Golden Globes anticipation is high for host Ricky Gervais

Let’s face it. Audiences will tune into the Golden Globes Sunday at 5 p.m. on NBC not so much to see if “The Artist,” “The Help,” “Hugo” or “Midnight in Paris” wins best picture of 2011 -- but to see just how outrageous host Ricky Gervais will get.

For the last two years, the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. has had a love/hate relationship with the British comic actor as host because of his caustic monologue and presenter introductions.

Here are just a few of his jokes from last year that sent giggles and shocks throughout the star-studded crowd at the Beverly Hilton Hotel ballroom.

PHOTOS: Golden Globes 2012 red carpet

Cracking wise about Charlie Sheen, he said: “Get ready for a night of partying and heavy drinking. Or as Charlie Sheen calls it -- breakfast!” And he also took aim at the Hollywood Foreign Press while simultaneous skewering “The Tourist,” that critically lambasted film that still, somehow, managed to receive several key nominations.

“I’d like to quash this ridiculous rumor going around that the only reason ‘The Tourist’ was nominated was so that the foreign press could hang out with Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie. That is rubbish. That is not the only reason. They also accepted bribes,” Gervais said.

Though Gervais caused a lot of controversy, he also brought in a lot of viewers the last two years. And there are hopes that the audience will grow even larger this year.

PHOTOS: Golden Globes 2012 red carpet

As it stands, the hosting duties might be where all the excitement is.

There isn’t much of a horse race in the best film category. It is still anybody’s guess what will take home best dramatic film and comedy or musical.

The silent movie “The Artist” leads with six nominations in the comedy or musical category, as well as Alexander Payne’s “The Descendants” and the Southern period drama, “The Help,” which each followed with five nominations.

The Golden Globes haven’t actually been a crystal ball when it comes to predicting the Oscar-winning best picture.

Last year, the Globes chose “The Social Network’ and director David Fincher for their top honors, while the academy crowned “The King’s Speech” and its director Tom Hooper. The last time they both agreed on a best film was three years ago for “Slumdog Millionaire.”

The Globes also will be handing out awards for the best in television. Vying in the drama series category are newcomers “American Horror Story,” “Boss,” “Game of Thrones,” “Homeland” and last year’s winner, “Boardwalk Empire.” And comedy series nominees are first-timers “Enlightened,” “Episodes” and “New Girl,” as well as “Glee” and “Modern Family.”

PHOTOS: Golden Globes 2012 red carpet

susan.king@latimes.com