LOS ANGELES (AP) - The Deep South drama "The Help" leads the Screen Actors Guild Awards with four nominations, among them honors for Viola Davis, Jessica Chastain and Octavia Spencer.

The adaptation of the best-selling novel also was nominated Wednesday for best ensemble cast, along with the silent film "The Artist," the wedding comedy "Bridesmaids," the family drama "The Descendants" and the romantic fantasy "Midnight in Paris."

"The Artist" ran second with three nominations, including a best-actor honor for Jean Dujardin and supporting actress for Berenice Bejo.

The SAG Awards will be presented on Jan. 29.

The nominations are among the first major honors on the long road to the Feb. 26 Academy Awards.