Last night, he got a chance to showcase his skills.

As last year’s BAFTRA Best Actor Award winner for The King’s Speech, he was called upon to present the 2012 Best Actress BAFTRA Award at last night’s ceremony.  (I watched the festivities on DVR this morning during breakfast.)

Meryl Streep won for The Iron Lady, but the events that followed prove that winning ain’t always easy.

As Streep started walking toward the stage, she realized she had brought her purse, so she quickly shoved it into the hands of a woman on the aisle.  Then — in a Cinderella moment that couldn’t have been scripted — Streep left a shoe on the stage steps.

Thinking on his feet, Firth rescued her pump, knelt before the newly crowned Best Actress, and put it back on.

He was rewarded with a kiss.

Streep was thoughtful and gracious in her remarks, but I wasn’t really paying attention. We had just witnessed this spontaneous, movie-like moment.

Her speech was simply the credits.

Ray Romano, comedian and star of Everybody Loves Raymond and the recently canceled Men of a Certain Age, made the cut at this weekend’s AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.  Ray tees off in the fourth and final round today with his professional partner, Australian golfer Steven Bowditch.

Go get ‘em, Ray!

Fans of Men of a Certain Age will remember that Ray’s character Joe, party shop owner, gambling addict and avid golfer, had just qualified for the senior tour when the series was unceremoniously dumped by TNT.

We never got to see Joe fulfill his dream on the links, but today Ray is living out his own.

Karma is a wonderful thing.

No one is innocent here.

I’m sorry, Philadelphia Boston.  I didn’t mean to.

When I moved to New York City three five years ago, I had hoped being a sports team ‘good luck charm’ would help the Mets, but alas — the Yankees Giants won…again.

Even though my powers are extremely strong — and are becoming more legendary by the day– I’ve never had much control over them.

They first surfaced in Kansas City in 1992.  Mere weeks after I moved there, Joe Montana signed with the Chiefs.  Kansas City didn’t win a Super Bowl under Joe, but they were definitely post-season contenders.

I moved to Boston in 2000 and lived there for six years.  I think we all know the impact I had there.  Two World Series wins for the famously denied Boston Red Sox.  The Patriots win the Super Bowl not once, not twice, but three times.

But the minute I moved to New York City — we’re talking, I’d been in town just a couple of months — the New York Giants win the Super Bowl, defeating the New England Patriots.

Ouch.

My power is infinite and brutal and — with the Yankees’ World Series win just last night now that the Giants have handed the Patriots their second defeat — impossible to target.

I’m starting to wonder who’s behind my powers, and more importantly — what city is gonna pay me for them?

Chicago, I’m in the book.

And I didn’t even win the Powerball.

No, I’m watching That Thing You Do on Encore.  And I defy anyone to be in a bad mood when that movie is on.

I’ve watched the film before…at least seven or eight times, I would guess.  But every time I do, I am struck by the positive energy and sheer happiness radiating from every frame.  I’m sure if they filmed me watching the movie, I would be grinning from ear to ear (when I’m not moved to tears).

I’m also amazed at how many times they play the title song “That Thing You Do,” and how it never seems to get old.  It’s like the engine driving the film, and every time they play it, the movie gets another burst of life and energy.

There it goes again!  Gotta dance.

I know it was great.  Perhaps one day I will.

But right now, I feel like I’m living it…because I can’t go 24 hours without running into Kiefer Sutherland.

He’s the voice of calm on the current Bank of America television campaign. (They need one.)  He’s the spokesperson for Apple Intel, his raspy voice the perfect complement to their space age-y spots.  He’s also the voice of Nissan and Verizon — and that’s just in the United States.

In Canada, his dulcet tones sell Ford Fusion.  In Brazil, it’s Peugeot.

I know he has a new series on television called Touch, and a 24 feature film in the works.  But seriously Kiefer, why bother?

You already RULE THE WORLD.

“You know this awards stuff isn’t really important, right?”

A child with perspective.  I hate that.

Well, she’s gonna love this.  I now want to address the egregious omission of Ben and Leslie of Parks and Recreation from the E! Online “TV’s Top Couples Tournament.”

Thirty-two couples are vying for the title, and Ben and Leslie aren’t even being considered.

Thank goodness Lil’ Sebastian isn’t alive to see this day.

Since the obvious winner isn’t allowed to compete, I want to make sure some good couples make it into the round of Sweet 16.

Couples like…

• Phil and Claire of Modern Family
• Castle and Beckett of Castle
• Leonard and Penny of The Big Bang Theory
• Barney and Robin of How I Met Your Mother

I’m sure you have your favorites, so vote today!

