Inside the Golden Globe Pre-Parties: Benedict Cumberbatch, Jared Leto Make the Rounds

The Saturday Golden Globe Awards party swing seemed starrier than ever, as celebs and execs came out in force in a particularly wide-open awards race.

SEE ALSO: Jared Leto Wins Best Supporting Actor at Golden Globes

Anonymous Content/True Detective:

Catering by In ‘N Out set the down-home tone at Anonymous Content’s party at Rivabella honoring HBO’s “True Detective.” And these were no delicate bite-size burger bits but full-fledged Double-Double Animals. “True Detective” creator Nic Pizzolatto marveled at the trajectory of his career — considering he’s not far removed from being a college professor and author. Idris Elba, Michael B. Jordan, Michelle Dockery, Benedict Cumberbatch, Mamie Gummer, Josh Charles, Adrianne Palicki and Kate Mara made the rounds. So did the “Rectify” team of Ray McKinnon and Mark Johnson and ICM’s Chris Silbermann.

(Pictured: Benedict Cumberbatch with Felicitas Rombold and Daniel Bruhl)

PHOTOS: Inside the Golden Globes Pre-Parties

CBS/Showtime/CBS Films:

The Eye’s Globes-eve bash at Soho House was shoulder-to-shoulder packed with a huge turnout of CBS and Showtime talent and creatives. ”Masters of Sex” star Michael Sheen collected compliments on the success of his first TV series. Jon Voight and Liev Schreiber flew the “Ray Donovan” flag. “2 Broke Girls” star Beth Behrs made the rounds with new b.f. Michael Gladis, of “Mad Men” fame. Chuck Lorre kept answering variations of the same question — yes, it is hard to juggle three shows at the same time. Ashton Kutcher brought along g.f. Mila Kunis, and CBS Films’ Terry Press congratulated “Inside Llewyn Davis” nominee Oscar Isaac. Leslie Moonves and Julie Chen created a power spot wherever they went, but the final dash of party-cred came when Harvey Weinstein entered the arena. Beau Bridges and Margo Martindale chatted all night, while Kaley Cuoco was attached at the hip to new hubby Ryan Sweeting.

Los Angeles Film Critics Awards:

The Los Angeles Film Critics spread the love at their annual kudofest Saturday night at the InterContinental, awarding ties in three top categories — picture, actress and supporting actor. The recipients followed suit, gracefully acknowledging their fellow winners when it came time to accept.

Recognized for his role as Alien in “Spring Breakers,” James Franco tipped his hat to supporting actor co-winner Jared Leto, confiding, “ ‘My So Called Life’ helped me get through high school,” but goofed when he mispronounced the actor’s name (let it be known, it’s “Leh-toh,” not “Lee-toh”).Accepting his prize more than an hour later in the evening, Leto teased, “I’m very proud to share this with Mr. James Frawncah,” pitching “Dallas Buyers Club” director Jean-Marc Vallee on a prequel idea: “James and I could join forces one day, him with the plated grill, the braids and a Hawaiian shirt, me in heels, a miniskirt and a tube top. We could call it ‘The Dallas Breakers Club.’ ”Presenting one half of the top actress prize to “Blue Is the Warmest Color” star Adele Exarchopoulos, L.A. critic Jean Oppenheimer remarked that what impressed the org “has nothing to do with physical nudity, but rather it is the emotional nakedness of her performance.” The French thesp marveled at sharing accolades with “Blue Jasmine’s” Cate Blanchett, who complimented the young actress and quipped, “Like you, my performance had nothing to do with physical nudity,” when her turn came.But it was best picture honoree Spike Jonze (for “Her”) who came across as the most sincere onstage, turning to co-winner Alfonso Cuaron (for “Gravity”) and saying, “I love the idea that we’re sharing it. That makes it even more special. I think all awards should be like that.”

Sean Penn & Friends “Help Haiti Home” gala:

On the eve of the Golden Globes, Sean Penn gathered an impressive group of A-listers and organized a surprise U2 performance for his third annual Help Haiti Home gala, which raised approximately $6 million benefitting J/P Haitian Relief Organization. The event, held at the Montage Hotel in Bevery Hills and sponsored by Giorgio Armani, drew support from attendees including Emma Thompson and daughter Gaia Wise, Julia Roberts and Danny Moder, Chris Hemsworth and his pregnant wife Elsa Pataky, Piers Morgan, Chelsea Handler, Allison Williams, Bette Midler and Michael Douglas. Also in attendance was Charlize Theron, whom Penn alluded to in a speech later in the evening as “a certain woman from South Africa,” marking their first public event together as a couple. Read more from this party here.

The Art of Elysium’s Heaven Gala:

What’s Linda Perry’s idea of heaven on earth? Vegan food, music and nature. And maybe Johnny Depp and Steven Tyler. The singer-songwriter brought her vision to life on Saturday at The Art of Elysium’s seventh annual Heaven gala at the Skirball. The Art of Elysium, which enlists artists to help critically ill children find their own creative voices through art, music, fashion and theater, chooses a different celebrity to organize this fundraiser each year. When Perry accepted her visionary award onstage, she was starstuck by a heavenly figure. “Holy f**k, I just saw Johnny Depp,” she said, stopping mid-sentence. Depp brought along g.f. Amber Heard. “I’m sorry; that never happens to me. I’m so sorry. I’m very embarrassed, but not, because I am humble.” Read more from this party here.

Paramount’s Golden Globes pre-party:

“The Wolf of Wall Street” nominee Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese held court at Paramount’s Chateau Marmont pre-Golden Globes party, which had an old Hollywood feel. Brad Grey also spent the party chatting with guests including Jerry Bruckheimer. “Nebraska’s” contingent of Alexander Payne, Bob Nelson, Bruce Dern and Will Forte also made an appearance, as did newest “Jack Ryan” franchise star Chris Pine who continues his promo tour for the movie with a premiere in Hollywood Wednesday.

Earlier Golden Globes festivities included BAFTA/LA’s annual Tea Party, W Magazine’s party, Audi’s party at Cecconi’s and Diane von Furstenberg’s kickoff for her “Journey of a Dress” exhibit.

For more Golden Globes and after-party coverage, stay tuned to variety.com

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