'The Artist' nominated for 12 BAFTA awards

LONDON The black and white silent film received 12 nominations. Coming in close behind with 11 nods is "Tinker Tailor Solider Spy."

The two films are up for best picture. They're joined in the category by "The Descendants," "Drive" and "The Help."

Martin Scorsese's "Hugo" also did well with nine nominations.

The prizes will be awarded at a ceremony at London's Royal Opera House on Feb. 12. They are considered an important indicator of prospects at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles two weeks later.

See the full list of nominations.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.