An emotional Tom Hanks accepts Cecille B DeMille award at Golden Globes

Veteran actor Tom Hanks choked up as he accepted the Cecille B DeMille award at the Golden Globes 2020 and dismissed his tears as being part of a cold.

"I swear to God, I'm not nearly this emotional at home," said the versatile actor in his acceptance speech.

Hanks, who was bestowed with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's top award, addressed the audience, most of whom he said he would "pay to see them get their cars washed".

Chosen by the HFPA board members, the Cecil B deMille award is given annually to a talented individual who has made a lasting impact in the world of entertainment.

The 63-year-old actor reflected on his lengthy career and thanked his co-stars over the years, from whom he "stole" something or other.

"You're a dope if you don't steal from everybody you've ever worked with. And I have stolen from the likes of the people that only need one name, like Meryl, like Denzel, like Antonio, like Meg, like Julia, like Sally Field even though that's two names, it's still one.

"But I have also been made better by watching the examples of some of the greatest actors that have ever walked the stage," he said.

Hanks added, showing up on time is "one of the greatest and most liberating acts you can give yourself in a movie."