Hampshire actor Colin Firth has won the Golden Globe for best actor in a movie drama for his role in The King's Speech.

The Briton's triumph came on a good night for Facebook tale The Social Network which took four prizes, including best drama and director, solidifying its prospects as an Academy Awards favourite.

Firth was rewarded for his role as King George VI in the monarchy saga.

Natalie Portman took best actress honours for the psychosexual ballet-themed thriller Black Swan.

Lead-acting honours for the Globes' musical or comedy categories went to Annette Bening for the lesbian-family story The Kids Are All Right and Paul Giamatti for the curmudgeon tale Barney's Version.

Former Barton Peveril sixth form student Firth achieved instant heart-throb status in 1995 when he emerged from a lake in a dripping wet shirt and breeches in the BBC television adaptation of Pride And Prejudice.

He has tried to distance himself from the part of the brooding Mr Darcy which made his name, saying it was ''just another role''. His Golden Globe for The King's Speech will fuel hopes that he will go all the way in this year's Academy Awards.

In 2009, he was nominated for an Oscar for his role as a suicidal gay English academic in 1960s Los Angeles in A Single Man.

The father-of-three, 50, has also been recognised for his work on behalf of his wife's native Italy.

Firth, who married producer Livia Giuggioli in 1997, was made a Commander of the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity in 2005.