The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts awards, formerly known as the Australian Film Institute awards, have an international component that was celebrated yesterday by a who's who of Hollywood celebrities and Australian A-listers including Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce and academy president Geoffrey Rush.

``One of the favourite times of my life was shooting in Australia playing the most hated woman in Australia,'' Streep, referring to her 1988 performance as Lindy Chamberlain in Evil Angels, joked during her acceptance speech.

Streep won the award for her role as another controversial figure, former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, in The Iron Lady.

Silent film The Artist - expected to dominate at next month's Oscars - was impressive at the Australian awards.

It picked up the best film prize, while its male lead, French actor Dujardin, beat George Clooney (The Descendants) and Brad Pitt (Moneyball) for the best actor award.

The Artist's director Michael Hazanavicius took the directing gong.

``I have two great honours in my life,'' Dujardin said.

``Making The Artist and eating Vegemite. I promise to have it every morning on my baguette.''