'Artist' star Dujardin keeps head down ahead of Oscars

Hollywood's new darling Jean Dujardin, the French actor tipped for an Oscar for "The Artist", said Thursday he was simply getting on with work and had put the prize out of his thoughts. "I'm not thinking about it all, it's in two weeks," he said in the western city of Rennes during a tour to promote a new French comedy about male infidelity in which he stars. "I'm going to get dressed up, smile, enjoy myself" at the February 26 awards in Los Angeles, but until then he would "just get on with work," he told reporters. "It's not modesty, just protection," said Dujardin, who is nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of a silent movie era star overwhelmed by the arrival of the "talkies". At the Oscar ceremony, there will be "the red carpet and the big stars, you can't put yourself on the same level", he said. Asked how his career might develop after the surprise success of "The Artist", he said it would remain unchanged. "It's not up to me to decide whether I will have a career in the United States. I remain a French actor. I will continue as I have always done," he said. "The Artist" continued its march towards Oscar glory Sunday when it took best film, best director and best original screenplay for director Michel Hazanavicius at the BAFTA film awards in Britain. The 39-year-old Dujardin, who attended the BAFTA ceremony in London, won the prize for best actor. He was famous in France but little known abroad until the release last year of "The Artist". The movie was a surprise hit and has been nominated for 10 Oscars, including best picture and best director, and has made Dujardin the talk of the town in Hollywood.