You may have noticed the movies released at the end of 2006 seem to garner the most media attention — no, it’s not an accident. Studios time the release of films that received buzz from the beginning of production for late release just in time for awards season. By leaving these late releases fresh in the minds of audiences, motion picture academies and the press, they become strong contenders for the coveted awards: Golden Globes and Oscars.

This tactic proved successful once again at this year’s Golden Globes, which were already awarded by the Hollywood Foreign Press to 2006’s “best” in television and movies.

“Dreamgirls” received mixed reviews from critics, but in the end the film took home the most important Globe of the evening, Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy. Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson were recognized for their supporting roles in the film as well. The film, which opened in December following a media storm of hype, beat out popular summer hit “Little Miss Sunshine” — a surprise to many viewers.

If there’s one thing most students agree on, it’s that “Little Miss Sunshine” was the unsung hero of the Golden Globes.

“I love the dark humor. I love Paul Dano, he’s my favorite, and I also love Steve Carrell. They’re great actors so I knew I’d love it,” Ashley Morgan said. “My mom didn’t like ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ … yeah she’s a terrible person.”

Sophomore Robin Sanchez shares Morgan’s enthusiasm for the film, describing it as “a breath of fresh air” compared to the movies that have been produced this past year.

Sophomore Lesley Lee-Chun was a victim of an unfortunate moviegoer’s syndrome: the overly hyped movie that can never meet your expectations.

“I liked it, but not as much as I thought I would. I was let down,” she said.

Among the winners in the motion picture category there were some surprises. Many critics dubbed “Babel” this year’s “Crash,” so it was no surprise it took the Best Motion Picture – Drama category.

Among the television winners it wasn’t surprising to see “Grey’s Anatomy” take the best TV drama category. Despite the swirl of controversy over homophobic slurs and off-camera squabbles between cast members, the show has a devoted following among Binghamton University students.

Ashley Morgan, a sophomore English major, loves everything about the show.

“‘Grey’s Anatomy’ deserved to win best drama because you’re hooked after one episode. It’s addicting,” she said. “Every episode brings more drama, plus you learn about all the weird diseases that are really funny.”

However, some “Grey’s” watchers find the outrageous drama to be a cheap ploy for Nielsen ratings. Freshman Brittany Erdman is a skeptic.

“I don’t feel as though ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ is at the top of the heap of television dramas,” she said.

Critical darling “Ugly Betty” nabbed the Best TV Musical or Comedy award, beating hit shows like “The Office” and “Desperate Housewives.” “Ugly Betty” star America Farrera also won for her performance in the ABC comedy.

The crowd-pleasing Sacha Baron Cohen won Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy for his role as Borat in the critically acclaimed “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan,” a surprise to most critics. What was not surprising was Cohen’s acceptance speech, which was typical of the characters he plays: hilarious and disgusting. He described seeing the most beautiful and the most disturbing aspects of America while making the movie — the most disturbing being “the anus and testicles of my costar,” which he witnessed up close in the film’s now-famous naked wrestling scene. He also thanked all of the Americans “who have not sued me so far.”

Tuesday morning, a mix of favorite and first time Oscar nominees were announced.

Leading the nominations is “Dreamgirls” with eight, but no Best Picture nomination, with “Babel” coming in a close second behind with seven, including a Best Picture nod but no nominations for stars Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. However Blanchett was nominated for her role in “Notes On A Scandal.” Meryl Streep received her fourteenth nomination for “The Devil Wears Prada.”

The surprise hit of the year, “Little Miss Sunshine,” has come away with nominations for supporting actors Alan Arkin and Abigail Breslin as well as Best Picture, and Best Original Screenplay.