The Artist and The Descendants look like the films that will be battling for major honours at this year's Oscars after Sunday night's Golden Globes ceremony in which they both scooped awards.The Artist, a silent movie revolving around 1920s Hollywood proved the main winner at the awards, picking up three gongs, including Best Film (Musical or Comedy) and Best Actor (Musical or Comedy) for its star, Jean Dujardin.

But The Artist could face stiff competition from The Descendants, a family saga starring George Clooney, who picked up a Best Actor gong for his performance as a lawyer attempting to reconnect with his daughters.

Meryl Streep scooped the Best Actress gong for her role as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady. In her acceptance speech, Streep offered thanks to, "Everyone in England who let me come over there and trample all over their history."

Elsewhere Michelle Williams was named Best Actress (Musical or Comedy) for her role in My Week With Marilyn. Martin Scorsese won best director for his 3D fantasy Hugo and Woody Allen took the screenplay prize for Midnight in Paris.

Host Ricky Gervais toned down the jibes at the assembled Hollywood stars this time around. "The Golden Globes are just like The Oscars, but without the esteem," he quipped.