BEVERLY HILLS (California, US): The Golden Globes are typically Hollywood's bawdiest awards show – “a wonderful mess,” said co-host Tina Fey of this year's bash.

But in the end, after all the boozy banter – some of it bleeped for broadcast – the 1970s corruption tale “American Hustle” got a very serious push toward Oscar glory, picking up three major awards.

Benefiting the most from Sunday night's Globes as focus shifts to the Academy Awards, David O. Russell's con caper locked in best comedy, best actress (Amy Adams) and best supporting actress (Jennifer Lawrence).

Not that early-season favourite “12 Years a Slave” isn't still in the running. Though it earned only one award, Steve McQueen's historical epic took home the night's top honour: best film drama. But “American Hustle” seems to have emerged from the 71st annual Golden Globes as the film to beat.

Oscar doesn't usually care much for comedies, but “American Hustle” offers a rich blend of scandal, style and superb acting that is bound to get Academy voters' attention.

The Globes have flipped awards season momentum before. Though Ben Affleck was denied an Oscar nomination last year for directing “Argo,” he did win best director at the Globes and his film went on to win best picture at the Oscars.

In 2009, Katherine Bigelow's “The Hurt Locker” lost in the best film category to James Cameron's “Avatar” at the Globes. The defeat seemed to sway Oscar voters in Bigelow's favor and she snagged the best picture award.

With the Oscar nominations coming on Thursday, lost-in-space saga “Gravity,” which earned Alfonso Cuaron the best director Globe, could pick up some additional pull with likely nominations in the craft categories, which the Globes don't recognise.

There's also a lot of built-in affection for its leading lady, Sandra Bullock, not to mention the film's impressive worldwide box office performance.—AP