Many view the Golden Globe as an Oscar preview, so all eyes are on Hollywood tonight to see if the odds on favorite �Cold Mountain� will sweep the awards or if the �Lord of the Rings� will manage an upset.  Of course, Lost in Translation could come in and surprise everyone.  Then again, for those outside of the world of Hollywood, the Golden Globes may be viewers with a collective sigh of �who cares�. 

Aussie connection. 

The Aussie invasion has been a few years in the making with Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, Nicole Kidman, and Russell Crowe adding some sizzle to the silver screen. 

This year, six Australians compete for honors. 

Nicole Kidman hopes to relive past Golden Globe glory as a leading lady for her role in the civil war drama �Cold Mountain�. Kidman walked away with honors in years past for his work in �The Hours�, �Moulin Rouge� and �To Die For�.

Australians may be conflicted when it comes time to root for a winner in the best actress category as Kidman faces off against fellow Aussie Cate Blanchett, who is up for her portrayal in the leading role in �Veronica Guerin�.

Russell Crowe is no stranger to awards. This year he is nominated for his leading role in Master and Commander. Fellow Australian, Peter Weir, is up for the best director award for the film. 

Two Australians are nominated in the television categories; Anthony Lapaglia for the hit drama �Without a Trace� and Judy Davis for her portrayal of Nancy Reagan in the controversial mini-series �The Reagans�. 

While the Aussies go into the awards with tons of nominations, at least in the film categories they face stiff competition from �middle earth� as many Hollywood pendants predict an upset domination of the awards by �Lord of the Rings�.  

We will see how things pan out when the awards are broadcast tonight on NBC. 
 

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