He walked away with the best actor gong at the Golden Globes for his portrayal of King George VI, who overcame a stutter to assume his role. Speaking from the podium, he thanked his "exquisitely no-nonsense queen", Helena Bonham Carter – Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in the film. The ceremony is usually regarded as a solid indicator of next month's Oscar winners. And another Briton, Christian Bale, now has reason to be hopeful of triumphing at the Academy Awards.

His portrayal of a drug-addicted boxer in The Fighter earned him a best supporting actor trophy this weekend. Meanwhile, Natalie Portman was honoured in the best actress category for playing a tortured ballerina in psychological thriller Black Swan. Facebook tale The Social Network won top honors with four prizes, including best drama and director.