Golden Globes crowd stands for ‘Moonlight’s’ best picture win

After an evening of “La La Land” domination at the Golden Globes, the packed ballroom inside the Beverly Hilton leaped to its feet when Barry Jenkins’ lyrical “Moonlight” won for drama.

It was a visceral capper to a night that began with a shocking upset for the “Moonlight” crowd, as front-runner Mahershala Ali lost the supporting actor nomination to “Nocturnal Animals’” Aaron Taylor-Johnson. By the time the final categories were on deck, several empty seats marked the early exits of the night’s empty-handed nominees, and members of the “Moonlight” crew were gamely sipping vodka cocktails at their table by the stage.

Director Barry Jenkins, sitting with his “Moonlight” producer Adele Romanski, was planning a quick after-party strategy. As “La La Land” won its final Globe for best picture for a musical or comedy, Jenkins was the first on his feet applauding the Damien Chazelle musical and Oscar front-runner.

“Moonlight” finally won, closing out a Golden Globes marked by not one, but two unfortunate “Hidden Fences” slips -- the first on the red carpet by Jenna Bush Hager to “Hidden Figures” composer Pharrell, and the second by presenter Michael Keaton during the telecast, both drawing fire from Twitter.

When the win was announced, the entire room erupted in celebration, giving an appreciative Jenkins a standing ovation, and perhaps a little more hope that “La La Land” won’t steamroll “Moonlight’s” shine come Oscars night.