The Artist is a 2011 French-Belgian comedy-drama film in the style of a black-and-white silent film or part-talkie. It was written and directed by Michel Hazanavicius, produced by Thomas Langmann and stars Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo. The story takes place in Hollywood, between 1927 and 1932, and focuses on the relationship between a rising young actress and an older silent film star as silent cinema falls out of fashion and is replaced by the "talkies". Best Picture at the 84th Academy Awards, February 26, 2012 — hosted by Billy Crystal at Hollywood and Highland Center. 39.34 million US viewers. Most awards that night: The Artist and Hugo. Wiki link Wiki link Poster: TMDB (this product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB).