a flawed film, in my estimation) might rustle up an award, "Attonement" ended up scooping the prize to the surprise of many.
Cate Blanchett - who played the role of "Bob Dylan" in the intriguing biographical film - "I'm not There" - received the award for Best Actress.
Once again, the Foreign Correspondents confirmed, they have little prejudice against those who cross gender lines.
In fact, judging by the outcome of the Golden Globes this year, it is quite evident that the Foreign Correspondents no longer go for the favorites, but on occasion, champion the long shot.
Not surprising, since the honor should be based on talent, not popularity.