Oppenheimer, Poor Things and Succession dominate awards

Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan’s epic, and gothic comedy Poor Things have earned the top honours at the Golden Globes, while the final season of Succession took best drama.

The 180-minute Oppenheimer was named best movie drama by roughly 300 entertainment journalists who voted on the Globes as a part of a new organisation created after an ethics and diversity scandal.

British filmmaker Christopher Nolan was also named best director for the first time after six nominations.

The director collected the award on stage at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, saying: “The only time I have only ever been on this stage before was accepting one of these on behalf of our dear friend Heath Ledger and that was complicated and challenging for me.

“In the middle of speaking, Robert Downey Jr caught my eye and gave me a look of love and support, the same look he is giving me now, the same love and support he’s shown so many people in our community over so many years.

“I thought it would be simpler accepting for myself, but as a director of course I accept on behalf of (everyone), as directors we bring people together, we try and get them to bring their best.”

Producer Emma Thomas, who is married to the director, said: “This was just an incredible experience making this film. I’ve loved sitting here hearing everyone talking about their work and what is clear is what we do here is a collaboration.

“I’m so pleased Chris has been acknowledged because what he does is unlike anything that anyone else is doing.”

Robert Downey Jr was named best supporting actor for his role as Lewis Strauss in the film.

The US actor thanked the cast and crew which helped them “render a God damn masterpiece” in Oppenheimer, as he picked up his third Golden Globe gong.

Poor Things, starring Emma Stone as a deceased woman revived by scientists, won best movie musical or comedy, beating the blockbuster Barbie.

In television categories, Succession was named best drama for the third time, a mark that ties a record set by Mad Men and The X-Files. Three stars from the HBO series also won: Matt Macfadyen, Sarah Snook and Kieran Culkin.

Culkin won the best performance by a male actor in a TV series drama for his role as Roman Roy, defeating co-stars Brian Cox and Jeremy Strong.

“I was nominated for a Golden Globe like 20 years ago and when that moment passed, I sort of remember thinking I’m never going to be back in this room again,” the 41-year-old said.

“But thanks to Succession I’ve been in here a couple of times, I accepted I would never be on the stage so this is a nice moment. Suck it Pedro (Pascal), sorry, mine.”

Macfadyen won the supporting actor Globe for his performance of Tom Wambsgans, saying: “I just adored every second playing the weird and wonderful human grease stain that is Tom Wambsgans.

“Tom Wambsgans CEO, I should say, God help us.”

Elsewhere, Elizabeth Debicki won her first Golden Globe for her role as Diana, Princess of Wales, in The Crown.

The Australian actress, 33, dedicated the award to her godmother who “left us too quickly” and thanked her “pretend children” who play Prince William and Prince Harry on the show.