Now that nearly all of the critics groups have weighed in, a look at the numbers — thanks to Variety’s Jon Weisman for keeping close tabs on them all — shows that “The Artist” continues to lead the pack. In advance of Oscar nom polls closing Friday and Sunday’s Golden Globe ceremony, here’s how it’s all shaking down. First some flavor for the week, then a list of the leaders…
Payday: “The Artist”
Starburst: Michael Fassbender, “A Separation” 
Bit o’ Honey: Kirsten Dunst, Elizabeth Olsen
Whatchamacalit: Best director category
Twix: Steven Zaillian, Jessica Chastain
Snickers: Annie Mumolo and Kristen Wiig
Hershey’s Special Dark: “Cave of Forgotten Dreams”
Leaders By Awards Volume
Picture: “The Artist,” “The Descendants,” “The Tree of Life”
Lead actor: George Clooney, Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Michael Shannon, Jean Dujardin
Lead actress: Tilda Swinton, Michelle Williams, Viola Davis, Meryl Streep
Supporting actor: Christopher Plummer, Albert Brooks 
Supporting actress: Jessica Chastain, Shailene Woodley, Octavia Spencer, Melissa McCarthy, Janet McTeer
Director: Terrence Malick, Michel Hazanavicius, Nicholas Winding Refn, Martin Scorsese, Alexander Payne
Adapted screenplay: “Descendants”: Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash; “Moneyball”: Steve Zaillian, Aaron Sorkin
Original screenplay: “Midnight in Paris”: Woody Allen; “The Artist”: Michel Hazanavicius; “50/50”: Will Reiser, “Win Win”: Tom McCarthy, Jim Taboni
Animated feature: “Rango,” “The Adventures of Tintin,” “Arthur Christmas”
Documentary: “Cave of Forgotten Dreams,” “Project Nim” “Tabloid”
Foreign-language film: “A Separation,” “The Skin I Live In”
Follow me on Twitter @VarietyAwards.
