ABC swept the best series categories at the Golden Globe awards Monday night, with breakout freshman comedy “Ugly Betty” and top-rated drama “Grey’s Anatomy” winning the highest Globe television honors.

“Grey’s” took home the Globe for best drama series. Last year, “Grey’s” was nominated for, but didn’t win, a best drama series Globe and Emmy series award. “Betty” racked up two major Golden Globe awards, earning honors for outstanding comedy television series and for best actress.

With three awards, ABC tied HBO for the most Globes won by any network.

The Golden Globes, presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, are known for honoring breakout series and performers, and can increase the likelihood of an Emmy win. This year’s winners included a couple of newcomers, including “Ugly Betty’s” America Ferrera, who beat out industry veterans such as Felicity Huffman and Julia Louis-Dreyfus for best comedy actress. “30 Rock” star Alec Baldwin bested Steve Carrell and Tony Shaloub for best actor in a comedy series.

“Betty” triumphed over a strong field, defeating last year’s winner “The Office,” as well as “Weeds,” “Entourage” and “Desperate Housewives.” Ms. Ferrera tearfully accepted the best actress honor, for which she also competed against Marcia Cross and Mary-Louise Parker.

The win helps solidify “Betty” as a breakout series for ABC, which has otherwise had few bright spots among its new fall schedule.

In the major acting categories, “House” star Hugh Laurie and Kyra Sedgwick of “The Closer” picked up best drama series acting honors at the 64th annual Golden Globes, which were broadcast on NBC.

“I am speechless,” said Mr. Laurie, winning for the second year in a row for his role as a cankerous physician on Fox’s hit series. “I am literally without a speech.”

Ms. Sedgwick bested Edie Falco from “The Sopranos” and Ellen Pompeo of “Grey’s Anatomy” to win the award for her TNT series.

In one of the most closely-watched races, best performance by an actor in television comedy series, category newcomer Mr. Baldwin beat Globe veterans Steve Carrell, Jason Lee, Tony Shaloub and Zach Braff.

Helen Mirren won best performance by an actress in a TV movie or miniseries for ‘Elizabeth I,’ one of the two roles for which she was nominated in the category. Ms. Mirren had also received a nod for her work in “Prime Suspect: The Final Act.” Ms. Mirren was also nominated for her work in the theatrical film “The Queen.”

“Elizabeth I would have an amazing speech at this moment,” Ms. Mirren said. “Then she would get very humble, then she’d be teary, then she’d be powerful. I have nothing to say but thank you.”

Jeremy Irons won for best supporting actor in a miniseries or TV movie for HBO’s “Elizabeth I,” and Emily Blunt has won for supporting actress in a miniseries or TV movie for BBC America’s “Gideon’s Daughter.”

(Editor: Baumann)