One thing's for sure: Ben Affleck won't be picking up a best director Academy Award to pair with the Golden Globe he won Sunday night for "Argo." Although the Hollywood Foreign Press Association gave him its top directing prize, the members of the Academy didn't even include Affleck on their list of nominees. (Conventional wisdom is that Steven Spielberg, by far the biggest name on the Academy's list, will take that prize.)

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Ben Affleck doesn't even have a shot to repeat his best director win at the Oscars -- he's not nominated.

But Affleck's film, "Argo," still could win best picture. Some critics say that's unlikely, that even though best picture and director are completely separate categories, Academy voters will only support a best picture winner whose director they liked enough to also nominate. (Three films have won best picture without a best director nomination. "Driving Miss Daisy" was the last to do so, back in 1989.)

If the no-best-picture-without-a-director-nomination rule holds, Spielberg's "Lincoln" is where your smart money goes. The four other films whose directors were nominated are longshots at best for best picture, much as arthouse-goers might love "Beasts of the Southern Wild" or "Amour."

Many awards watchers went into the Globes expecting a "Lincoln" sweep. Not only did that not happen, the presidential drama won only one award, for Daniel Day-Lewis as best actor. That makes it time to look at the best picture nominees with fresh eyes. Out of nine, there are only three real contenders -- "Lincoln," "Argo" and "Zero Dark Thirty."

"Zero Dark Thirty" had early momentum and stunning reviews, but has made more headlines recently for its torture controversy (and host  Amy Poehler's zinger about director Kathryn Bigelow's ex-husband James Cameron). The lengthy and engrossing film could still pull out a win, but you're more likely to see star Jessica Chastain repeat her Globes win for best actress instead. Sorry, Jennifer Lawrence -- your Globe win for best actress in a motion picture musical or comedy for "Silver Linings Playbook" probably won't be enough to dethrone Chastain.

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If you buy into the stereotypes about the Academy voters, "Argo" would seem to have a decent best-picture shot. The Academy clearly likes to reward films about their own industry -- witness moviemaking themed "The Artist" scooping up five Oscars in 2012. And "Argo" shows Hollywood at its best, as two of its own (played by John Goodman and Alan Arkin) craft a fake movie to help a CIA specialist (Affleck) rescue six Americans hiding in Iran. It's quite possible that the Oscars could mimic the Golden Globes this year and reward the film, even without Affleck being nominated.

But then there's "Lincoln." It too features many of the trademarks of films the Academy loves to honor. Epic and sweeping, it's the kind of big-issue picture Spielberg does so well, the sort of movie schools will likely show to history classes for years to come. If the Academy can't resist rewarding Day-Lewis and Spielberg, it's conceivable voters could choose not to spread the wealth around and dub "Lincoln" best picture too.

"Les Miserables" could contend, but it's more likely that Anne Hathaway will take home the best supporting actress award, mimicking her Globe win, and the musical's fans will have to be content with that and perhaps some of the minor awards it's nominated for (it's up for eight). Some critics are rooting for Hugh Jackman's "Les Mis" performance to rise up and knock out Day-Lewis in the best actor category, but that still seems unlikely, all the more so after Day-Lewis' Globes win.

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"Django Unchained" seems unlikely to do as well at the Oscars as it did at the Globes. Quentin Tarantino, who seemed genuinely surprised to win the Globe for screenwriting, isn't up for best director. Christoph Waltz claimed the Globe for best supporting actor, and he and "Argo's" Alan Arkin will likely duke it out for that same title Oscar night. But the Academy likes to be seen as Dignified and Serious, and Tarantino's artsy flying blood splatters may not appeal to its voters.

"Life of Pi" earned 11 Oscar nominations, second only to "Lincoln," but no one is giving it much of a shot to score big with the Academy, except in minor categories. (It won for best original score at the Globes.)

Winners aside, the sometimes loopy Globes have established themselves as a surprisingly tough act for big-brother Oscar to follow. It'll be interesting to see if Academy Awards host Seth MacFarlane can even come close to matching the overwhelmingly positive reviews Globes hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler have collected. Fey and Poehler have a more mainstream fanbase and they aren't the envelope-pushers that the "Family Guy" creator is. And Angelina Jolie will have to show a lot more than leg for anything in the rest of the show to rival the buzz garnered by Cecil B. DeMille award winner Jodie Foster's confusing but endearing six-minute speech.

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• Jodie Foster's speech brings tears
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Spotted on the Golden Globes red carpet: Jolie-inspired poses.

Look what you've done, Angelina Jolie. Look what you've done.

After the actress dramatically showed off her gams at the 2012 Academy Awards, a bold move that consequently launched a thousand memes, it seems the bare leg trend is here to stay.

On the Golden Globes red carpet on Sunday, more than one celebrity was spotted "Jolie-ing" it up to the crowd. Not with the same oopmph or bravado as Jolie, but hey, you gotta give a sister credit for trying.

Check out the image above. Think you have an idea who might do such a thing? Can you pair the leg with it's A-list owner?

We'll give you one more minute to make your guesses.

OK, ready?

The guilty culprits are...

Halle Berry, Eva Longoria, and Heidi Klum.

Getty Images, Reuters

Putting their best foot forward? Halle Berry, Eva Longoria, and Heidi Klum pose at the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 13.

Are you a fan of the high-slit dress look? Let us know!

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Somewhere in the mists of time, two women may have emceed a major awards presentation. But we're pretty certain that as hosts of the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are setting a new historical precedent. If nothing else, they're the funniest women to ever host a major awards show.

The former "Saturday Night Live" duo (and of course stars of their own from "30 Rock" and "Parks and Recreation") kicked everything off in high style Sunday evening with a shared stand-up introduction; Fey done out in sparkly blue and Poehler in muted red. They referred to the fact that on this rare night, film stars mingled with the "rat-faced people of television," leading director Quentin Tarantino ("Django Unchained") to reach over to "Modern Family's" Sofia Vergara for a fist-bump. 

But the pair scored their first real "did they say that?" zinger when Poehler referred to nominee Kathryn Bigelow's nomination: "I haven't really been following the controversy over 'Zero Dark Thirty,' but when it comes to torture, I trust the lady who spent three years married to James Cameron."'

And here's a promise from your hosts: They will wrap it up by "eleven dark thirty at the latest."

Of course, you never know where they'll pop up, these hosts and throughout the evening both ladies found ways to insert themselves into the proceedings. First up, Poehler -- in fake teeth and a bright red wig -- mugged for the cameras from the audience as if she were nominated. Presenters Don Cheadle and Eva Longoria played along, reading out her "nomination," saying she was Darcy St. Budge, "the psychic who solves her own murder" in faux film, "Dog President."

And, not to be outdone in the "cameo" audience appearances area by Poehler, Fey appeared during the list of best actor in a movie or miniseries nominees, wearing big glasses and an askew mustache, eyeing the camera as Damian Francisco, "a professional volleyball player battling restless leg syndrome" from the same fake film as Poehler's/St. Budge's.

Even a half hour into the show, the duo were getting accolades from around the Web -- Lindsay Lohan gave them a shout out, noting that she was "grateful to of had the opportunity to work" with them. 

Fey's influence carried throughout the evening -- Anne Hathaway, taking a best supporting actress award, had one word to say in honor as she took the stage: "Blergh! Thanks for that word, Tina."

Fortunately, when they showed up next time randomly in the audience, it was as themselves -- cuddling up to the stars. During the reading of the nominations for best TV series actress, comedy or musical, nominee Fey could be seen nuzzling with Jennifer Lopez as Fey's nomination was read out; nominee Poehler sipping champagne with George Clooney as her name was read aloud. Neither had to head up to the stage, though -- Lena Dunham won the prize. 

After a short break, however, the carefree attitude of the hosts was clearly gone -- having lost their Globe nomination, Fey and Poehler "stumbled" out on stage carrying full drinks and "slurring" their words. "Everybody's getting a little loose now that we're all losers," said Poehler; then Fey pointed out, "look how drunk Glenn Close is."

Close-up on the "Damages" actress weaving and bobbing theatrically. 

"She might need a medic," added Fey.

And then, of course, to wrap things up the Fey-Poehler juggernaut had to launch one final sally: "Goodnight," called out Poehler. "We're going home with Jodie Foster!"

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Who needs the Oscars? Ben Affleck may have been snubbed by the Academy Award nominations, but he took center stage at the Golden Globes Sunday night. Affleck claimed the best director honor and his film, "Argo," won the award for best drama. 

"Look, I don't care what the award is," Affleck said while accepting the director's award, going on to extol the virtues of his fellow nominees.

Affleck also won the Critics' Choice best director award Thursday night, joking in his acceptance there that, "I'd like to thank the academy."

Many had thought the directing award would go to Steven Spielberg for "Lincoln," but that acclaimed film won only one award, for lead actor Daniel Day-Lewis. Day-Lewis, a heavy favorite to repeat with an Oscar win on Feb. 24, thanked Spielberg, saying "you have given me an experience that I will treasure for the rest of my life."

Who wore it best? Vote for your favorite Golden Globe look

And "Argo" winning for best motion picture drama was a stunner as well. Many expected that award to go to either "Lincoln" or "Zero Dark Thirty," Kathryn Bigelow'ssearing look at the hunt to find Osama bin Laden.

While Bigelow and "Zero Dark Thirty" didn't win their categories, the film wasn't shut out. In another win that could easily be repeated at the Academy Awards, Jessica Chastain won for best actress in a motion picture drama for playing the CIA agent whose work led to the final raid on bin Laden's compound.

Chastain said that she had "wanted to be an actress since I was a little girl." She also thanked her grandmother for "teaching me to always believe in my dreams, and this is an absolute dream come true."

Hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler kept the three-hour show lively with jokes and skits, including mocking themselves when they lost out to Lena Dunham in the best actress in a television musical or comedy series category. Before that award was announced, Fey was seen hugging singer Jennifer Lopez in faux nervousness, while Poehler was seen snuggling actor and heartthrob George Clooney.

Early on, Fey and Poehler directed a joke at controversial former ceremony host Ricky Gervais, noting that "when you run afoul of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, they make you host the show two more times." 

Fey and Poehler may have thrown out gentler barbs than Gervais, but they weren't afraid to land some digs. Poehler admitted she hadn't really been following the waterboarding controversy surrounding "Zero Dark Thirty," but joked of its director Bigelow, "when it comes to torture, I trust the lady who spent three years married to ("Titanic" director) James Cameron."

They even got a joke in at the host of a different awards show, praising Anne Hathaway's role as the abandoned young mother in "Les Miserables" by saying they "had not seen someone so totally alone and abandoned like that since (Hathaway was) on stage with James Franco at the Oscars."

Hathaway didn't feel alone or abandoned later on in the show, when she won the award she was heavily favored to pick up, that of best supporting actress in a motion picture.

"Thank you for this lovely blunt object that I will forevermore use as a weapon against self-doubt," Hathaway said. She went on to pay tribute to fellow nominee Sally Field, thanking Field for demonstrating how an actress can progress from youthful comic roles to more serious parts.

Hathaway also thanked her mother, "who I saw perform this role when I was 8." Kate Hathaway played Fantine in the first U.S. tour of "Les Miserables."

It was a good night for the big-screen adaptation of "Les Mis." In addition to Hathaway's supporting actress honor, the film won for best comedy or musical, and star Hugh Jackman, took home the award for best actor in a motion picture musical or comedy.

"Les Miserables is a project of passion," Jackman said in his acceptance speech. "It took a lot of courage to make it." 

What could have been a standard lifetime achievement award presentation rose above the ordinary when actress Jodie Foster, who received the Cecil B. DeMille Award, thanked her longtime partner Cydney Bernard, who helped her raise their two sons, calling her a “co-parent and ex-partner in love.”

Before mentioning Bernard, she denied her words constituted a coming-out speech, saying “I already did my coming out about a thousand years ago.”

Foster, who has never made a formal statement about her sexuality, also said, “If you had been a public figure since the time you were a toddler ... maybe you too would value privacy against all else.”

Flu-stricken Jennifer Lawrence won the award for best actress in a motion picture musical or comedy for her role in "Silver Linings Playbook." Upon taking the stage, Lawrence looked at her award and joked, "Oh, what does it say? I beat Meryl (Streep)!"

Showtime's "Homeland" series was nominated for four Golden Globes, and claimed three of four. The show won for best television drama, and stars Damian Lewis and Claire Danes won acting awards.

Lewis dedicated his award to his late mother. "Mom, I love you," he said.

Danes thanked the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which presents the awards, for "being so generous to me over the years," noting "I was up here when I was 15." In 1994, Danes won the same award for her role as Angela Chase in "My So-Called Life." Then a teen, she's now an acclaimed actress and a mother: Danes' son Cyrus was born just a month ago.

Singer Adele, a nine-time Grammy winner, won her first Golden Globe for best original song for "Skyfall," the theme to the latest James Bond movie. Like Danes, she's also a new mom. The singer, 24, gave birth to her first child, a son, in October.

One of the biggest standing ovations of the evening came when former president Bill Clinton strolled on stage to introduce "Lincoln" which led all nominees with seven.

Co-host Poehler later joked, "That was Hillary Clinton's husband! So exciting!"

Director Quentin Tarantino won the best screenplay award for his bloody slavery drama "Django Unchained." The director thanked his cast and the friends to whom he read scenes, and admitted "This is a damn surprise, and I'm very happy to be surprised."

Another surprised winner was first-time nominee Lena Dunham, who won the award for best actress in a television musical or comedy series for her starring role in HBO's "Girls." After praising her fellow nominees and thanking her cast and family, Dunham said her award was "for every woman who has ever felt there wasn't a space for her. This show has made a space for me."

Dunham was back on stage again later when "Girls" won the Golden Globe for best TV series, comedy or musical, and thanked the show's cast for showing her "the meaning of nakedness, both emotional and physical."

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Christoph Waltz, who plays a dentist turned bounty hunter in "Django Unchained," won the award for best supporting actor in a motion picture.

"Let me gasp," Waltz said, before thanking director Tarantino "for entrusting me with this character" and praising his castmates, one of whom, Leonardo DiCaprio, he beat for the award.

Maggie Smith, whose acerbic barbs make her a favorite on PBS's "Downton Abbey," won the Golden Globe for best supporting actress in a series, miniseries or television film. Smith, 78, was not in attendance.

"Game Change," HBO's political drama about the 2008 presidential election, won the award for best miniseries or television film, and star Julianne Moore won for best actress in a miniseries or television film for her role as vice-presidential candidate and Alaska governor Sarah Palin.  "Game Change" led all television nominees with five. 

Kevin Costner won the award for best performance in a miniseries or television film for his role as Devil Anse Hatfield in the History Channel miniseries "Hatfields and McCoys."

"Kind of a short walk and a long career and a lot of people to thank along the way," Costner said. He mused on the first time he ever attended the Golden Globes, remembering how "no one said anything to me" and how inspired he was by watching a retrospective of the career of Gregory Peck. 

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Don Cheadle claimed the award for best actor in a television comedy or musical for "House of Lies."

Ed Harris, who played Sen. John McCain in "Game Change," won the Golden Globe for best supporting actor in a series, miniseries or television film.

"Life of Pi,"based on the bestselling Yann Martel novel, won the award for best original score in a motion picture for Mychael Danna.

Austrian film "Amour" won the award for best foreign film, with Austria native Arnold Schwarzenegger announcing the film's win.

Pixar's "Brave" won for best animated feature film.

Watch TODAY Monday morning as Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker and Natalie Morales report live from Hollywood on the Golden Globe winners, surprises and after-party details.

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Michelle Dockery, Julianne Hough, Isla Fisher, Emily Mortimer, and Carla Gugino at the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Jan. 13.

Going for ... silver?

From Julianne Hough to "Downton Abbey" star Michelle Dockery, the Golden Globes red carpet sparkled with celebrities' sleek and sophisticated metallic attire.

Check out full-on silver gowns, gold-embellishments and more rich hues that had the stars sparkling on Sunday night:

Kevork Djansezian/nbc / Getty Images Contributor

Jodie Foster, in Armani, arrives at the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards.

Jordan Strauss / AP

Kerry Washington's nude Miu Miu gown featured gorgeous metallic details.

Kevork Djansezian/nbc / Getty Images Contributor

Nicole Kidman, wearing Alexander McQueen, poses with husband and musician Keith Urban.

Jason Merritt / Getty Images

Emily Blunt opted for a bold cut-out dress by designer Michael Kors.

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Is that snakeskin? Carla Gugino wears a sexy, slinky style.

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Kate Hudson wears an elegant, gold-accented Alexander McQueen gown.

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Helen Hunt poses in a sophisticated metallic number.

Jordan Strauss / AP

Far from Downton: Actress Michelle Dockery sparkles in a dress by French designer Alexandre Vauthier.

Watch TODAY Monday morning as Matt, Savannah, Al and Natalie report live from Hollywood on the Golden Globe winners, surprises and after-party details.

