Gosling, Williams vie For Spirit Awards

By
FilmDistrict

The 2012 awards race officially kicked off today as the Film Independent Spirit Award nominations were revealed by Kate Beckinsale and Anthony Mackie. The ceremony, annually held the day before the Oscars, celebrates the best independent cinema has to offer.

But that doesn't mean the nomination ballot doesn't include a lot of familiar faces as Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams, Anjelica Huston and Woody Harrelson all scores nods.

"The 2012 nominees tell their stories in such an authentic way and reflect the inclusive nature of the independent filmmaking community," Film Independent Senior Director Sean McManus said. "We are delighted to support them and expand the audience for their work."

Check out the nominees below and be sure to watch the Film Independent Spirit Awards on February 25, 2012 on IFC.

BEST FEATURE
50/50

Beginners

Drive

Take Shelter

The Artist

The Descendants

BEST FEMALE LEAD

Lauren Ambrose, Think of Me

Rachael Harris, Natural Selection

Adepero Oduye, Pariah

Elizabeth Olsen, Martha Marcy May Marlene

Michelle Williams, My Week with Marilyn

BEST MALE LEAD

Demián Bichir, A Better Life

Jean Dujardin, The Artist

Ryan Gosling, Drive

Woody Harrelson, Rampart

Michael Shannon, Take Shelter

BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE

Jessica Chastain, Take Shelter

Anjelica Huston, 50/50

Janet McTeer, Albert Nobbs

Harmony Santana, Gun Hill Road

Shailene Woodley, The Descendants

BEST SUPPORTING MALE

Albert Brooks, Drive

John Hawkes, Martha Marcy May Marlene

Christopher Plummer, Beginners

John C. Reilly, Cedar Rapids

Corey Stoll, Midnight in Paris

BEST DIRECTOR

Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist

Mike Mills, Beginners

Jeff Nichols, Take Shelter

Alexander Payne, The Descendants

Nicolas Winding Refn, Drive

BEST SCREENPLAY

Joseph Cedar, Footnote

Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist

Tom McCarthy, Win Win

Mike Mills, Beginners

Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash, The Descendants

BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM
A Separation

Melancholia

Shame

The Kid With a Bike

Tyrannosaur

ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD - (Given to one film’s director, casting director, and its ensemble cast)
Margin Call

Director: J.C. Chandor

Casting Director: Tiffany Little Canfield, Bernard Telsey

Ensemble Cast: Penn Badgley, Simon Baker, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Mary McDonnell, Demi Moore, Zachary Quinto, Kevin Spacey, Stanley Tucci

For the full list, click here!