‘12 Years a Slave’ leads Film Independent Spirit Award noms

Steve McQueen’s “12 Years a Slave,” the acclaimed, unflinching look at the brutality of slavery in America, earned the most nominations Tuesday for the 29th Film Independent Spirit Awards. The film received seven nominations including, best picture, best director, lead actor for Chiwetel Ejifor, supporting actor for Michael Fassbender and supporting actress for Lupita Nyong’o.

Alexander Payne’s “Nebraska” received six nominations, including best film, best director, lead actor for Bruce Dern, supporting actor for Will Forte and suppporting actress for June Squibb.

Rounding out the best film nominees are “All Is Lost,” “Frances Ha” and “Inside Llewyn Davis.”

RELATED: Complete list of Independent Spirit Awards nominees

Besides Dern and Ejiofor, lead actor nominations went to Oscar Isaac for “Inside Llewyn Davis,” Michael B. Jordan for “Fruitvale Station,” Matthew McConaughey for “Dallas Buyers Club” and Robert Redford for “All Is Lost.”

Vying for lead actress are Cate Blanchett for “Blue Jasmine,” Julie Delpy for “Before Midnight,” Gaby Hoffman for “Crystal Fairy,” Brie Larson for “Short Term 12” and Shailene Woodley for “The Spectacular Now.”

Rounding out the director category are Shane Carruth for “Upstream Color,” J.C. Chandor for “All Is Lost” and Jeff Nichols for “Mud.”

“Mud” was also selected to receive the annual Robert Altman Award, which is given to one film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast.

The Spirit Awards will be handed out on March 1 at a daytime ceremony on a tent on the beach in Santa Monica. Patton Oswalt is hosting.

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