Silent movie The Artist leads the pack at the start of the film award season - much to the amazement of its star Jean Dujardin.
SOUNDBITE (English) Actor, Jean Dujardin (French with English translation) saying:
"I am very surprised, and at the same time very proud. I am also terrified, because this is all very terrifying. It is great. But of course we don't make films to win prizes. It has been nothing but nice surprises from the very beginning. Above all, I am very proud of the director because this is an enormous accomplishment."
The film has been nominated for 6 Golden Globes, including best film in the comedy or musical category - and best actor for Dujardin.
Starring alongside Berenice Bejo - he plays silent actor George Valentin.
A part that has already won him the prestigious best actor gong at the Cannes Film Festival.
SOUNDBITE (English) Actor, Jean Dujardin (French with English translation) saying:
''It is a very simple story, and there is a nostalgia for old Hollywood cinema. And because it is a silent film in black and white, it relies heavily on the viewers' pure emotion. It isn't polluted by words. It introduces audiences to something different. It was new to us as actors, but it's also a new visual and emotional experience for audiences too."
Exciting for film lovers and critics alike - The Artist could become the first silent movie in decades to win some of the major awards.
Sarah Mills, Reuters.
