By Mariel S. Clark
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Comedian and actress Mo'nique earned top honors at the Golden Globe Awards for her portrayal of a cruel and uncaring Harlem mother in "Precious" Sunday night.
Mo'nique beat out Hollywood divas including Penelope Cruz in "Nine," and Julianne Moore in "A Single Man," to take home the statue for best supporting actress at the uncharacteristically rainy 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards.
Moving from the streets of Harlem to the rain-soaked red carpets of the Golden Globes, "Precious," based on a novel by Sapphire, was also nominated for best dramatic picture and its star, newcomer Gabourey Sidibe, was nominated as best dramatic actress.
The biggest winner of the night was James Cameron's sci-fi blockbuster "Avatar," which won best drama and best director. His movie could get a big boost heading into the Academy Awards — nominations for those awards close Saturday.
Long-running underdog Jeff Bridges won best dramatic actor honors for "Crazy Heart," and Sandra Bullock took home the best actress award for the football movie "The Blind Side."
On the lighter side, Hollywood icon Meryl Streep won best actress in a comedy or musical for her portrayal of Julia Child in "Julie & Julia," and Robert Downey Jr. won for "Sherlock Holmes," beating out Matt Damon in "The Informant" and Daniel Day-Lewis in "Nine."
Actor Christoph Waltz's portrayal as a creepily cheerful Nazi in "Inglourious Basterds" earned him recognition as the best supporting actor.
Other honors went to the sophomoric bachelor-bash "The Hangover" which won best picture for a comedy or musical, and "Up" for best animated film.
On the small screen, the best television drama award went to "Mad Men" for the third year in a row, while newcomer "Glee" won best musical or comedy series.
Showtime Network had to big winners, Toni Collette won best TV comedy actress for "The United States of Tara," and Michael C. Hall as best actor in a TV drama for "Dexter."
Juliana Margulies won for best dramatic actress for CBS' "The Good Wife."
The Globes are often seen as a predictor of who will take home Oscar honors. Nominations are announced Feb. 2 and the 82nd annual Academy Awards will be March 7, 2010.
