By Buddy Singer

I knew this was going to be an unusual Golden Globes when I arrived at the Beverly Hilton this morning and found a spot on the ground floor of the hotel's self-parking lot. That never happens, let alone on Golden Globes day when that structure is usually off-limits! The hotel had none of the outward signs of a big Hollywood night - no red carpet, no signage, no limos, not a zillion TV crews running around laying cable and doing whatever else they do for all those hours to prepare. There were, however, the usual compliment of security people in dark suits, thwarting your every attempt to move freely through the hotel. The only thing I can figure is that the security guys were paid for, so why not use them?

The reading of the winners was held in the Grand Ballroom, the same room where they hold the event every year. Seating was open so I picked a prime table near the front. I'm sure I had Clooney's seat or maybe it was Julia's. There was a nice but understated floral centerpiece at each table and at each seat an official program to take home (sorry George, if you're interested I'm sure we can work something out).  As the hours passed the room started to fill -- dozens upon dozens of camera crews, hundreds of journalists. At 2 PM, we were all asked to leave so they could do a security sweep. Guess the HFPA just couldn't face the fact that no celebrities were coming and a sweep just wasn't necessary. They should have chained the doors with us inside to be sure they'd have an audience at 6 PM.

Finally about 3:30 PM we were allowed back in. What was the buzz, the vibe? That's what the people back at the office kept texting me. Well, I can report with confidence that there was an undeniable current pulsating through the room - I have never seen so many reporters so thrilled that they'd be out by 7 and wouldn't have to do any interviews. This was going to be the easiest Golden Globes (from a reporters standpoint) ever. As it turned out, it was all over by 6:30. It took just 30 minutes to go through the 25 categories. But instead of a rush for the door, there was a stampede to the buffet tables set up in the back of the room. If you give a reporter a shrimp and cocktail napkin.... well, you know the rest.