American actor John Lithgow has received a Critics' Choice Award for his performance as Sir Winston Churchill in the big-budget Netflix drama The Crown, about the early reign of The Queen.

The 71-year-old performer was named best supporting actor in a drama series at the star-studded ceremony in Santa Monica, California.

On stage, the actor, who was celebrating his 35th wedding anniversary, said: "I want to thank one of the greatest and most complex men... Winston Churchill, who's now my guy."

Thandie Newton won best supporting actress in a drama series. Credit: Reuters

British star Thandie Newton won best supporting actress in a drama series for her role as a robot in Sky Atlantic series Westworld.

And fellow Brit Andrew Garfield won best actor in an action movie for his performance as real-life conscientious objector Desmond Doss in Second World War drama Hacksaw Ridge.

James Corden's Late Late Show won the award for best talk show.

Comedian TJ Miller hosted the awards. Credit: Reuters

Comedian TJ Miller hosted the awards ceremony, two days after he was arrested for allegedly slapping an Uber driver.

Miller, 35, did not directly mention his arrest during his opening monologue but said: "Okay, let's talk about the real elephant in the room.

"Everyone's been asking me about it all weekend. People were asking me about it on the blue carpet."

He then joked: "Yes, it's the 31st anniversary of A Chorus Line on Broadway."

Alec Baldwin won the award for best guest performer in a comedy series for his portrayal of Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live.

The US president-elect has repeatedly criticised the sketch show and Baldwin's performance, tweeting that the programme is "totally biased, not funny and the Baldwin impersonation just can't get any worse".

Other winners included Courtney B Vance, Sarah Paulson and Sterling K Brown for their roles in American Crime Story: The People Versus OJ Simpson.

Lucas Hedges, 19, won best young actor for his role in drama Manchester By The Sea, while Mel Gibson's Hacksaw Ridge won best action movie.

The stars of Moonlight - the Oscar contender about a gay black man coming of age in Miami - collected the first prize of the night, for best ensemble cast.

And the best original screenplay award was tied between Damien Chazelle for La La Land and Kenneth Lonergan for Manchester By The Sea.