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“The Descendants” and its Hollywood-heartthrob star, George Clooney, took center stage at last night’s Golden Globes, copping awards for best picture drama and best actor.
“We had an extraordinary ensemble cast of young and older actors . . . but our quarterback was George Clooney,” said Jim Burke, the acclaimed film’s producer. “He was a generous actor who helped everybody do their very best.”
Clooney beamed in the audience.
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Perennial favorite Meryl Streep won for best actress in a drama for her role as the former British PM Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady” — but heaped praise on her peers, particularly “The Help” star Viola Davis.
“I love you, Viola. You’re my girl,” Streep gushed.
It was also a big night for New Yorkers, with Woody Allen, Michelle Williams and Martin Scorsese winning awards.
Williams won the best-actress prize for a comedy or musical for her role as Marilyn Monroe in “My Week With Marilyn.”
She took the opportunity to pay tribute to Matilda Rose, her 6-year-old daughter with the late Heath Ledger.
“I consider myself a mother first and an actress second,” said Williams, a resident of Boerum Hill, Brooklyn.
“I most want to thank my daughter, my little girl whose bravery and exuberance I take with me in my work and my life. Thank you for sending me off to this job every day with a hug and kiss. I couldn’t have done it otherwise.”
She then playfully applauded the little girl “for suffering through six months of bedtime stories where all the princesses were read out loud in a Marilyn Monroe-sounding voice.”
Scorsese won best director for his movie “Hugo.”
Allen won for best screenplay for “Midnight in Paris.’’
“The Artist” scored honors for best comedy or musical, and its star, Jean Dujardin, won for best actor in a comedy or a musical.
The best TV comedy or musical went to ABC’s “Modern Family.”
In one of last night’s most refreshingly self-effacing moments, Matt LeBlanc, winner of best actor in a TV comedy or musical, admitted he’s not as dynamic as his persona on “Episodes,” a Showtime comedy on which he stars as himself.
“They write a Matt LeBlanc who, let’s be honest, is way more interesting and fun than the real thing,” he said.
“I wish I was him.”