"The Artist," Streep, Pitt among Film Critics Circle winners

Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo in "The Artist," a comic melodrama about the coming of talkies - itself silent and filmed in black and white.

(Credit: Warner Brothers France)

The awards season is getting into full swing. The Spirit Awards nominations were announced Tuesday morning, and now the New York Film Critics Circle unveiled its movie award winners via Twitter, naming the silent film "The Artist" best picture.

Pictures: Holiday films 2011
Special Section: Awards Season

The NYFCC awarded Meryl Streep with the best actress prize for her portrayal of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady."

Jessica Chastain received the best supporting actress award for her work in "Tree of Life," "The Help" and "Take Shelter."

Brad Pitt scored best actor for his roles in "Moneyball" and "Tree of Life."

The NYFCC, founded in 1935, is made up of film reviewers from New York-based publications. They meet annually to vote on the best films and actors of the year.

The 2011 NYFCC award winners are:

Best Picture: "The Artist"

Best Director: Michel Hazanavicius for "The Artist"

Best Screenplay: Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin for "Moneyball"

Best Actress: Meryl Streep for "The Iron Lady"

Best Actor: Brad Pitt for "Moneyball" and "Tree of Life"

Best Supporting Actress: Jessica Chastain for "Tree of Life," "The Help" and "Take Shelter"

Best Supporting Actor: Albert Brooks for "Drive"

Best Cinematography: Emmanuel Lubezki for "Tree of Life"

Best Non-Fiction Film (Documentary): "Cave of Forgotten Dreams"

Best Foreign Language Film: "A Separation"

Best First Feature: "Margin Call"