The 2012 Golden Globes got off to another raucous start last night as comedian Ricky Gervais delivered his patented heckle-filled monologue. Instead of dwelling on lackluster films like The Tourist, however, Gervais kept his celebrity roast short and to the point. The audience welcomed his caustic humor, which kept spirits high throughout the many Character Approved moments of the night.

The audience celebration hit its first high point when Octavia Spencer took home the award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role for her role in The Help, one of 2011's most talked about films. Spencer made her way to the stage through several friends who gave her affectionate, congratulatory hugs, and she began her speech by quoting Dr. Martin Luther King, "All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance." It was a great moment, especially when the camera cut to Bridesmaids' star Melissa McCarthy, who was wiping away a tear.

Martin Scorcese took home the Best Director Globe for Hugo. He graciously thanked his wife for giving him the book from which the movie was adapted. He said she asked him, "Why don't you make a movie a movie our daughter can see for a change?"

Living legends Sidney Poitier and Helen Mirren took the stage to present the Cecil B. DeMille Award to Morgan Freeman. Poitier was welcomed with a standing ovation as he shared emotional words about the accomplished actor. Mirren chose to lighten the mood by mock-accusing Freeman of only performing in one movie with her during his long and distinguished career. Freeman accepted the award with humility, commending Mirren on her action scenes in Red. He then said to Poitier, "In my house it [the Cecil B. DeMille Award] will also be known as the Sidney Poitier award."

[Image: Robyn Beck/Agence France-Presse, Getty Images]