Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, it’s one of my favorite nights of the year… as a broadcast film critic, this is our show to celebrate and honor the best films and performances from 2011, and all of the actors are guests at our party!

In the past it’s provided some unforgettable conversations with everyone from Paul McCartney to Steven Spielberg, Clint Eastwood, Meryl Streep and the list goes on as all the actors are at ease eating and conversing as we (junketeers) are mixed amongst the tables with our celeb friends we see a handful of times each year. 2012’s event proved to be just as exciting at the Hollywood Palladium. My brother and sister joined me once again for the annual show, along with dear friend and former colleague Francesca Rodgers, but it was “Moneyball” Best Actor nominee Brad Pitt, who was the true highlight on the uniquely Grey Carpet…

The coveted Best Picture Award went to the black and white, silent film “The Artist.” But as we stand in the Best Picture circle you can see it had quite the competition with 10 films in the category including a few of my other favorites, “Midnight in Paris,” “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close,” “The Help,” and “Moneyball.” And inside on the Palladium floor, the room was decorated to impress.

I was most looking forward to seeing and hearing Bob Dylan perform live as part of the tribute to Martin Scorsese who received the Music+Film Award. “J. Edgar” Best Actor nominee Leonardo DiCaprio presented the award along with Olivia Harrison. The always charming, and incredibly warm George Clooney is the man who actually took home the Best Actor statue for his role in “The Descendants.”

I caught up with several other nominees including “Young Adult” Best Actress nominee Charlize Theron who brought her mom to the show. ” Two of the Best Supporting Actress nominees Shailene Woodley for “The Descendants,” and Jessica Chastain for “The Help.”  Plus couldn’t pass up one of my favorite funny females also from “The Descendants” Judy Greer…

After all the winners were announced, everyone headed a few blocks down the street to Boulevard 3 for the After Party!!

Well it was so much fun celebrating the best films and performances of 2011… every year provides for plenty of laughter, tears, thrills, and drama… bring on the slate for 2012!!