Jean Dujardin has been named Best Actor of the year at this year's Academy Awards.

The 39-year-old Frenchman received the prestigious accolade for his portrayal of George Valentin in highly lauded silent comedy drama The Artist.

Jean beat out George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Gary Oldman and Demian Bichir in the race for best leading man.

Meryl Streep impressed the Academy with her portrayal of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady.

The actress was triumphant in the Best Actress category, rising to the top of a formidable selection of nominees that included Rooney Mara, Viola Davis, Glenn Close and Michelle Williams.

This was Meryl's 17th Academy Award nomination and her third Oscar win.

At the podium the actress thanked her friends and colleagues for her "inexplicably wonderful career".

Christopher Plummer was named Best Supporting Actor for his work in romantic dramatic comedy Beginners. He portrayed Hal, a man who came out as homosexual to his son and was diagnosed with terminal cancer soon after.

The 82-year-old Canadian actor is the oldest thespian to have ever won an Oscar.

Octavia Spencer was named Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Minny Jackson in The Help.

The 84th Annual Academy Awards were held at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood Sunday evening.