Colin Firth walks away with Golden Globe

British actor Colin Firth is moving closer to achieving a career highlight of winning an Academy Award next month after taking the top honours at the Golden Globes last night (January 16th).

Fresh from receiving his very own Walk of Fame star on Hollywood Boulevard last week, the 50-year-old walked away with the best actor Golden Globe for his portrayal of a stammering George VI in The King's Speech.

Firth beat off stiff competition from nominees Jesse Eisenberg, James Franco, Mark Wahlberg and Ryan Gosling to get the top recognition at the event and gave a humorous acceptance speech.

"To get to this stage of your life with your dignity and judgement intact can be somewhat precarious," he told the audience.

"Sometimes all you need is a bit of gentle reassurance to keep you on track but right now this [award] is all that stands between me and a Harley Davidson."

Meanwhile, Natalie Portman was named best actress for Black Swan, while Christian Bale picked up a best supporting actor award for his role in The Fighter.