Revenge drama "The Revenant" and space adventure "The Martian" won the top movie prizes at the Golden Globes last night on a night of surprises, laughter and barbed comments from fourth-time host Ricky Gervais.

In a closely-contested men's field, Leonardo DiCaprio won for his lead role as a fur trapper seeking retribution in "The Revenant" while Matt Damon's astronaut stranded on Mars in "The Martian" won the comedy acting award.

"The Revenant" also brought a directing prize for Alejandro Inarritu, who recalled the long arduous shoot in sub-zero temperatures.

"Pain is temporary, but a film is forever," Inarritu said.

Jennifer Lawrence won best comedy movie actress for her portrayal of the Miracle Mop inventor in "Joy," while Brie Larson, 26, beat veteran Cate Blanchett to take home her first major award for playing a young woman who is abducted and locked up for years in the movie drama "Room."

Lesbian drama "Carol" and Wall Street comedy "The Big Short," which had led nominations going into Sunday's ceremony, came home empty handed, as did admired Catholic Church sex abuse probe "Spotlight.".

Other popular winners includes Sylvester Stallone, 69, who received a standing ovation as best supporting film actor for reprising his iconic role as boxer Rocky Balboa in "Creed," beating presumed frontrunner Mark Rylance for "Bridge of Spies."

"I want to thank my imaginary friend Rocky Balboa for being the best friend I ever had," Stallone said.

"Steve Jobs," a controversial look at the late Apple co-founder that floundered at the box office despite warm reviews, took home Golden Globes for supporting actress Kate Winslet, and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin.

The Golden Globes were handed out by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association at a glitzy Beverly Hills dinner packed with A-list celebrities.