'The Artist' star Jean Dujardin on Oscar nomination: 'I am so proud'

The Artist's Jean Dujardin has said he is "proud" of his 'Best Actor' Academy Award nomination.

Dujardin is competing in the 'Best Actor' category with Hollwywood heavy-hitters Brad Pitt and George Clooney, British actor Gary Oldman and Mexican star Demián Bichir.

The actor spoke from Paris about his nomination with USA Today.

"[I feel] proud, shocked, daunted and lucky," Dujardin declared in his discussion with the newspaper.

"It's proof that you have to listen to yourself and trust the movie and to never try to make a success and make unique and singular personal movies."

Dujardin also admitted that he was very apprehensive about starring in The Artist and at first turned down the silent film.

"I hesitated, and I even said no. I had some angst about it," the star recalled. "I felt like I'd be more of an explorer than an actor because I didn't really know, I didn't understand it. I didn't want to do Charlie Chaplin."

He added of finally accepting the role: "I just gave myself over to [The Artist director] Michel [Hazanavicius]. He had every detail down in the movie.

"He went to art school, and you can tell. You have to trust the director. I was never worried about that."

Filmmaker Michel Hazanavicius has also received a 'Best Director' Oscar nod and admitted earlier this week that he was stunned by the honour.

The Artist is now playing in US and UK cinemas.

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Watch a trailer for The Artist below: