Best documentary nominations went to "The Betrayal," "Encounters at the End of the World," "Man on Wire," "The Order of Myths" and "Up the Yangtze." "The Class," "Gomorrah," "Hunger," Secret of the Grain" and "Silent Light" earned nominations for best foreign film.
The Robert Altman Award, which is given to one film's director, casting directing and ensemble cast, went to Charlie Kaufman's "Synecdoche, New York."
Film Independent's Spirit Awards is a "celebration honoring films made by filmmakers who embody independence and who dare to challenge the status quo."
All eligible films must be at least 70 minutes long, and the cost of the completed film -- including post-production -- must be less than $20 million. The film must have been shown in a commercial theater for at least one week this year or been screened at one of several film festivals, including Film Independent's Los Angeles Film Festival, Sundance and Toronto.
"We are proud again to spotlight so many outstanding films from such a diverse group of filmmakers," said Dawn Hudson, executive director of Film Independent. "This is truly the year of original voices, among both veterans and new filmmakers."
Since its inception in 1985, the Spirit Awards have grown in significance as part of Hollywood's award season. Several past Spirit winners have gone on to earn Oscars, including "Juno" scribe Diablo Cody and lead actress winners Charlize Theron ("Monster"), Halle Berry ("Monster's Ball") and Hilary Swank ("Boys Don't Cry").
The 2009 Film Independent's Spirit Awards ceremony will take place at a tent on the beach in Santa Monica on Feb. 21. It will air uncut and commercial-free on the Independent Film Channel at 5 p.m. An edited version will air later that evening on AMC.
For a complete list of nominees, go to www.spiritawards.com/nominees.
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susan.king@latimes.com
