The Artist (2011): Jean Dujardin, Berenice Bejo, John Goodman

The Artist is a romantic comedic silent movie with brilliant acting, zero dialog and set solely in black and white film. The story surrounds a very famous silent movie star, George Valentin, played by Dujardin, who is confronted with a new opportunity to appear in  "talkies".  Fearing change, the unknown, or stubbornly sticking with bygone silent film successes, Valentin, clings to the past rather than embracing the present.  Peppy Miller, Bejo, is an up and coming silent film star who eagerly embraces "talkies" and consequently becomes a famous talking movie star.  Valentin's choices are the polar opposite. Valentin and Miller lives are intertwined in an old school love story.  The acting is superb, movie mesmerizing and the cinematography is reminiscent of the film, Rosebud. Moreover, the dog steals the show. The story examines change and reminds everyone that the world is constantly evolving.  Life's journey is to try, change, fail, succeed or forever remain frozen in the past.  Dujardin is nominated for Best Actor in a film; Bejo nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a film; The Artist - nominated for Best Picture; The Artist - 10 nominations.