It’s very important.

“Funding for Masterpiece is provided by the Masterpiece Trust, created to ensure the series future, with support from Donald and Darlene Shiley and the following…”

“The following” change episode to episode, but the Shileys remain at the top of the list.  You’ll even see their names as supporters of Masterpiece Mystery.

Which got me thinking — who are Donald and Darlene Shiley? Should I know their names already?  And can I personally thank them for ‘ensuring the future’ and very existence of Downton Abbey?

Sadly, Donald died in August of last year, but not before he made tremendous contributions as a doctor and philanthropist.  Shiley collaborated with Swedish cardiologist Dr. Viking Bjork to develop the Bjork-Shiley heart valve, which is credited with saving hundreds of thousands of lives.

He also contributed millions to research centers in San Diego which bear his name. The Shiley Eye Center at UC San Diego. The Shiley Center for Science and Technology at the University of San Diego. The Donald P. Shiley Cardiovascular Research Center at San Diego State University.

He and his wife Darlene have given millions to Alzheimers research, the Scripps Clinic, The Old Globe Theater and KPBS.  (She worked as a TV public service director and promotions manager before their marriage.)

So now, each time I sit down to enjoy another addictive episode of Downton Abbey, I’ll smile knowing an even greater love story made the whole darn thing possible.

THINK BIG.

Play the World’s Biggest Pac-Man game right on your computer!

It’s going on now online, and is being played by people around the world.

The mazes are interconnected and go on and on and on.  You can start wherever you want and play as long and as far as your skill will take you.  You can also play alone or challenge competitors online, and check your stats against…

THE WORLD

There now.  Doesn’t that sound like a whole lot more fun than work??

Like many of you, I loved watching the Golden Globes last night, and look forward to the many award shows yet to come.

SAG Awards.  BAFTAs.  Independent Spirit Awards.  And of course, the almighty Oscars.

But a part of the process I don’t enjoy that much is the red carpet coverage.  Sure, it’s fun to see the array of fashion do’s and don’ts, but the inane interviews make even the most beautiful gowns painful to behold.

I read a book last night instead.  (You can see the dresses during the ceremony, right?)

Perhaps if I had a red carpet history like Tyler Sercombe, I’d feel differently.

At the ripe ol’ age of one, Tyler has already been photographed with more than 130 celebrities, including Meryl Streep, George Clooney, and Johnny Depp.

Her mom Donna started taking her to premieres when she was a month old. They have been to about 60 so far.

Yep.  I’d put my book down for that.

That means it’s time for The Egg’s annual sticky predictions.

Who should win?  Who will win?  Tragically, they aren’t always the same.  But The Sticky Egg accepts the challenge of trying to predict both.

Will we get it right?  Doubtful.  (But it’s fun trying.)

BEST MOTION PICTURE, DRAMA

* “The Descendants”
“The Help”
“Hugo” — will win
“The Ides of March”
“Moneyball” — should win
“War Horse”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE, DRAMA

Glenn Close, “Albert Nobbs” — should win
Viola Davis, “The Help”
Rooney Mara, “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
* Meryl Streep, “The Iron Lady” — will win
Tilda Swinton, “We Need to Talk About Kevin”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE, DRAMA

* George Clooney, “The Descendants” — will win
Leonardo DiCaprio, “J. Edgar”
Michael Fassbender, “Shame — should win
Ryan Gosling, “The Ides of March”
Brad Pitt, “Moneyball”

BEST MOTION PICTURE, COMEDY OR MUSICAL

“50/50″
* “The Artist” — will (and should) win
“Bridesmaids”
“Midnight in Paris”
“My Week With Marilyn”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE, COMEDY OR MUSICAL

Jodie Foster, “Carnage
Charlize Theron, “Young Adult” — should win
Kristen Wiig, “Bridesmaids”
* Michelle Williams, “My Week With Marilyn” — will win
Kate Winslet, “Carnage”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE, COMEDY OR MUSICAL

* Jean Dujardin, “The Artist — will win
Brendan Gleeson, “The Guard”
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, “50/50″
Ryan Gosling, “Crazy, Stupid, Love.” — should win
Owen Wilson, “Midnight in Paris”

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

* “The Adventures of Tintin” — will (and probably should) win
“Arthur Christmas”
“Cars 2″
“Puss in Boots”
“Rango”

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

“The Flowers of War” (China)
“In the Land of Blood and Honey” (USA)
“The Kid With a Bike” (Belgium)
* “A Separation” (Iran) — will win (based on what I’ve read)
“The Skin I Live In” (Spain)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE

