Pearce plays a man with a rare form of memory loss
Peter Jackson's adaptation of JRR Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, only released last month, was rewarded with six nods, including best director.
But it was Christopher Nolan's psychological thriller Memento which the society crowned best picture.
Although released in the UK in 2000, it did not hit US screens until 2001, allowing it to qualify for the coming set of awards ceremonies, including the Oscars.
The film stars Australian actor Guy Pearce as a man with no short term memory, who sets about trying to find his wife's killer.
The acting awards were split between four films, with two awards going to UK stars.
Pearce took best actor for Memento, while UK actress Tilda Swinton was recognised for her performance in the thriller The Deep End.
Steve Buscemi won the supporting actor for Ghost World, while the UK's Naomi Watts received best supporting actress for Mulholland Drive.
Memento's other awards went to Nolan for his screenplay and Dody Dorn for film editing.
Family film
The Lord of the Rings, which is still topping box offices around the world, won best cinematography, costume design and visual effects.
The film also picked up best song for Enya's May it Be as well as best score.
Harry Potter's and the Sorcerer's Stone (its US title), completely ignored in the Golden Globe nominations, won best family film.
No Man's Land, a movie about the war in Bosnia, was recognised in the foreign film category.
The Youth in Film award went to newcomer Dakota Fanning for I Am Sam.
A special achievement award went to Rick Baker for his make-up design for the reworked Planet of the Apes.