Los Angeles,  11 Jan

Paul Thomas Anderson’s ragtag revolutionary saga 'One Battle After Another' claimed top honours at Sunday’s 83rd Golden Globes in the comedy category, while Chloé Zhao’s Shakespeare-inspired drama 'Hamnet' stunned observers by beating 'Sinners' to win best film, drama.

'One Battle After Another' won best film, comedy, best supporting female actor for Teyana Taylor, and best director and best screenplay for Anderson. He became only the second filmmaker to sweep director, screenplay and film, as a producer, at the Globes. Oliver Stone had earlier achieved the same feat for Born on the Fourth of July.

At an awards ceremony that unfolded largely as predicted, the final prize of the night delivered the biggest surprise. While 'One Battle After Another' had been the clear frontrunner throughout the awards season, many had considered Ryan Coogler’s Jim Crow-era vampire thriller its closest challenger.

Instead, 'Hamnet', a speculative drama centred on William and Agnes Shakespeare and adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel, secured the drama prize soon after its lead Jessie Buckley won best female actor in a drama.

It proved to be a banner evening for Warner Bros., the studio behind 'One Battle After Another' and 'Sinners'. Warner Bros. Discovery has agreed to be sold to Netflix in an $83 billion deal, while Paramount Skydance has made a rival offer to shareholders.

Accepting the best director award, Anderson praised Warner co-chief Michael DeLuca.

“He said he wanted to run a studio one day and let filmmakers make whatever they want,” Anderson said. “That’s how you get 'Sinners'. That’s how you get Weapons. That’s how you get 'One Battle After Another'.”

The final awards brought several of the industry’s most acclaimed filmmakers to the stage or near it, including Anderson, Zhao and Coogler, along with Steven Spielberg, a producer on 'Hamnet'. Regardless of outcomes, the moment reflected solidarity among them, with Zhao recalling her early days alongside Coogler at the Sundance Labs.

“As students, let’s keep our hearts open and keep seeing each other and allowing ourselves to be seen,” Zhao said, as Coogler smiled from the front row.

'Sinners' won awards for best score and cinematic and box-office achievement. The latter victory, beating franchise titles such as 'Avatar: Fire and Ash', stood out for Coogler’s film, which some reports had labelled a qualified success.

The film ultimately earned $278 million domestically and $368 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing original film in 15 years.

“I just want to thank the audience for showing up,” Coogler said. “It means the world.”

Following years of controversy and reform, the Globes  hosted by Nikki Glaser  delivered a star-studded ceremony that included wins for streaming hit KPop Demon Hunters, Seth Rogen’s The Studio, and an inaugural podcasting award for Amy Poehler’s Good Hang.

Several Oscar favourites also prevailed. Timothée Chalamet won his first Golden Globe for 'Marty Supreme' after four previous nominations. The 30-year-old is widely tipped for his first Oscar, with fellow nominees Leonardo DiCaprio and George Clooney applauding his win.

“My dad instilled in me a spirit of gratitude growing up: always be grateful for what you have,” Chalamet said. “It helped me leave ceremonies empty-handed but proud, making this moment even sweeter.”

The Globes, held at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, opened with a pointed and political monologue from host Nikki Glaser and an early win for 'One Battle After Another'. Returning as host for a second year, Glaser leaned into sharp self-awareness.

“Yes, the Golden Globes  without a doubt the most important thing happening in the world right now,” she said.

Her rapid-fire opening included familiar targets such as Leonardo DiCaprio’s dating history and Kevin Hart’s height, before shifting to topical barbs.

Referring to Warner Bros. being on the block, Glaser joked about opening bids at $5. She quipped that best editing should go to the Justice Department over the Epstein files, before suggesting the “most editing” award belonged to Bari Weiss’ new CBS News  a swipe at Paramount Skydance-owned CBS, which broadcast the ceremony.