The Artist was most victorious at last night's 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards.

The French film received three prizes, including Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy. Actor Jean Dujardin picked up the Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy trophy for his work on the film and composer Ludovic Bource was recognised for Best Original Score.

Martin Scorcese won Best Director for his first ever family drama Hugo.

Meryl Streep seized the Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama award for her portrayal of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady.

George Clooney's The Descendants was highly lauded on the night. The dramatic comedy won George the Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama trophy. The Descendants was also named Best Motion Picture Drama of the year. Critics portend that garnering this particular accolade at the Golden Globes almost ensures that the film will be a hit at next month's Academy Awards.

Although Madonna received poor critical acclaim for her directorial work on romantic drama W.E., the superstar did receive an award for Best Original Song in a Motion Picture for the film's ballad Masterpiece.

Morgan Freeman was honoured with the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award this year. The actor began his prolific career in 1964 and is still piling on projects after nearly 50 years in the business.

The ceremony was held at the Beverly Hills Hilton.

2012 Golden Globe winners:

Best Motion Picture (Drama): The Descendants

Best Actress in a Motion Picture (Drama): Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady

Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama: George Clooney, The Descendants

Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy: The Artist

Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture: Christopher Plummer, Beginners

Best Actress in a Television Series (Musical or Comedy): Laura Dern, Enlightened

Best Miniseries or Television Film: Downton Abbey

Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film: Kate Winslet, Mildred Pierce

Best Actor in a Television Series (Drama): Kelsey Grammer, Boss

Best Actor in a (Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy): Jean Dujardin, The Artist

Best TV Series (Drama): Homeland

Best TV series (Comedy): Modern Family

Best Original Score (Motion Picture): Ludovic Bource, The Artist

Best Original Song (Motion Picture): Madonna, Masterpiece in W.E.

Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film: Idris Elba, Luther

Best Actress in a Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy): Michelle Williams, My Week With Marilyn

Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or Television Film: Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones

Best Animated Feature Film: The Adventures of Tintin

Best Screenplay (Motion Picture): Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris

Best Supporting Performance in a Series, Miniseries or Television Film: Jessica Lange, American Horror Story

Best Foreign Language Film: A Separation

Best Actress in a Television Series: Claire Danes, Homeland

Best Actor in a Television Series (Musical or Comedy): Matt LeBlanc, Episodes

Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy): Octavia Spencer, The Help

Best Director (Motion Picture): Martin Scorsese, Hugo