Los Angeles, Feb 27 (IANS): Jean Dujardin and Meryl Streep were named the best actors in leading role at the 84th Academy awards ceremony for their work in "The Artist" and "The Iron Lady" respectively.

Dujardin, who beat Gary Oldman ("Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy"), George Clooney ("The Descendents"), Brad Pitt ("Moneyball") and Demian Bichir ("A Better Life") to walk away with his first ever Oscar award, portrayed a silent movie star in "The Artist".

The French actor has swept best actor awards at almost all the award functions including BAFTA and Golden Globes this year.

Streep, who has been nominated for the Oscar 17 times in her acting career, won her third Academy award at the function here Sunday night. In "The Iron Lady", the veteran American actress reprised the role of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher.

She pipped Glenn Close ("Albert Nobbs"), Viola Davis in ("The Help"), Rooney Mara ("The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo") and Michelle Williams ("My Week with Marilyn") for the prestigious award.

Streep had won the Academy Award for best supporting actress for "Kramer vs. Kramer" in 1979, and the best actress award for "Sophie's Choice" in 1982.