Babel, The Departed take top honours at the Globes

HARROWING drama Babel shared top honours with veteran director Martin Scorsese at the Golden Globes as hit musical Dreamgirls emerged as a serious Oscars contender.

Hollywood’s royalty turned out in force for a glittering ceremony in Beverly Hills that saw Babel crowned best picture as veteran film-maker Scorsese was honoured with best director for his crime thriller The Departed.

Both films are seen as candidates for the Oscars in Hollywood on February 25, but can expect a strong challenge from Dreamgirls, the upbeat musical about the rise of a 1960s soul trio loosely based on The Supremes.

Dreamgirls waltzed away with three major honours — winning best supporting actor and actress awards for Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson respectively.

It also won best picture in the musical category.

Mexican director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu received the best picture award for Babel.

Earlier Scorsese picked up his second Golden Globe gong in four years following his victory for Gangs of New York in 2003. “This is, oh my, a heck of a time,” he said.

In the acting categories, British veteran Helen Mirren scored a notable double, winning two Golden Globes for her portrayal of Queens Elizabeth I and Elizabeth II in separate productions.

The best actor in a drama role went to Forest Whitaker for his portrayal of dictator Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland.