'The Artist' and 'The Help' Lead Pack of Golden Globe Nominations

In this film publicity image released by The Weinstein Company, Jean Dujardin portrays George Valentin, left, and Berenice Bejo portrays Peppy Miller in a scene from "The Artist." (AP)

In this film publicity image released by Disney, Viola Davis is shown in a scene from "The Help." (AP)

The silent film "The Artist" was the big hit at the 69th Annual Golden Globe nominations, leading the pack with six nods. Among them are best comedy or musical and acting honors for its French stars, Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo.

Tied for second-place in Thursday's nominations are the 1960s racial tale "The Help" and George Clooney's Hawaiian family story "The Descendants." Both films are up for best drama, while Clooney was nominated for best actor and "The Help" earned acting slots for Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer and Jessica Chastain.

Also competing for best drama: Martin Scorsese's Paris adventure "Hugo"; Clooney's political thriller "The Ides of March"; Brad Pitt's baseball chronicle "Moneyball"; and Steven Spielberg's World War I epic "War Horse."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.