NEW YORK – Even an introduction from a former President wasn't enough to boost Steven Spielberg and his movie "Lincoln" into the winner's circle at Sunday night's Golden Globes.
President Bill Clinton was greet with gasps and wild applause when he introduced Steven Spielberg's “Lincoln” to the stunned crowd of Hollywood A- and B-listers.
“Wow! What an exciting special guest,” host Amy Poehler said of the 42nd President. “That was Hillary Clinton’s husband.”
“Bill Rodham Clinton!” co-host Tina Fey added.
It wasn't enough for the presidential biopic however, as the political thriller "Argo," and its director Ben Affleck, ended up taking home the night's honors for best motion picture drama and director.
The awards were a nice consolation prize for Affleck, who failed to score a best director Oscar nomination. "Argo" was, however, nominated for Best Picture.
But "Lincoln" didn't go home empty handed. Daniel Day-Lewis won for his role in the film. He joked about Clinton's appearance in his acceptance speech.
"Well, if you thought that was showing off, her majesty, the Queen of England, is about to parachute in to make a last minute pitch for 'Skyfall,'" he said.
Clinton's surprise appearance was just part of an upbeat "Golden Globes" hosted by the two funny friends, who began the night with their signature "Saturday Night Live" style jokes, mocking the various famous faces in attendance. Affleck, Julianne Moore and Anne Hathaway were all early subjects of the duo’s jibes.
At times, even the "SNL" veterans struggled to keep a straight face; Fey paused to laugh after Poehler’s jab at “Zero Dark Thirty” director Kathryn Bigelow.
"When it comes to torture, I trust the lady who was married for three years to James Cameron," Poehler quipped.
Acting award winners included Christoph Waltz for "Django Unchained," Maggie Smith for "Downton Abbey" and Julianne Moore for her role as Sarah Palin in "Game Change."
Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman both took home the awards for their roles in "Les Miserables." The film won the Globe for best motion picture musical or comedy.
Claire Danes won for actress in a drama series for her "Homeland" role.
Danes thanked her newborn son for "being so game in fighting this war against terrorism."
Jennifer Lawrence took home the Golden Globe for best actress in a musical or comedy. "What does it say on here?" she said in her acceptance speech. "I beat Meryl."
The evening was definitely not without glitches. Paul Rudd and Salma Hayek had an awkward moment on stage when the Globes teleprompter seemingly malfunctioned, leaving them speechless.
Jodie Foster was the night’s big winner, taking home the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award for her 50 years in the acting business. A rambling Foster accepted the award with a long speech in which she kind of came out as a lesbian, kind of said she was retiring from acting, and ended with a passionate plea for privacy.
Some members of the audience, like Kate Hudson, wiped away tears during Foster’s speech while others appeared confused.
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