A case of last but not least for slavery epic

The movie 12 Years A Slave went into the 71st Golden Globes with seven nominations, but was passed over again and again.

That is, until the last award of the evening - and arguably the best of them all. The harrowing portrayal of slavery in America took the prize for best drama.

Director Steve McQueen seemed surprised by the win on Sunday night. "Little bit in shock," said the British filmmaker, clutching the award. "I wasn't expecting it."

The biggest victor was David Russell's comedy American Hustle. It won three trophies during the three-hour ceremony, including for best musical or comedy, best actress for Amy Adams and best supporting actress for Jennifer Lawrence.

The Aids drama Dallas Buyers Club also performed well at the awards show considered a key indicator for the Oscars. Matthew McConaughey won his first Golden Globe as lead actor in the film, as did his co-star Jared Leto for supporting actor.

Cate Blanchett received the best actress in a drama honour for Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine.

Leonardo DiCaprio joked that he never thought he'd win a Golden Globe for a comedy, but he took the trophy for best actor in a musical or comedy film for his role as a hedonistic broker in The Wolf Of Wall Street.

He praised the film's director, Martin Scorsese, with whom he's worked five times, saying, "Thank you for your mentorship." DiCaprio also commended the other unlikely "comedians" nominated with him, including Christian Bale.