Jean Dujardin: 'The Artist' star 'proud' of Oscar nomination

Jean Dujardin: 'The Artist' star 'proud' of Oscar nomination

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

The artist 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 performer 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."

The French star 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."

Jean 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."

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