Oscars 2012 winners

Director Michel Hazanavicius and Jean Dujardin walked away with the best director and actor trophies.

The Artist" beat eight rivals for the top prize, including Martin Scorsese's "Hugo", Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris" and "The Help". Scorsese's "Hugo" tied up with "The Artist" by winning five trophies in technical categories on Sunday night.

Streep, the most nominated actress in the Academy history with 17 nods, looked dazzling as she accepted her third Oscar and her first in the last 30 years for her portrayal of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady." The 62-year-old star previously won for 1979 film "Kramer vs Kramer" and 1982's "Sophie's Choice".

Woody Allen:Best Original Screenplay for romantic-comedy 'Midnight in Paris''.

Alexander Payne: Best Adapted Screenplay for "The Descendants".

Michel Hazanavicius: Best director for silent film "The Artist".

Octavia Spencer: Supporting actress for "The Help".

Jean Dujardin:  Best director and actor trophies for "The Artist".

Christopher Plummer: Best supporting actor for"Beginners".

Merlyn Streep: Best actress for "The Iron Lady".

Martin Scorsese's 3-D picture "Hugo" won Oscars for best cinematography, art direction, sound and visual effectsn at the 84th Academy Awards in Los Angeles.