Golden Globe sidelights: Big stars known by scream level

Madonna. AP photo

BEVERLY HILLS, California—Even Dustin Hoffman took out his camera and snapped a photo of Madonna on the red carpet of Sunday’s star-studded Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills. The singer-actress-director was clearly one of the talents almost everyone wanted to see.

As we worked on the red carpet, we knew when big stars just got off a limo by the scream level of the fans on the bleachers. Angelina Jolie, looking extra beautiful in a Versace gown, and Brad Pitt, with a cane, were among the actors who drew the loudest screams. Leonardo DiCaprio also merited the most ear-piercing screams from fans.

Angelina complimented former Miss Universe Margaret Gardiner in her gown by Filipino-American designer Oliver Tolentino, saying, “You look stunning.” Tolentino and Alan del Rosario, finalists in the first and second Oscars Designer Challenge, met for the first time on the red carpet. The two hot designers instantly bonded.

“Uggie is here!” Jean Dujardin, radiating charisma, repeated what we told him when he arrived that his lovable canine costar in “The Artist” was also around.

The French actor went on to win the best actor-comedy or musical honors and his film copped the best film-comedy or musical prize. Uggie, who deserves a best supporting nod, also went up on stage when “The Artist” won.

Among the standouts on the red carpet were actress du jour Jessica Chastain in a figure hugging gown and Evan Rachel Wood who was probably the most stunning. Lea Michele, who was gorgeous in a Marchesa gown, said that she was looking forward to seeing Del Rosario, whose Burlapp line is one of her favorites.

George Clooney and girlfriend Stacy Keibler were easily the friendliest couple.

Mark Wahlberg, who revealed to us last year that he reads a prayer book published in the Philippines, “365 days with the Lord: Liturgical Biblical Diary,” said he was hoping to get an extra copy of the 2012 edition.

Inside the ballroom, Tilda Swinton stood out in her blonde punk-ish haircut.

Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith did a brief slow dance during one of the show’s commercial breaks when the A-listers inside the International Ballroom stood and schmoozed. But Banderas chose to engage Griffith in a short romantic dance. Those who schmoozed included Charlize Theron who went to DiCaprio’s table and chatted him up. Swinton also hopped over to talk to Elton John.

During the commercial breaks, Ricky Gervais actually sipped from the beer and wine glasses he brought to the stage.

When David Duchovny lost in the best actor-TV comedy or musical series, he decided to loosen up. Off came his tux jacket and he loosened his bow tie.

Robert Downey Jr., ever light in spirit, did a soft shoe in the dark as scenes from nominated the film “The Artist,” which he introduced, were shown.

In Martin Scorsese’s acceptance speech as best director for “Hugo,” it was a nice touch of him to acknowledge the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which votes on and presents the Golden Globe Awards, for its contribution to film preservation, one of his passions.

As usual, because of our red carpet work, we arrived just in time for the show, when our entrée plates have been taken by the waiters and all that was left to eat was dessert. Jeremy Irons and his table mates, also late for dinner because of the red carpet interviews, wisely asked for a bread basket. He ate bread during the show.

The coolest encounter? Asking “A Game of Thrones” author George R. R. Martin for his ID and his ticket at the entrance. I was just doing my job, you know.