Spy uncovers nominations
Gary Oldman at the premiere of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. The film gained 11 nominations at the Baftas Reuters

Silent movie "The Artist" has built on its Golden Globe success story to pick up 12 Bafta nominations.

The star-studded spy remake "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" came in a close second, with 11 nominations, a surprise for those involved as it was skipped in the Globes. Martin Scorsese's family film "Hugo" was picked in nine categories.

There were few surprises in the major categories, which often mirror the Globes.

Meryl Streep, already tipped for an Oscar, was named in the best actress category for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady". Michelle Williams was also nominated for playing a real person for her performance as Marilyn Monroe in "My Week With Marilyn".

George Clooney picked up a nomination in the best actor category for his role in Alexander Payne's "The Descendants", while his Ocean's 11 co-star Brad Pitt was named for his performance in baseball drama Moneyball.

The major category nominations:

Best Film:
The Artist
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Drive
The Help
The Descendants

Best Actor:
Gary Oldman - Tinker Tailer Soldier Spy
George Clooney - The Descendants
Jean Dujardin - The Artist
Michael Fassbender - Shame
Brad Pitt - Moneyball

Best Actress:
Meryl Streep - The Iron Lady
Tilda Swinton - We Need to Talk About Kevin
Viola Davis - The Help
Berenice Bejo - The Artist
Michelle Williams - My Week With Marilyn

Brad Pitt