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"The Artist" wins top award at Critics' Choice Awards

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Silent film "The Artist"  has won the top award at the Critics' Choice Awards, boosting its profile as award season heats up.

The comedy, shot in black and white, picked up four awards, including best picture and best director.

Box office hit "The Help" was the night's other big winner with acting honors for both Octavia Spencer and Viola Davis. Davis, who beat the likes of Meryl Streep in the best actress category, was in shock over her win.

The tale of black maids and their white employers living in the southern U.S. in the 1960s also snagged the award for best ensemble cast. Martin Scorsese's family film "Hugo" walked away with just one award after receiving 11 nominations.

However, the filmmaker was presented with a special award for his use of music in films - with singer Bob Dylan playing a rare awards show performance.

The other big winner of the night was the Judd Apatow-produced film "Bridesmaids," which nabbed best comedy honors. During his acceptance speech, Apatow took the time to send a message to legendary comedian Jerry Lewis.

Best foreign film went to the Iranian family drama "A Separation," which also is seen as a strong Oscar contender. And Sean Penn was presented with a humanitarian award for his work in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake.

The Critics' Choice Awards were given by the 250-member Broadcast Film Critics Association, the largest film critic's organization in the United States and Canada.

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