Ben Affleck-directed 'Argo' is inspired by the 1979 hostage crisis of US diplomats in Iran. Other nominees in the best drama category were 'Django Unchained', 'Life of Pi' and 'Zero Dark Thirty'.
Steven Spielberg-directed 'Lincoln', leading with seven nominations, had a disappointing run as it took home only the best actor trophy won by Daniel Day-Lewis for his turn as the 16th US president Abraham Lincoln trying to abolish slavery in a civil war-torn country.
The film may have better prospects at the Oscars next month where it is again leading with 12 nominations.
Globes also did not favour India-centric drama 'Life of Pi'. The film won a single trophy - best original score by Mychael Danna - but lost out in the best drama and best director categories.
Affleck missed out on a best director nod at the Oscars but the actor-director had a reason to rejoice at the Golden Globes as his political drama won him the best director and picture gong.
"Look, I don't care what the award is. When they put your name next to the names she just read off, it's an extraordinary thing in your life," Affleck said after actress Halle Berry read out the names of best director nominees -- Spielberg, Lee, Kathryn Bigelow and Quentin Tarantino.
Day-Lewis beat fellow nominees Richard Gere in 'Arbitrage', John Hawkes in 'The Sessions' Joaquin Phoenix in 'The Master' and Denzel Washington in 'Flight'.
"My fellow nominees, boys and girls, such beautiful performances this year. I'm very proud to be one amongst you. You have given me an experience that I will treasure until the end of my life," said the actor, who has previously won a globe for the 2008 film 'There Will Be Blood'. (MORE)
