LOS ANGELES: Epic survival thriller “The Revenant” and space blockbuster “The Martian” won big at the Golden Globes on Sunday, boosting their chances for Oscars glory next month.
“The Revenant” — the story of 19th century fur trapper Hugh Glass, played by Leonardo DiCaprio — won three top awards at the star-studded gala, for best drama, best actor (DiCaprio) and best director (Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu).
“The Martian,” the tale of an astronaut stranded alone on Mars, won two top prizes — best comedy film and best actor in a comedy for actor Matt Damon.
The two films — split in separate categories by Globes organizers, meaning they were not competing against each other — are now in prime position as Hollywood’s annual awards season heats up ahead of the Oscars on February 28.
“I cannot say how surprised I am and how proud I am to have survived this movie,” Inarritu said, referring to the harsh conditions in which the movie was filmed, mainly in Canada and Argentina.
Inarritu’s movie “Birdman” won four Oscars last year including for best picture and best director, and many critics believe the Mexican director could emerge triumphant again this year.
DiCaprio, who got a standing ovation from his Hollywood peers at the first major awards show of the year, said he wanted to share the award with indigenous communities around the world.
“It is time that we recognize your history and that we protect your indigenous lands from corporate interests and from people that are out there to exploit them,” said DiCaprio.
Critics believe the 41-year-old actor may finally win his first Oscar for the movie. He went all out for the role, even eating raw bison liver for a scene.