British film Atonement, the adaptation of Ian McEwan's best-selling novel set around the Second World War, also scooped best original score after receiving seven nominations.

Longford, Channel 4's exploration of the relationship between Moors Murderer Myra Hindley and prisons campaigner Lord Longford, also won three awards at the 65th annual Golden Globes.

Mr Bevan said: "We're delighted that a British film should win best picture in a year where there are some fantastic films out there. It's a great night for British cinema. This would have been possible without the unique talents and vision of our director, Joe Wright - this award is truly his."

He said that the strike which saw the usual glitzy ceremony cancelled, was affecting a lot of people in the film industry, not just writers.

In the 65th annual Golden Globes, Atonement fought off strong competition from violent thrillers American Gangster, Eastern Promises and No Country for Old Men, legal drama Michael Clayton, historical saga There Will Be Blood and Oprah Winfrey-produced feelgood film The Great Debaters, for the best film award.

But its star Keira Knightley lost in the best actress category to veteran Julie Christie for her role in Away From Her. And Knightley's co-star James McAvoy missed out on the best actor award, which went to Daniel Day-Lewis for There Will Be Blood.

Irish newcomer, 13-year-old Saoirse Ronan, was nominated for best supporting actress, but saw the Globe go to Cate Blanchett for the Bob Dylan tale I'm Not There.

In the TV categories, Longford scooped best mini-series, best actor in a mini-series for Jim Broadbent and best supporting actress for Samantha Morton.

Ricky Gervais's Extras won best TV comedy, but Gervais missed out on the Golden Globe for best TV comedy actor for his role in the series, with the award going to David Duchovny for Californication. Sweeney Todd scooped best musical as its star Johnny Depp was also named best actor in a musical, playing a vengeful barber who slits the throats of his customers in the film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's Broadway hit.