War film 1917 stuns at Golden Globes

US film director Quentin Tarantino, pictured with

the cast of Once Upon A

Time... In Hollywood, certainly filled his goodie bag at the recent Golden Globes awards. The film won three Golden Globes.

But the war epic 1917 shocked by claiming the top prize for best drama film.

Once Upon a Time... – a homage to ’60s Tinseltown – won three prizes, including best comedy, but Martin Scorsese’s much-vaunted Netflix crime saga The

Irishman went home empty-handed.

The Globes are the first major awards gala of the year, in a packed season that ends with the Academy Awards in just over a month’s time, so Sunday’s winners will hope to capitalise on some much-needed momentum.

Movie 1917 follows two British soldiers through the trenches in World War I, and is filmed to look like one continuous, two-hour-long shot.

“Goodness me, that is a big surprise,” said stunned filmmaker Sam Mendes, who bested Scorsese and Tarantino in the crowded best director category.

Dedicating the film to his grand father, who signed up to fight aged just 17, Mendes added: “I hope he’s looking down on us and I fervently hope it never happens again.”

The film’s lead actor, George MacKay, a 27-yearold relative unknown in Hollywood, said he was “just thrilled, proper thrilled” when the announcement was made.

“It’s a wonderful thing. It’s truly just so brilliant for the film and everyone involved. It’s the biggest team effort ever.”

Tarantino won the best screenplay award and Brad Pitt took home best supporting actor honours for his role as a loyal stuntman to Leonardo DiCaprio’s character in Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood . “I also have to thank my partner in crime, LDC,” said Pitt.

“I wouldn’t be here without you, man ... I would have shared the raft, though,” he added, referring to the closing scene of

Titanic.

Rocketman, the Elton John musical biopic, was the other big winner on the night, scooping best actor for Taron Egerton and best original song for John.

“I’m overjoyed – it’s incredible,” Egerton said. “It’s been the best experience of my life.” –