It may well go down in Hollywood history as the best awards show ever. Laden with stars, surprises, laughter some poignant moments too, the 72nd Golden Globes was a celebration to remember. From Tina Fey and Amy Poehler's hilarious opening to their closing goodbyes, the evening was packed with highlights.

HFPA President Theo Kingma

Hollywood Foreign Press Association president Theo Kingma received a standing ovation when he referred to recent events by saying: "As international journalists we understand the importance of freedom of artistic expression as not only an integral part of the American fabric but a beacon that is reflected across the globe from North Korea to Paris. We must stand united."

George Clooney with the wife Amal Alamuddin | Photo by Armando Gallo

The first presenters of the evening were Jennifer Aniston and Benedict Cumberbatch who announced the nominees for the first award of the evening— best supporting actor—– and presented it to J.K Simmons for his role in Whiplash. From then on it was a virtual parade of stars, stars and more stars. Don Cheadle and Julianne Margulies introduced this year's Cecil B deMille award winner George Clooney whose career was highlighted in a series of film clips. More than 200 stars were among the 1,500 guests in the hotel ballroom for the three-hour show, and because the show features a sit-down meal the evening had an intimate, old-Hollywood vibe where stars table-hopped, met old friends, whispered in each other's ears and some drank too much.

Jennifer Aniston and Reese Whiterspoon | Photo by Armando Gallo

And when the show was over everyone headed off to do the rounds of the SIX parties hosted by the TV and movie studios in various parts of the hotel to eat, drink and dance some more.