Since most of you in the States were transfixed by episode two of series 3 of Downton Abbey, I’m guessing you might not be aware that the 70th annual Golden Globe Awards took place in Hollywood at the Beverly Hilton Hotel last night. Yes, it’s hard to believe, but someone actually had to the nerve to broadcast other telly on Sunday night.

The 2013 Golden Globe Awards recognized British brilliance from the very beginning Sunday night as Dame Maggie Smith took home the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Series for her role as the Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey. It was here second straight Golden Globe award and third consecutive nomination for her Dowager Countess greatness. As if they had predicted the outcome earlier in the week, co-hosts for the evening, Tiny Fey (30 Rock) and Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation), set the tone for the upcoming event by revealing their Golden Globes Drinking Game whereby those watching at home (thankfully) should take off an article of clothing every time the cameras showed Judi Dench and any time Maggie Smith won. Again, thankfully, it was for those only at home, and not those in attendance at Los Angeles’ Beverly Hilton Hotel.

In addition to Smith, others flying the flag for Britain’s television and film industry with award nominations were Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln), Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey) for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series/Drama, Dame Helen Mirren (Hitchcock) and Rachel Weisz (The Deep Blue Sea), who go head to head in the Best Actress/Drama category, in addition to Dame Judi Dench (Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), Dame Maggie Smith (Quartet) and Emily Blunt (Salmon Fishing in the Yemen), all vying for the Best Actress/Musical or Comedy Golden Globe.

Unfortunately, after what appears to be yet another ‘longest night in television’, it looks like Daniel Day-Lewis and Dame Maggie Smith were the only ones headed home with hardware, but, as they say, it’s an honor just to be nominated.
 
Now, back to the matters at hand to learn the fate of Downton, Edith, Mrs. Hughes, Bates, et.al. But, before we go, a few choice Dowager Countess moments…
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVMtffzbAwk