Why is it that the highly anticipated Oscars ceremonies always seem dull and underwhelming while the Golden Globes always gives us a good buzz? Is it because the stars are all extra giddy after a few extra gulps of Champagne? That may be part of it, but I also think it’s because they’re intent on throwing a bash, not an historical event. They want to be zippy, star-studded, star-centered - and they certainly succeeded in all those categories this year round.

So who were the big winners? Here’s my list. Feel free to share yours

1) Tie. Kate Winslet and Kate Winslet. She had previously been nominated for 5 GGs and 5 Oscars, never winning a single one. Now she’s got two. The fact that she showed so much genuine emotion was either the greatest performance of her life or a genuine relief. Good for her.

2) “Slumdog Millionaire.” It may be a year where Hollywood is pushing big stars, but it’s great to see this l’il picture move into the Oscar frontrunner seat. The smiles on the young actors’ faces everytime “Slumdog” won was one of the highlights of the year. And good for the GGS allowing some Bollywood stars to present a film. Smart, too.

3) Ricky Gervais. I know, I know. He wasn’t nominated for anything, but as he reminded the audience of that fact with a hilarious riff that seemed genuinely off-the-cuff, you had to wonder why he wasn’t asked to host the Oscars. No offense to Hugh Jackman, but Gervais is able to have fun wih the audience in a such a way that he doesn’t offend. That’s something “Borat” could learn.

4) Mickey Rourke. Is anyone gonna beat him in the Oscar race? Not now.

5) Sally Hawkins. What a treat to see her get recognized. Let’s see if she can turn that into an Oscar nomination. I’m betting she will.

6) Colin Farrell. Wait a second. Do I have to start taking Farrell seriously now?

7) HBO. Yeah, I know that AMC’s “Mad Men” was king, but HBO had a lot to boast about. I’m sure they knew “John Adams” was going to clean up, but it was far from a guarantee that Anna Paquin and Gabriel Byrne would win for “True Blood” and “In Treatment.” That bodes well for two shows that could use larger audiences.

Drew Barrymore. She got more camera time Sunday night than she has in her last three movies.

9) Tina Fey. Of course

10) Heath Ledger. Rest in peace.

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