Silent film "The Artist" was the top winner at the Critics' Choice Awards on Thursday (January 12), boosting its profile as the awards season heats up ahead of the Oscars. 　　The black and white comedy picked up four awards, including best picture and best director for Frenchman Michel Hazanavicius, who called it "a love letter to American cinema. 　　" Comedy/drama box office hit "The Help" was the night's other big, and surprise, victor. The tale of black maids and their white employers in the 1960s U.S. South brought acting honors for both Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer in their roles as maids. 　　The movie also won best ensemble cast. George Clooney was voted best actor for his role as a distracted dad in family drama "The Descendants" and female romp "Bridesmaids" won the award for best comedy. (Lindsay Claiborn/Reuters)