There were gorgeous gowns, lots of glam and glitz, and even some genuine giggles at the 2012 Golden Globe Awards last night in Los Angeles. And if the fashion and fun weren't Character Approved enough, we applaud the fact that the televised show finished pretty much on time, leaving fewer next-day groggy-eyed-viewers than years past.

The ever-dashing George Clooney won for Best Actor in The Descendants and the movie took Best Picture, Drama. The Artist snagged a few shiny statues including Best Picture, Comedy or Musical; Best Actor, for Jean Dujardin; and Best Musical Score. Not even Clooney could outshine a show-stealing dog named Uggie, who joined his fellow performers onstage to accept The Artist's accolades.

A poignant introduction by Sidney Poitier and Dame Helen Mirren brought the audience to its feet as Morgan Freeman was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award.

Fashion is what awards season is all about, and this red carpet did not disappoint. There was plenty of red, and lots of wonderful feathery, ruffled skirts.

Claire Danes and Kate Winslet both wore black and white gowns and many, including Julie Bowen, Diane Lane, Madonna, and Laura Dern, wore gorgeous dresses that shimmered and sparkled.

Sparkling as well--and looking fabulous doing it--the ultimate introduction was a duet of sorts between Felicity Huffman and William H. Macy, who cleverly sang their way into the nominees for Best Actress.

The Globes are a soothsayer of sorts for the Oscars so we will be curious to see if The Artist and all things Clooney dominate there as well. There's just over a month to go, so get your gown or best pajamas ready!

[Image: Joel Ryan/Associated Press]