Washington, Jan 13: ‘The Help’ and ‘The Artist’ bagged top awards at Critics’ Choice Awards, held in Los Angeles on Thursday.

The film about the treatment of black maids in 1960s America won three of the coveted acting honours, including a Best Actress prize for Viola Davis, while her co-star Octavia Spencer picked up the night’s first award, Best Supporting Actress.

“I consider it an honour to pay homage to these woman who at that time period were not allowed to dream,” Contactmusic quoted Davis as telling the crowd at the Hollywood Palladium.

The ladies also picked up another trophy, Best Acting Ensemble, but it was ‘The Artist’ which was named Best Picture.

The silent movie also earned Michel Hazanavicius the Best Director honour and gained nods for Best Score and Best Costume Design.

George Clooney was named Best Actor for his role in The Descendants while Christopher Plummer bagged the Best Supporting Actor for Beginners.

The list of winners include:

Best Picture: The Artist Best Actor: George Clooney (The Descendants) Best Actress: Viola Davis (The Help) Best Supporting Actor: Christopher Plummer (Beginners) Best Supporting Actress: Octavia Spencer (The Help) Best Young Actor/Actress: Thomas Horn (Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close) (ANI)