Michael Douglas, fresh from successful treatment for throat cancer, and wife Catherine Zeta-Jones turned out for the show. Douglas presented the trophy for Best Film Drama and received a standing ovation.

"There's just got to be an easier way to get a standing ovation," he joked. "Thank you all very much. Needless to say, I'm very, very, very happy to be here tonight."

Unlike the Oscars, Golden Globe voters also honor TV programs and actors. HBO crime series Boardwalk Empire was named best TV drama with its star, Steve Buscemi, won best actor in a TV drama.

Musical Glee picked up three honors: best TV comedy, best supporting actor for Chris Colfer who plays a gay high school student and for Jane Lynch, a scheming cheerleading coach.

Carlos was named best made-for-TV movie. Al Pacino took the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a TV Movie or mini-series for You Don't Know Jack, and Claire Danes best actress with Temple Grandin.