Tied for second were "The Help," about black servants in the pre-civil rights era US south, and "The Descendants" starring George Clooney, both nominated in five categories for the Globes, to be presented next month.
Other "A" listers nominated included Angelina Jolie, Meryl Streep - and even Elton John and Madonna, in what one commentator said showed the Globes organizers' desire to get celebrities on the red carpet.
But "The Artist" was the big winner, triggering elation from its French director Michel Hazanavicius.
"I feel like I have a big, stupid smile on my face. I made this movie out of desire, and never expected this sort of response," he told the Hollywood Reporter.
The Golden Globe winners will be announced on January 15, in a show hosted for a third time by provocative British comic Ricky Gervais, invited back despite allegedly ruffling feathers at last year's show.
"The Artist" was nominated for categories including best comedy or music film, best comedy or music actor for Jean Dujardin, best director, and best supporting actress - for Hazanavicius's wife Berenice Bejo.
