The French-made film The Artist is expected to be among the contenders for best picture when the nominees for this year's Academy Awards are announced Tuesday.

The critically acclaimed tribute to Hollywood's silent movie era is one of the favorites for the coveted nomination, after winning the best musical or comedy prize at this month's Golden Globes. It will likely be joined by the Hawaii-based family drama The Descendants, which took home the best drama statue at the Golden Globes.

Other likely best picture contenders include Hugo, the World War One epic War Horse, and the 1960s civil rights drama The Help.

In the acting categories, The Artist star Jean Dujardin and The Descendants star George Clooney – both of them Golden Globe winners – are likely best actor nominees, along with Brad Pitt for his performance as a baseball executive in the hit Moneyball.

In the best actress category, oft-nominated Meryl Streep, is expected to receive a nod for her portrayal of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady. She may be joined by Viola Davis for her performance as a black maid in The Help, Michelle Williams for her portrayal of film icon Marilyn Monroe in My Week with Marilyn, and Glenn Close for her role as a cross-dressing domestic in Albert Nobbs.

The 84th annual Academy Awards will be held on Sunday, February 26 in Hollywood.