"The Artist" is a 2011 silent black-and-white film directed by Michel Hazanavicius. Set in Hollywood between the late 1920s and early 1930s, it tells the story of George Valentin, a silent film star whose career declines with the advent of sound in cinema. The film explores themes of love, ambition, and the impact of technological change on the film industry. The film features a cast that includes Jean Dujardin as George Valentin and Bérénice Bejo as Peppy Miller, a rising star in the new era of talkies. "The Artist" received critical acclaim, winning several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture.