Host and comedian Jerrod Carmichael opened the ceremony with a biting monologue, "And I tell you why I'm here. I'm here because I'm black."
"The Fabelmans" and "The Banshees of Inisherin" were the big winners of the night, scooping up best movie drama and best movie musical or comedy respectively.
"The Fabelmans" is a coming-of-age story based on Steven Spielberg's teen years.
He said in his acceptance speech that it was story he had told in part and parcel throughout his whole career, but that he had never had the courage to hit it head-on until now.
The awards are likely to give both movies a boost on the road to the Oscars in March.
Another big winner of the night was Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh who was honored for her role in "Everything Everywhere All At Once"
"And this is also for all the shoulders that I stand on, all who came before me, who looks like me and all who are going on this journey with me forward. So thank you for believing in us."
In the TV categories "The White Lotus" and "Abbott Elementary" received multiple awards, including best limited series and best musical or comedy series.
"Coming to the stage to accept the award.... Hey Brad Pitt..."
Efforts by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association to be more inclusive persuaded many of the biggest stars to support this year's ceremony.
"Elvis" director Baz Luhrmann told Reuters on the event's silver carpet that he felt the HFPA had made significant changes and "really walked the walk."
This year's lifetime achievement honors went to Ryan Murphy and Eddie Murphy.
The comedian shared his blueprint for career success with a nod to last year's Oscars.
"...pay your taxes, mind your business, and keep Will Smith's wife's name out of (censored) mouth."
