BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - The Iran hostage thriller "Argo" is the surprise best-drama winner at Sunday's Golden Globes, beating out the Civil War epic "Lincoln," which had emerged as an awards-season favorite.

"Argo" also claimed the directing prize for Ben Affleck, a prize that normally bodes well for an Academy Award win -- except Affleck missed out on an Oscar nomination this time.

"Les Miserables" was named best musical or comedy, while Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway claimed acting prizes.

On the TV side, it was a battle for cable supremacy with three honors each for Showtime's CIA thriller "Homeland" and "Game Change," the HBO movie about Sarah Palin's 2008 vice presidential candidacy.

HBO's "Girls" picked up two awards for best comedy. Show creator Lena Dunham was tapped as best comic actress, beating out nominees Tina Fey and Amy Poehler of NBC. In fact, all the commercial networks were snubbed and PBS received just one award.

The 70th annual Golden Globes were broadcast from the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, with hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.