This year the 59th annual Golden Globe Awards was a bit more subdued than the past. There were not too many women flashing cleavage, the men were dressed pretty tastefully (with a few exceptions), and it was obvious that Hollywood was trying to be more conservative in light of Sept. 11.

Stars had to make their ways through metal detectors and heightened security, but it didn't seem to dampen the mood of the night. The only thing that dampened my mood was the number of women in black; it was excessive.

So many of the women looked like they were in mourning and trying to be statelier. Janel Moloney of West Wing wore a black Halston, halter neckline with a plunging neckline. At least in her reverent mood she was willing to show a little skin. Another beauty was Nicole Kidman, the winner of Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy, who wore a black column dress with a lattice style bodice.

Some ladies who should have ran into the night screaming when they saw how they looked in their midnight gowns were Debra Messing and Sarah Jessica Parker. Usually these women look fabulous, but this night they must have been on drugs. Messing looked awful in an Oscar de la Renta black ball gown. The top looked like a chiffon sheet wrapped around her torso a few times. The skirt looked like a ruffley mess with a train. Parker wore a Karl Lagerfeld black, strapless tea length gown, which she had to hold up all night. Her accessories did not help the situation either. An oversized cameo looked hideous, and a black rose barrette in her hair looked like a tarantula crawled up on to her head and died.

The only women that I can applaud are the ones who realized that Sept. 11 occurred months ago and ventured into the world of color. Julianna Margulies, who was nominated for The Mists of Avalon, wore a beautiful cranberry colored off the shoulder, gown with a triangle cut out in the back at her waist. Halle Berry looked great in a raisin colored ball gown by Valentino with broad chiffon straps embroidered with lace flowers. These women proved that it is possible to be elegant, tasteful and appropriate without having to look like they are in mourning.

Two women who should have put their gowns out of their misery were Sela Ward of Once and Again and Rachel Griffiths of Six Feet Under. The only credit that I can give them is that they wore color. Ward wore a gown straight out of an '80s prom night, long red with bows adorning cut outs on the bodice. Griffiths looked wretched in her pink monstrosity that looked like a creature from a Dr. Seuss book exploded onto her.

As for the men, I have decided to ease up a bit this year and not put out hits on the men that wore straight ties. I have accepted that the Golden Globes are a less formal event than the Oscars and this is the only time that a straight tie will be permitted.

The men who decided to be blah with just a plain black tie get a thumb down. Somehow they should try to liven it up a little bit, if they are not going to wear a tie then they have to try something. Tom Cavanagh of Ed looked great with a maroon colored shirt and matching tie; it broke up the monotony of the plain white shirt. Robert Downey Jr., who appeared just as a presenter, looked 10 times better in a black suit with gray tie as opposed to last year's purple, velvet mockery of a tux.

Kevin Spacey always looks great wherever he goes, but this year his attire took on a new meaning. His tie and shirt were not the traditional, but rather a T-shirt made to look like a tie and button-downed shirt with the likeness of a dear, recently departed friend, Ted Demme. Spacey's tribute to him before presenting the award for Best Comedy or Musical was touching and sincere.

Others who warrant my appreciation are those who decided to come attired in the traditional black tux. Russel Crowe, winner of Best Actor for A Beautiful Mind, accepted his Golden Globe graciously in his classic, black tux. John Spencer of West Wing, looked interesting in his glittery black tux, but the whimsical twist on the traditional suit was welcome.

This year I though it was going to be difficult to pick the best and worst dressed because everyone was so conservative, but a few stepped onto the red carpet and took all my worries away.

Best dressed for the women goes to Jennifer Connelly of A Beautiful Mind, the recipient of Best Supporting Actress in a Drama. Although her dress was black, it was a stunning long-sleeve dress. The v-neckline accentuated with a white flower in the center was gorgeous and classic.

Best-dressed man went to Harrison Ford, the recipient of the Cecil B. DeMille Award. Old Hollywood style oozed from every part of his being and he looked the role of a mature seasoned actor in his classic three piece black tuxedo.

The decision for worst dressed female was the easiest I have ever made. The honor goes to Cynthia Garret. Garret wore the American flag as a dress. Her citizenship should be revoked and she should be thrown in jail for the absolute worst taste ever.

Worst dressed male has to go to John Cameron Mitchell of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. He wore a red suit with black piping, a black shirt and a white tie. To top it off, he wore shoes that looked like they were borrowed from a bowling alley in Hell.

As a tip to the stars who will be attending the Oscars in a few months, lighten up, wear some color. Black is classic, but too much is overkill and depressing. This country needs to be cheered up and given back a sense of normalcy. Where better to start than in Hollywood where happiness and anything seems possible, even if only in the movies.