BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (JANUARY 15, 2012) (THE HOLLYWOOD FOREIGN PRESS ASSOCIATION AND DICK CLARK PRODUCTIONS, INC) -  "The Descendants," starring George Clooney as a man steering his family through a tragic time when his wife is in a coma, won two Golden Globes, including the top honor of best dramatic movie and another for Clooney as best dramatic actor. Onstage he thanked writer/director Alexander Payne and also passed the torch to some of his younger colleagues.

Meryl Streep was the leading lady of the night, taking home the prize for best actress in a film drama with her portrayal of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady." Streep, who is typically reliable with a funny acceptance speech had a difficult time reading hers this year when she forgot her glasses. She did take a jab at the show's host, Ricky Gervais.

"Well, when Ricky Gervais' deal fell through and they came to me to play Margaret Thatcher," laughed Streep.

Some familiar faces picked up honors for supporting roles. Octavia Spencer, for her role in "The Help," and Christopher Plummer, for his role in "Beginners" continued their winning streak both nabbing Golden Globes a few days after wins at the Critics' Choice Awards.

Kate Winslet also picked up a trophy. She was honored for best actress in a miniseries or TV movie for "Mildred Pierce."

As for directors, Martin Scorsese picked up the win for best director and Steven Spielberg took home the prize for best animated film, "The Adventures of Tintin."

The Golden Globe Awards are given out by the roughly 90 members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association at what annually is among the key events during Hollywood's awards season. Many of the movies and stars that win here also go on to compete for Oscars later this year. Oscar nominations from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will be announced on January 24.