Baron Cohen scoops top US award

Sacha Baron Cohen has won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Borat.

Collecting the trophy for movie comedy actor, he said: ‘Thank you to every American who has not sued me so far.’

Baron Cohen added that his controversial parody of a Kazakh journalist was ‘a life-changing experience’.

He added: 'I saw some amazing, beautiful, invigorating parts of America, but I saw some dark parts of America, an ugly side of America, a side of America that rarely sees the light of day.

‘I refer of course to the anus and testicles of my co-star, Ken Davitian.

‘Ken, when I was in that [naked wrestling] scene and I stared down and saw your two wrinkled golden globes on my chin, I thought to myself, “I'd better win a fucking award for this”.

'Kenneth, if it was not for that rancid bubble, I would not be here today.'

In what was a good night for British stars, Dame Helen Mirren scooped two Globes: for plating Elizabeth I in the TV mini-series of the same name and as Elizabeth II in The Queen, which also won best film screenplay.

And Hugh Laurie's portrayal of a grumpy consultant in House earned him top TV drama actor.

Comic Eddie Murphy also won best supporting movie actor for his role in Beyonce’s film Dreamgirls, which won three awards, including best comedy or musical – edging out Borat.

Ugly Betty won best TV comedy or musical.

Published: 16 Jan 2007