BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. –The Iran hostage thriller “Argo” was a surprise best-drama winner at Sunday’s Golden Globes, beating out the Civil War epic “Lincoln,” which had emerged as an awards-season favorite.

“Argo” also claimed the directing prize for Ben Affleck, a prize that normally bodes well for an Academy Award win – except he missed out on an Oscar nomination this time.

Affleck’s now in an unusual position during Hollywood’s long awards season, taking home the top filmmaking trophy at the second-highest film honors knowing he does not have a shot at an Oscar.