'The Artist' tops PGA awards

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BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Jan. 22 (UPI) -- "The Artist," the black-and-white silent film and Golden Globes standout, garnered top honors at the Producers Guild awards in Beverly Hills, Calif..

The quirky film that this month won the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's top award for best motion picture, comedy or musical, won the Producers Guild Award for Best Picture Saturday night, giving weight to "The Artist" as a front-runner for an Oscar nomination, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The movie beat out ''The Help," ''Midnight in Paris," ''Hugo," Steven Spielberg's adaptation of "War Horse," ''Moneyball" and "The Ides of March" starring George Clooney and Clooney's other film, the Golden Globe winner for Best Motion Picture Drama, "The Descendants."

Spielberg was honored with the David O. Selznick Achievement Award in Theatrical Motion Pictures saying during his acceptance speech, he credited producers who believed in him for the ultimate success in his career.

"(It's important when making films) to take chances on men and women who deserve a break. No one can succeed alone," Spielberg said.

"For every film and television show nominated tonight, someone reached out and gave a hand. I am grateful to feel all of yours holding mine right now."