London - Ben Affleck doesn't know how he "got away" with winning a Golden Globe Award.
The actor's successful transition behind the camera was cemented on Sunday night when he picked up the Best Director award for Argo at the ceremony in Los Angeles, and he is elated to have bested veteran directors including Kathryn Bigelow and Steven Spielberg.
Speaking to Access Hollywood after his victory, he said: "I'm thrilled about my Globe win. This is an incredible moment in my professional life and is really significant.
"I don't even know what to say, to even be in the company of guys like that... and a woman like Kathryn Bigelow. I don't even know how I got away with this, but I'm going to enjoy tonight."
The 40-year-old director addressed his nomination snub in the same category at the Academy Awards next month, revealing that although he was disappointed, he is opting to look on the bright side.
He said: "I have a lot of respect for the Academy. Naturally I was a little disappointed, but I don't want to overlook the fact that Argo got seven nominations, including Best Picture."
Ben dedicated his victory to his wife Jennifer Garner - with whom he has three children, Violet, 7, Seraphina, 4, and Samuel, 10 months - at Sunday night’s ceremony, citing her as "the reason why I'm standing here".
He added: "I adore you. I love you so much. Thanks for sitting through this. You are my everything. Thank you."
The actor-director's best friend Matt Damon was among the first stars to offer congratulations on his win.
Ben revealed: "Damon has texted me a couple of times... he was just saying congratulations, that kind of thing." - Bang Showbiz