Golden Globes 2014: Matthew McConaughey wins best actor in a drama

Matthew McConaughey won the prize for best actor in a motion picture, drama for his role in "Dallas Buyers Club."

By Steven Zeitchik

Jan. 12, 2014 8 PM PT

Matthew McConaughey has nabbed the Golden Globe for best actor in a motion picture, drama for playing the real-life Ron Woodroof in Jean-Marc Vallee’s “Dallas Buyers Club,” the latest feather in the cap for the resurgent actor.

McConaughey lost more than 40 pounds to play Woodroof, a homophobic Texas electrician who, when given an AIDS diagnosis, sought out alternative treatments over the objections of the medical establishment.

It is the first Globes win -- and, indeed, the first nomination -- for McConaughey. The victory continues a career renaissance for the actor, whose buzzy HBO series “True Detective” is premiering Sunday as well. McConaughey won one of his first major film prizes last year when he took home an Independent Spirit award for his portrayal of a strip-club veteran in “Magic Mike.”

The Globes category was competitive, with pundits forecasting that Chiwetel Ejiofor and Robert Redford had strong shots to take home the prize for their depictions of a captive free man in “12 Years a Slave” and an endangered sailor in “All Is Lost,” respectively. Tom Hanks (“Captain Phillips) and Idris Elba (“Mandela”) were also nominated.

ALSO:

Golden Globes 2014: Alfonso Cuaron wins best director

Golden Globes 2014: DiCaprio wins best actor in a comedy or musical

Golden Globes 2014: Amy Adams wins best actress in a comedy or musical