Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Olivia Colman HFPA Photographer

Source: HFPA Photographer

Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Olivia Colman at the 2020 Golden Globes

Sam Mendes, first-time Golden Globe winner Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Olivia Colman led the charge for British talent at the 77th Golden Globes on Sunday.

Mendes was named best director for his First World War film 1917 and did his Oscar prospects no harm in the process.

Waller-Bridge collected her first ever Globe for best television series musical or comedy actress for the second season of Fleabag, and was back on stage at the Beverly Hilton later in the ceremony when her show was named best musical or comedy TV show.

Colman won only one of two Globes for Netflix on the night when it started out with 34 nominations for film and TV, claiming the best television series dramatic actress Globe for her portrayal of current British monarch Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown.

Taron Egerton was named best performer in a motion picture – musical or comedy for playing Elton John in Rocketman. John, Egerton’s compatriot and the film’s inspiration, took to the stage to collect an award of his own as he shared the best song award with old friend and collaborator Bernie Taupin for ’I’m Gonna Love Me Again’.

Brian Cox was named best television series dramatic actor for playing a fictitious role in Succession as the tough media baron Logan Roy. It was the first Globes win of Cox’s 60-year career. His only other nomination came in 2001 for Nuremberg.

British director Chris Butler accepted the best animated film Globe for Missing Link in arguably the biggest shock of the night. Toy Story 4 or Frozen II had been regarded as frontrunners in the category.

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