Slideshow: The 15 best Golden Globes looks

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From Anne Hathaway to Jennifer Lawrence, the red carpet's most glamorous and fashion-forward celebrities.

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Are we looking at a presidential domination at this year's Golden Globes? Although the Globes never completely mirror the Academy Awards, they'll be compared anyway. Earlier in the year, "Zero Dark Thirty" was many critics' pick for a big winner this awards season. But after "Lincoln" dominated the Oscar nominations, with "Zero Dark Thirty" director Kathryn Bigelow and "Argo" director Ben Affleck missing out on director nods, the mood may be shifting towards a big night for the railsplitter from Illinois.

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Movie themes are serious this year. "Zero Dark Thirty" has made headlines for its infamous torture scenes. "Les Miserables" is nominated in the supposedly lighter comedy/musical category, but it's still a grim slog through prison, abuse, revolution, and Anne Hathaway selling her teeth and hair to feed Amanda Seyfried. In "Lincoln," our beloved sixteenth president manages to free the slaves, but that dark night at Ford's Theatre still awaits him. "Argo" brings back the grim worry of the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis. And "Django Unchained" features whippings, brandings and other tortures of the slavery era, as well as the standard Quentin Tarantino buckets of blood.

"Homeland" should do well on the TV side of things, with stars Claire Danes and Damian Lewis both contenders. Danes is always a fan favorite -- when she won last year, she made sure to thank her mother since she forgot to do so when she won back in 1994 for "My So-Called Life." "Girls," "Breaking Bad," "Veep" and "Mad Men" also have a shot. And who doesn't love nerdy Jim Parsons in "The Big Bang Theory"?

There's always a slightly quirky bent to the Golden Globes, and not just because the attendees can drink during the ceremony. The awards are given out by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, and films and shows with a more international appeal are recognized more here than at other awards ceremonies.  There's other weirdness, too. A star's child is dubbed Miss Golden Globe (sometimes Mr.) and "assists" in the awards. (This year, it's Francesca Eastwood.) At one past ceremony, Angelina Jolie jumped into the Beverly Hilton pool in her formal gown. And odd results in more than one year have led to suggestions that the judges are a bit, shall we say, easy to persuade.

For the past three years, Ricky Gervais made headlines for his no-holds-barred approach to hosting -- which in Hollywood terms meant he occasionally jabbed the rich and comfortable, to the delight of the audience. But this year, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler have taken over the hosting duties. Poehler told The Hollywood Reporter that "the Golden Globes is just quirky and weird enough, I think, that it's up our alley." And Fey pointed out the alcohol issue, saying "when you get a bunch of people in a room who don't eat much, and you give them one drink, it gets good fast."

On the red carpet, all eyes will be on singer Adele, making her first post-baby appearance (she's nominated for the theme from "Skyfall," a classy old-school number that does Bond proud).

And we'll also be checking out Jennifer Lawrence, who's up for best actress for "Silver Linings Playbook" and has rocked the red carpet before. Curvy Sofia Vergara will set the cameras clicking, and we're betting Anne Hathaway will remember to wear underwear this time.

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Jodie Foster just turned 50, but she’s already getting a lifetime achievement award. At Sunday’s Golden Globes ceremony (NBC, 8 p.m. ET), the former child actor, two-time Oscar winner, director and producer will receive the Cecil B. DeMille Award from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

Foster spoke with film critic Rick Warner about her eclectic career, motherhood, Mel Gibson, Justin Bieber and asteroids.

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Q: You’re awfully young to get a lifetime achievement award. Aren’t they usually given to doddering old men?
A: It definitely makes me want to go buy a walker. In some ways, it’s just about sheer endurance. I’ve been working steadily since the 1960s. I’m an oddity.

Q: Most child actors burn out early. How have you kept going?
A: I burn out periodically. Maybe I’ve lasted because I’ve had a weird career, doing so many different things. Directing allowed me to look at film in a different way, but I can’t imagine giving up acting because it’s a side of me that doesn’t get articulated in any other way. It’s all about self-discovery and trying things you’re scared of.

Q: You’ve always been a very private person. Is that getting harder in the Twitter age?
A: Not really because I’m pretty boring. That seems to work for me. I know this may surprise you, but I’m not as sought-after as Justin Bieber.

Q: You recently finished shooting "Elysium," a sci-fi thriller co-starring Matt Damon that’s set in the year 2159. So what’s the future like?
A: It’s a film about class and the growing inequities on our planet between rich and poor, the healthy and the unhealthy, those with opportunities and those without them.  As time goes on, things become more polarized. A luxurious space station is constructed for those who have means and can afford to leave the rotting Earth. I play a political leader who tries to keep immigrants away from the new habitat.

Q: You defended Mel Gibson when he was accused of some outrageous behavior. Any regrets?
A: I don’t know if defend is the right word. I just said he’s an amazing actor and an incredibly loyal, kind and generous friend.

Q: You appeared in your first TV commercial, for Coppertone, when you were 3, and acted throughout your childhood. Do you have many memories of those times?
A: Tons. I have memories of growing up on sets and going to all these amazing places. Like going to national parks in Utah and riding on a horse in a petticoat. Or going spelunking at Meramec Caverns in Missouri. I can’t imagine a kid from California having those adventures any other way.

Q: You went topless in that Coppertone commercial, didn’t you?
A: I didn’t want to wear a top because when I went to the beach, I never wore a top. Just bottoms. I remember my mom tried to talk to me about it, but she finally said, "Fine, don’t wear a top."

Q: Not many actors have an asteroid named after them. How did that happen?
A: I’m not sure, but I guess it had something to do with this (outer space) movie I did called "Contact." There are a lot of crazy astronomers out there and they loved that movie.

Q: You’re raising two boys as a single mom. Is that harder than acting and directing?
A: The biggest challenge of raising kids is your anxiety: Will they go to college, what will they do, will they be loved? But really, it’s a lot of fun. When I was younger, I didn’t realize what a creative experience being a parent is. It makes you look at the world differently.

Q: The Golden Globes dinner is infamous for being a rowdy affair. Will you remain dignified?
A: Well, my kids are coming with me, so we’ll see.  They went last year and there was some kind of chocolate party that Godiva threw, so they were all over that.

Q: When you’re not making movies, what’s your favorite activity?
A: My two passions in life are movies and skiing.  I’m a real diehard skier. I’m there first thing in the morning when the lifts open and I’ll ski until I have to go to the airport. I’ll even change in the car.

"Elysium" is scheduled to be released in August.

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Jodie Foster delivered an emotional barn-burner of a speech Sunday night as she accepted the Golden Globes' Cecil B. DeMille lifetime achievement award, driving the audience to tears with some of the most intimate revelations of her 47-year career in show business.

In an era where, as she said, "Every celebrity is expected to honor the details of their private life with a press conference, a fragrance and a prime-time reality show," it turns out, she's "not Honey Boo Boo Child."

Instead, she teased a long-held rumor about her sexual orientation right out to the point of admission, still keeping a grip on her long-held privacy in this area. "I had a sudden urge to say something that I have never really been able to air in public, a declaration that I’m a little nervous about ... but I’m just going to put it out there, loud and proud. So, I’m going to need your support on this. I am ... single. Yes, I am, I am single."

The audience laughed, but Foster followed up quickly: "I’m kidding. No, I’m really kidding but I’m kind of kidding. This could have been a big coming out speech tonight. I already did my coming out about a thousand years ago back in the stone age, in those very quaint days when a fragile young girl would open up to trusted friends and family, and co-workers and gradually probably to everyone who knew her ..."

She went on to thank her "heroic co-parent, my ex-partner-in-love, my righteous soul sister in life, my confessor ... most beloved BFF for 20 years, Cydney Bernard," acknowledging their partnership and sons (whose father(s) have never been named publicly) Charles and Christopher made up their "modern family." 

And then she defended that long-held privacy with a light admonishment to the audience outside the Beverly Hilton: "Seriously, if you had been a public figure from the time that you were a toddler, if you’d had to fight for a life that felt real and honest and normal against all odds, then maybe then you too might value privacy above all else. ... I have given everything up there since the time I was 3 years old and that’s reality show enough, don’t you think?"

Foster got started early in show business, a seasoned TV actress with credits on "Gunsmoke" and the TV adaptation of the 1973 film hit "Paper Moon" when she began accepting roles in much more adult-themed films, including "Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice" and "Taxi Driver," in which she played a 12-year-old prostitute. The role has been freighted with controversy for her entire career, and so obsessed John Hinckley Jr. that he shot President Ronald Reagan in 1981 to get Foster's attention.

