Pictured: Paul Giamatti and Dustin Hoffman.

Paul Giamatti took the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor (Comedy or Musical) last night at the 68th annual fete in Beverley Hills.

Giamatti, who starred opposite Rosamund Pike, Minnie Driver, Rachelle Lefevre, Scott Speedman and Dustin Hoffman in Barney’s Version, reserved special praise for the city and crews of Montreal – “an incredible place in a great nation, Canada.”

Of his role, that of a hard-drinking, gruff television executive still trying to find his way romantically: “I got to smoke and drink and get laid in this movie and I got paid for it … Amazing.”

Johnny Depp was nominated twice in the category (for Alice in Wonderland and The Tourist), while Jake Gyllenhaal was given the nod for Love & Other Drugs.

Giamatti also bested Kevin Spacey for the award – two American actors in Canadian films. Spacey was nominated for his portrayal of lobbyist Jack Abramoff in Casino Jack. Jack was directed by the late George Hickenlooper, and was produced by Gary Howsam, Bill Mark and George Zakk through Rollercoaster Entertainment and Vortex Words + Pictures.

Barney’s Version was directed by Richard Lewis and produced by Robert Lantos through Serendipity Point Films in association with Lyla Films.