Berenice Bejo, “The Artist”
Jessica Chastain, “The Help”
Janet McTeer, “Albert Nobbs”
* Octavia Spencer, “The Help” — will (and should) win
Shailene Woodley, “The Descendants”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE

Kenneth Branagh, “My Week with Marilyn”
Albert Brooks, “Drive” — should win
Jonah Hill, “Moneyball”
Viggo Mortensen, “A Dangerous Method”
* Christopher Plummer, “Beginners” – will win

BEST DIRECTOR

Woody Allen, “Midnight in Paris”
George Clooney, “The Ides of March”
Michel Hazanavicius, “The Artist” — will (and should) win
Alexander Payne, “The Descendants”
* Martin Scorsese, “Hugo”

BEST SCREENPLAY

* Woody Allen, “Midnight in Paris”
George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Beau Willimon – “The Ides of March”
Michel Hazanavicius – “The Artist”
Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash – “The Descendants”
Steven Zaillian, Aaron Sorkin – “Moneyball” – will (and should) win

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE

* Ludovic Bource – “The Artist”
Abel Korzeniowski – “W.E.”
Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross – “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” — will (and should) win
Howard Shore – “Hugo”
John Williams – “War Horse”

BEST ORIGINAL SONG

“Hello Hello” — “Gnomeo & Juliet,” music by Elton John, lyrics by Bernie Taupin — will win
“The Keeper”— “Machine Gun Preacher,” music and lyrics by Chris Cornell
“Lay Your Head Down” — “Albert Nobbs,” music by Brian Byrne, lyrics by Glenn Close — should win
“The Living Proof” — “The Help”; music by Mary J. Blige, Thomas Newman, Harvey Mason Jr.; lyrics by Mary J. Blige, Harvey Mason Jr., Damon Thomas
* “Masterpiece” — W.E., music and lyrics by Madonna, Julie Frost, Jimmy Harry

BEST TELEVISION SERIES, DRAMA

“American Horror Story” — should win
“Boardwalk Empire”
“Boss”
“Game of Thrones”
* “Homeland” –  will win

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES, DRAMA

* Claire Danes, “Homeland” — will win
Mireille Enos, “The Killing”
Julianna Margulies, “The Good Wife”
Madeleine Stowe, “Revenge” — should win
Callie Thorne, “Necessary Roughness”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES, DRAMA

Steve Buscemi, “Boardwalk Empire”
Bryan Cranston, “Breaking Bad”
* Kelsey Grammer, “Boss” — will win
Jeremy Irons, “The Borgias”
Damian Lewis, “Homeland” — should win

BEST TELEVISION SERIES, COMEDY OR MUSICAL

“Enlightened”
“Episodes”
“Glee”
* “Modern Family” — will (and should) win
“New Girl”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES, COMEDY OR MUSICAL

* Laura Dern, “Enlightened” — will win
Zooey Deschanel, “New Girl”
Tina Fey, “30 Rock”
Laura Linney, “The Big C”
Amy Poehler, “Parks and Recreation” — should win

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES, COMEDY OR MUSICAL

Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock”
David Duchovny, “Californication”
Johnny Galecki, “The Big Bang Theory” — should win
Thomas Jane, “Hung”
* Matt LeBlanc, “Episodes” – will win

BEST MINISERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

* “Downton Abbey” — will (and should) win
“The Hour”
“Mildred Pierce”
“Too Big to Fail”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Romola Garai, “The Hour”
Diane Lane, “Cinema Verite”
Elizabeth McGovern, “Downton Abbey” (Masterpiece)
Emily Watson, “Appropriate Adult”
* Kate Winslet, “Mildred Pierce” – will (and should) win

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Hugh Bonneville, “Downtown Abbey” (Masterpiece) — will (and should win)
* Idris Elba, “Luther”
William Hurt, “Too Big to Fail”
Bill Nighy, “Page Eight” (Masterpiece)
Dominic West, “The Hour”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINISERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

* Jessica Lange, “American Horror Story” – should win (YEA!)
Kelly MacDonald, “Boardwalk Empire”
Maggie Smith, “Downtown Abbey” (Masterpiece) — will win
Sofia Vergara, “Modern Family”
Evan Rachel Wood, “Mildred Pierce”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINISERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

* Peter Dinklage, “Game of Thrones”
Paul Giamatti, “Too Big to Fail” — will win
Guy Pearce, “Mildred Pierce” — should win
Tim Robbins, “Cinema Verite”
Eric Stonestreet, “Modern Family”

Enjoy the Globes!

Asterisks (*) denote actual winners.