As she's grown up, Foster has released at least one film every year of her life, never taking an extended break. She segued into the occasional directing job with 1991's "Little Man Tate," and got behind the camera (and in front of it) for 2011's "The Beaver." Over the years, she showed a fearlessness with her no-genre-barred script choices, including the eerie "The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane" (1976), comedic western "Maverick" (1994), sci-fi "Contact" (1997) and suspense thriller "Panic Room" (where she played opposite a young Kristen Stewart).

Slideshow: Jodie Foster

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But it was her vulnerable-yet-strong roles in films like "Silence of the Lambs" (1989) and "The Accused" (1992) -- both of which earned her best actress Oscars -- that ushered her in as a formidable, talented adult actress who remains today one of Hollywood's least-known, yet enduring performers.

Still, Foster wasn't done with the almost-revelations for the night, using her platform to address her mother Evelyn, who managed the young Jodie early on. Her comments seemed to indicate that her mother might be ailing; Foster noted, "Mom, I know you’re inside those blue eyes somewhere and that there are so many things you won’t understand tonight, but this is the only important one to take in: I love you, I love you, I love you…. You did good in this life, and you’re a great mom. Please take that with you when you’re finally OK to go."

Many thought the two-time Oscar winner seemed to be also saying farewell to acting, though she later clarified to The Hollywood Reporter that she was not retiring from the profession.

"This feels like the end of one era, and the beginning of something else," she said. "Scary and exciting, and now what? Well, I may never be up on this stage again, on any stage for that matter.... I will continue to tell stories ... it’s just that from now on I may be holding a different talking stick. Maybe it won’t be as sparkly ... but it will be my writing on the wall: Jodie Foster was here, I still am and I want to be seen, to be understood deeply and to be not so very lonely..... Here’s to the next 50 years."

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As the Golden Globes event approaches zero hour -- that's Sunday night, for those keeping track -- TODAY's Matt Lauer and Savannah Guthrie wanted to get the inside scoop on what to expect on both the red carpet and the big stage on one of the industry's most-anticipated nights of the year. 

First off, Guthrie, reporting from Los Angeles, sat down with senior fashion editor at Marie Claire magazine Zanna Roberts Rassi to go over the eye-catching looks actresses and (sometimes) actors will trot out on the carpet. Rassi was enthusiastic about relative newcomer Jessica Chastain (a nominee for "Zero Dark Thirty"), calling her a "fashion plate." The pair also discussed Jennifer Lawrence's (nominated for "Silver Linings Playbook") tendency to change hair color, and noted that Lena Dunham (nominated as an actress in her show "Girls") is great for keeping it real and not worrying about her body type.

Anticipated trends for the carpet, said Rassi, include black and white combos, "extreme" ruffles and "strategically-placed" skin, despite the low temperatures expected for Sunday evening.

Vote for your Golden Globes favorites!

Later, back in New York, Lauer chatted with Access Hollywood correspondent Michelle Beadle, asking her to prognosticate on who will "walk away with the hardware" from the evening.

Beadle liked "Lincoln" as a best picture and "Les Miserables" for the best musical or comedy award (the Globes separates the genres, while the Oscars does not); she also leaned toward Anne Hathaway to pick up an award for her short role in "Les Mis." 

"When she sang 'I Dreamed a Dream,' I think that nailed it for her," said Beadle.

The best director list includes three names who were considered snubbed by the Oscars: Ben Affleck, Kathryn Bigelow and Quentin Tarantino, and she anticipated that Affleck would take the Globe Sunday. "Expect a funny speech out of him because I do think he feels dissed by the Academy for Oscar time," she said.

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Over in best actress for a musical or comedy, Beadle had a big raised fist for Jennifer Lawrence ("Silver Linings Playbook"). "She's young, she's smart, she's the new Hollywood without all the drama and stuff off the screen," she said.

Finally, the pair explored best television drama, and the vote was for "Breaking Bad" to take it home. "This is a tough category; all five of these are obviously strong shows," Beadle said.

Later, Beadle returned for a special Globes-themed "Take 3" segment, sitting down with TODAY's Willie Geist and Tamron Hall and E!'s Jason Kennedy (Guthrie weighed in from L.A.). They compared their own predictions in key categories -- Kennedy and Geist agreed that "Argo" deserved best picture; Hall and Beadle went for "Lincoln," which left Guthrie going it alone on "Zero Dark Thirty." Viewers choice? "Lincoln."

