The French-made black-and-white silent film “The Artist“ was the big winner at Sunday night’s 84th Annual Academy Awards, picking up five prizes out of the eleven for which it was nominated.
“The Artist” became the first silent film to win the best picture since “Wings” won at the inaugural Oscar ceremony 83 years ago. It is also the first black-and-white movie to earn the top prize since “Schindler’s List” in 1994.
“I am the happiest director in the world,” Michel Hazanavicius said, thanking the cast, crew, and Uggie, the Jack Russell Terrier who played sidekick to Jean Dujardin in the film. “I also want to thank the financier, the crazy person who put money in the movie.”
Dujardin, the first man to win an Oscar by uttering two words, beat out George Clooney (“The Descendants”) and Brad Pitt (“Moneyball”) is the best actor category.
Meanwhile, Meryl Streep picked up her third Academy Award for her portrayal of British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady”. It was Streep’s first Oscar in 29 years since she won the best actress for “Sophie’s Choice”. The legendary thespian has been nominated 12 times since then but had not taken home a golden statuette.
“When they called my name, I had this feeling I could hear half of America going, ‘Oh no, come on. Her? Again?’ But, whatever,” Streep said, laughing.
The 62-year-old actress bested other well-reviewed nominees like Glenn Close (“Albert Nobbs”), Michelle Williams (“My Week with Marilyn”), and Rooney Mara (“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”), and Viola Davis (“The Help”).
“Hugo” also took home five Oscars, but the Martin Scorsese-directed 3D adventure drama was shut out of the top categories and instead had to settle for statuettes for visual effects, cinematography, art direction, sound editing, and sound mixing.
Here’s the full list of winners and nominees for the 84th Annual Academy Awards. The winners are highlighted; scroll down to view the complete list.
ACTOR IN A LEAD ROLE
Demin Bichir, “A Better Life”
George Clooney, “The Descendants”
Jean Dujardin, “The Artist”
Gary Oldman, “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”
Brad Pitt, “Moneyball”
ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Kenneth Branagh, “My Week with Marilyn
Jonah Hill, “Moneyball”
Nick Nolte, “Warrior”
Christopher Plummer, “Beginners”
Max von Sydow, “Extremely Loud
