The jet set will land at the Globes

Say what you will about the Golden Globes -- They're a reliable predictor for the Oscars! They're an empty gesture in celebrity ego stroking! -- the fact remains: You can't swing a dead cat at the ceremony without hitting someone on Hollywood's A-list. And with few exceptions this year, most of moviedom's highest-wattage stars will be getting an invitation to the Globes -- be it as nominees or as a result of, shall we say, their domestic arrangements.

Although "Charlie Wilson's War" has been widely panned by critics, its Globe nods for best actor and supporting actress all but guarantee the presence of Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts at the Beverly Hills Hilton come Jan. 13. (The movie's screenplay, written by Aaron Sorkin, and supporting actor Philip Seymour Hoffman were also nominated).

"I am extremely happy for our brilliant writer and our three terrific actors," said "Charlie Wilson's War" director Mike Nichols, adding, with no small dash of irony, "I hope they will all remember that they were nothing when I found them."

Denzel Washington and George Clooney will most likely be there too, vying with one another in the best actor in a dramatic movie category (for "American Gangster" and "Michael Clayton," respectively). Never one to snub an award statuette, John Travolta will probably be on hand for his supporting actor nomination for his turn in "Hairspray."

As for the nomination-less Will Smith and Russell Crowe, Charlize Theron and Halle Berry -- they don't have much cause to show up this year. But the awards won't lack for box-office heavyweights with Johnny Depp an expected presence, tipped for best actor in a comedy or musical for "Sweeney Todd." And with Angelina Jolie nominated for best actress in a movie drama ("A Mighty Heart"), the odds of Brad Pitt showing up at the Globes exponentially increase.

Even in a year in which he hasn't appeared in or released a movie of his own, Clint Eastwood has a cut of the Golden Globe action, nominated for composing the score to and co-writing the best original song for "Grace Is Gone."

Still, all the star power in the ballroom doesn't guarantee every attendee an intimate celebrity experience. And some are already bracing for the worst.

Nominated for best actress in a movie musical or comedy, "Juno's" Ellen Page said she felt thrilled to attend the awards -- she's planning to go with "Juno" screenwriter Diablo Cody -- but is keeping her expectations deliberately low. "Oh, yeah," Page said with a laugh, "we'll be at the bad table."

chris.lee@latimes.com