Meryl Streep wins Golden Globe for “The Iron Lady”

It was the eighth Golden Globe win for Meryl Streep but the first time the greatest living actress had her speech hurried along by the orchestra.

Streep managed to hold off Critics Choice Award winner Viola Davis to win the Globe for her performance as former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady.

Streep forgot to bring her glasses to the stage so could not go with a prepared speech. She initially struggled to remember all the her fellow nominees beyond Glenn Close and Viola Davis but eventually rallied. Then she had to hurry to thank director Phyllida Lloyd and others connected to the film when the orchestra began to try and play her off.

“I just want to thank my agent and God — Harvey Weinstein, the punisher,” she concluded to much laughter and applause.

Backstage, Streep told reporters: “It was interesting to look at the human being behind the headline and imagine to look at a life so huge and controversial and ground-breaking in the winter of a life, and to have a compassionate view with someone I disagree.”

When asked if there were any other famous women she wanted to play, Streep said: “If the story is interesting, it doesn’t matter if it’s a waitress or a queen. I’m  happy to play people with challenges. I’m happy to keep working.”

Streep’s previous Globe wins were for Kramer vs. Kramer, The French Lieutenants Woman, Sophie’s Choice, Adaptation, Angels in America, The Devil Wears Prada and Julie & Julia. She has been nominated a total of 26 times.

It remains to be seen whether the Globe win will help Streep win an elusive third Academy Award. She won in 1980 for Kramer vs. Kramer and for Sophie’s Choice in 1983 and has since lost 12 consecutive times.