The biggest surprise? Hall, by her own admission, hadn't seen any of the movies being discussed. "My opinions are solely based on the -- I do read a lot -- all of the reviews," she insisted.

Geist promised to hook her up with screeners so she could watch the films at home.

They also noted that the pairing of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler to host the show would be awesome. "We can boldly all predict and agree that they are going to be fabulous," said Guthrie. "There's no chance they're not going to absolutely kill it out there."

Be sure to check out the video to find out what else they had to say -- and tune in Sunday night starting at 7 p.m. ET for "TODAY at the Golden Globes" on NBC to see if their predictions come true!

Slideshow: 2013 Golden Globe nominations

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Jonathan Short / AP

Adele.

Rumor had it that we'd be seeing Adele back in action soon. Guess what? True story!

The British songbird is planning to attend the Golden Globes this Sunday in what will be her first public appearance since becoming a mom in October. (And, perhaps, the first time she reveals her little boy's name? We're hoping!)

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And while it's pretty guaranteed that Adele will be basking in the glow of mass adoration, she might end up taking home a trohpy, too. 

Her "Skyfall" theme is among the nominees for Best Song, along with Taylor Swift' "Safe and Sound" from "The Hunger Games," Jon Bon Jovi's "Not Running Anymore" from "Stand Up Guys," Keith Urban's "For You" from "Act of Valor"  and "Someday" from "Les Miserables." 

Adele and boyfriend Simon Konecki became first-time parents on Oct. 19.

Watch the Globes on Sunday on NBC at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET.

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NBC

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.

"Saturday Night Live" alumnae and current sitcom leading ladies Tina Fey and Amy Poehler both received Golden Globe nominations Thursday morning. But whether or not the actresses win for their respective work on "30 Rock" and "Parks and Recreation," the night promises to be a big one for both of them. After all, they're the hosts.

Shortly after the full list of nominees was revealed, the first promo featuring the pair debuted.

Watch the clip below to see the prime-time pals deliver some old-school Hollywood style.

The Golden Globes will air Jan. 13 on NBC.

What do you think of the promo? Are you looking forward to seeing what Fey and Poehler bring to the Golden Globes? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

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You were expecting the Hollywood Foreign Press Association to invite Bane to its party? Probably not. So, no, the fact that "The Dark Knight Rises" didn't figure into Thursday's top nominations for the 70th annual Golden Globes wasn't surprising. But, considering the Batman movie's overall acclaim, it was a snub. 

Slideshow: 2013 Golden Globe nominations

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Other quick takes on surprising nods -- and exclusions:

'Les Mis' and 'Lincoln' come up big at Globe noms

1. "Les Miserables"
Wait, didn't it get nominated for Best Comedy/Musical? And didn't Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway get their expecting acting nods? Yes, but if you want to cut a movie off at the knees, then you don't nominate its director, which is what happened to Tom Hooper. A bad Oscar omen? Or just proof that the HFPA really, really, really loves Quentin Tarantino, who was nominated for "Django Unchained"?

2. Richard Gere in, Anthony Hopkins out
With Jackman being nominated on the Comedy/Musical side, there was an opening in the Drama Actor category, an opening you might've guessed would go to "Hitchcock" favorite Hopkins. But it didn't. Gere, who got good buzz for the indie "Arbitrage" and who's been the beneficiary of a diligent awards-season campaign, took the slot instead.

3. "Beasts of the Southern Wild"
You know how some movies are just not Oscar movies? This movie would be an example of the kind of film that's just not a Golden Globes movie. The no-budget wonder, which many expect will still figure into the Academy Awards, got nothing from the HFPA.

'Zero Dark Thirty' hit a roadblock at the SAG Awards

4. Tommy Lee Jones
Yes, he got nominated for "Lincoln," but he was also very good in  "Hope Springs," which the Globes saw fit to honor with a Comedy/Musical nod for Meryl Streep.

5. "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen"
Who knew? It got three big nods, for Best Comedy/Musical, Emily Blunt and, in the spot that wasn't taken by  "Hope Springs" Jones, Ewan McGregor.

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6. Matthew McConaughey
Jack Black, not McConaughey, got the "Bernie" love; "Magic Mike" got zip. File this one under "Wait 'til next year."

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