From BBC  18 January 2010

Many arrived carrying umbrellas as rain lashed the traditional red carpet.

Britain's Ricky Gervais is presenting the event, which will see both movies and TV shows honoured.

Comedian and talk show host Mo'Nique was the first winner of the evening, winning the best supporting actress award for her role in Precious.

"Thank you God for this amazing ride," she told the star-studded audience. "I am in the midst of my dream."

As she presented the first award, actress Nicole Kidman paid tribute to the victims of the Haiti earthquake and urged viewers to donate to relief efforts.

Segregated

The Globes are awarded by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, a body of around 90 international journalists based in southern California.

British hopes in the film categories rest on Carey Mulligan, Emily Blunt and Dame Helen Mirren, all up for best performance by an actress in a drama.

Colin Firth, nominated for best actor in a drama for his role as a gay academic in film A Single Man, will also fly the flag for the UK.

Unlike the Oscars, the Globes divides its film prizes between dramas and comedies or musicals.

The TV awards are similarly segregated, with additional accolades for mini-series or films made for the small screen.

British talent is well represented here, with Kenneth Branagh recognised for BBC crime series Wallander and Jeremy Irons cited for the cable movie Georgia O'Keeffe.

Director Martin Scorsese will be honoured with a special award for his outstanding contribution to the entertainment field.