Firth takes crown for his role as stammering king

COLIN Firth was celebrating today after he was named best actor at the Golden Globes for his portrayal of a stammering King George VI in The King's Speech.

The award in Los Angeles last night increases his chances of an Oscar nomination later this month.

The King's Speech, which tells the story of the unlikely relationship between the monarch and an Australian speech therapist who helps him cope with his stammer, was nominated in seven categories, but Firth was the only success.

Accepting his award, Firth joked about a midlife crisis, saying: "To get to this stage of your life with your dignity and judgment intact can be somewhat precarious. Sometimes all you need is a bit of gentle reassurance to keep you on track but, right now, this (the award] is all that stands between me and a Harley Davidson."

Fellow British actor Christian Bale took home the supporting-actor Golden Globe for his role in The Fighter.

Natalie Portman was named best actress in a movie drama for the ballet-themed film, Black Swan.

Annette Bening took the prize for best actress in a musical or comedy, for her performance in the lesbian-family tale The Kids Are All Right.

David Fincher won the directing prize for the Facebook drama The Social Network, one of four awards for the film. Best animated film went to Toy Story 3.

Glee was also a big winner, taking home best TV musical or comedy as well as two supporting actor prizes.

Firth's co-star Helena Bonham Carter, who missed out on the best supporting actress award for her performance as Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, said she expected the father-of-three to win an Oscar.

Before the ceremony, she said: "I've had a Golden Globe nomination before and then didn't get an Oscar nomination, but I presume Colin will get one and I presume Colin will win."

Some of the biggest stars descended on the Beverly Hilton Hotel for the ceremony, presented by Ricky Gervais.

British nominees who missed out on an award included Hugh Laurie for his role as the grumpy doctor in House and Idris Elba for his role in the BBC detective drama Luther.

Former Lovejoy star Ian McShane was also nominated for his part in the mini-series Pillars Of The Earth.

Among the guests were Michael Douglas, who attended with wife Catherine Zeta Jones, after beating throat cancer.