The 29th Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominations Announced

The 29th Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominations Announced

- $75,000 in grants to be awarded to filmmakers -





LOS ANGELES, Nov. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization that produces the Film Independent Spirit Awards, the Los Angeles Film Festival and the Film Independent at LACMA Film Series, announced nominations for the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards this morning. Film Independent President Josh Welsh presided over the press conference held at the W Hollywood, with actresses Octavia Spencer and Paula Patton presenting the nominations. Nominees for Best Feature included 12 Years a Slave, All Is Lost, Frances Ha, Inside Llewyn Davis and Nebraska.

Mud was selected to receive the annual Robert Altman Award, which is bestowed upon one film's director, casting director and ensemble cast.

In its commitment to recognizing the importance of below the line contributions to the art of filmmaking, Film Independent has now introduced, for the first year, the Best Editing category in the Spirit Awards.

"The nominations this year are from such an amazing pool of talented film artists," said Josh Welsh, President of Film Independent. "Their work demonstrates the deep originality and uniqueness of vision that are at the heart of independent film. At Film Independent, we work all year round to promote that spirit, and the nominees celebrated here today are tremendous ambassadors for their crafts, both in front of and behind the camera."

Winners will be announced at the Spirit Awards on Saturday, March 1, 2014. The awards ceremony will be held as a daytime luncheon in a tent on the beach in Santa Monica, with the premiere broadcast airing later that evening at 10:00 pm ET/PT exclusively on IFC.

Winners of the Spirit Awards Filmmaker Grants will be highlighted during the awards ceremony and announced at the Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominee Brunch on Saturday, January 11, 2014, at BOA Steakhouse in West Hollywood.

The Spirit Awards Nominating Committees selected nominees from 325 submissions this year and applied the following guidelines in determining the nominations: uniqueness of vision, original and provocative subject matter, economy of means (with particular attention paid to total production cost & individual compensation) and percentage of financing from independent sources. The Spirit Awards Nominating Committees are comprised of writers, directors, producers, cinematographers, editors, actors, critics, casting directors, festival programmers and other working film professionals.

As the first event to exclusively honor independent film, the Film Independent Spirit Awards has made a name for itself as the premier awards show for the independent film community. Artists who have received industry recognition first at the Spirit Awards include Joel & Ethan Coen, Spike Lee, Oliver Stone, Ashley Judd, Robert Rodriguez, David O. Russell, Edward Burns, Aaron Eckhart, Neil LaBute, Darren Aronofsky, Spike Jonze, Charlie Kaufman, Hilary Swank, Marc Forster, Todd Field, Christopher Nolan, Zach Braff, Amy Adams, Lena Dunham and many more.

The Spirit Awards is also the primary fundraiser for Film Independent's year-round programs. To inquire about tables at the Spirit Awards, please call 310.432.1253.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards are sponsored by Premier Sponsors Piaget, the Lincoln Motor Company and IFC and by Principal Sponsor Stella Artois. WireImage is the Official Photographer and PR Newswire is the Official Breaking News Service of Film Independent.

For more information on submission guidelines, voting, media and publicist credentials, and the history of the Spirit Awards, please visit spiritawards.com.

ABOUT THE FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDS
Now in its 29th year, the Film Independent Spirit Awards is an annual celebration honoring artist-driven films made with an economy of means by filmmakers who embody independence and originality. The Spirit Awards recognizes the achievements of American independent filmmakers and promotes the finest independent films of the year to a wider audience. The winners of the Spirit Awards are voted upon by Film Independent and IFP Members.

Awards are given in the following categories: Best Feature, Best First Feature, Best First Screenplay, Best Director, Best Screenplay, John Cassavetes Award (given to the best feature made for a budget under $500,000), Best Male Lead, Best Female Lead, Best Supporting Male, Best Supporting Female, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, the Robert Altman Award, Best International Film, and Best Documentary. The Filmmaker Grants include the Piaget Producers Award, the Stella Artois Truer Than Fiction Award and the Someone to Watch Award.

The production team for this year's Spirit Awards includes Executive Producer Diana Zahn-Storey; Director and Producer Chris Donovan; Producer Shawn Davis, who has been a part of the show and produced the Spirit Awards for 11 years; and Producer John Hamilton, who has produced the Spirit Awards for 9 years.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards are sponsored by Premier Sponsors Piaget, the Lincoln Motor Company and IFC and by Principal Sponsor Stella Artois. WireImage is the Official Photographer and PR Newswire is the Official Breaking News Service of Film Independent.

For more information on submission guidelines, voting, media and publicist credentials, and the history of the Spirit Awards, please visit spiritswards.com.



ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT
Film Independent is a nonprofit arts organization that champion's independent film and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds an audience for their projects, and works to diversify the film industry. Film Independent's Board of Directors, filmmakers, staff, and constituents, is comprised of an inclusive community of individuals across ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, and sexual orientation. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, industry professional, or a film lover.

??Film Independent produces the Spirit Awards, the annual celebration honoring artist-driven films and recognizing the finest achievements of American independent filmmakers, as well as the Los Angeles Film Festival, celebrating its 20th anniversary of showcasing the best of American and international cinema. Film Independent also produces the Film Independent at LACMA Film Series, a year-round, weekly program that offers unique cinematic experiences for the Los Angeles creative community and the general public. ?

With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent's Artist Development program offers free Labs for selected writers, directors, producers and documentary filmmakers and presents year-round networking opportunities. Project:Involve is Film Independent's signature program dedicated to fostering the careers of talented filmmakers from communities traditionally underrepresented in the film industry.

?For more information or to become a member, visit filmindependent.org.

2014 FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARD NOMINATIONS



BEST FEATURE (Award given to the Producer, Executive Producers are not awarded)


PRODUCERS: Dede Gardner,
Anthony Katagas, Jeremy
Kleiner, Steve McQueen,
Arnon Milchan, Brad Pitt,
12 Years a Slave Bill Pohlad
---------------- -------------------------

All Is Lost PRODUCERS: Neal Dodson,
Anna Gerb
----------- ------------------------

Frances Ha PRODUCERS: Noah Baumbach,
Scott Rudin, Rodrigo
Teixeira, Lila Yacoub
---------- --------------------------

Inside Llewyn Davis PRODUCERS: Ethan Coen, Joel
Coen, Scott Rudin
------------------- ---------------------------

Nebraska PRODUCERS: Albert Berger,
Ron Yerxa
-------- --------------------------
BEST DIRECTOR


Shane Carruth Upstream Color
------------- --------------

J.C. Chandor All Is Lost
------------ -----------

Steve McQueen 12 Years a Slave
------------- ----------------

Jeff Nichols Mud
------------ ---

Alexander Payne Nebraska
--------------- --------


BEST SCREENPLAY


Woody Allen Blue Jasmine
----------- ------------

Julie Delpy, Ethan
Hawke & Richard
Linklater Before Midnight
------------------ ---------------

Nicole Holofcener Enough Said
----------------- -----------

Scott Neustadter & The Spectacular Now

Michael H. Weber
----------------

John Ridley 12 Years a Slave
----------- ----------------
BEST FIRST FEATURE (Award given to the director and producer)


Blue Caprice DIRECTOR/PRODUCER: Alexandre Moors

PRODUCERS: Kim Jackson, Brian O'Carroll, Isen
Robbins, Will Rowbotham, Ron Simons, Aimee
Schoof, Stephen Tedeschi
--- ----------------------------------------------

Concussion DIRECTOR: Stacie Passon

PRODUCER: Rose Troche
--- ---------------------

Fruitvale Station DIRECTOR: Ryan Coogler

PRODUCERS: Nina Yang Bongiovi, Forest Whitaker
--- ----------------------------------------------

Una Noche DIRECTOR/PRODUCER: Lucy Mulloy

PRODUCERS: Sandy Perez Aguila, Maite Artieda,
Daniel Mulloy, Yunior Santiago
--- ----------------------------------------------

Wadjda DIRECTOR: Haifaa Al Mansour

PRODUCERS: Gerhard Meixner, Roman Paul
--- --------------------------------------
BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY


Lake Bell In A World
--------- ----------

Joseph Gordon-Levitt Don Jon
-------------------- -------

Bob Nelson Nebraska
---------- --------

Jill Soloway Afternoon Delight
------------ -----------------

Michael Starrbury The Inevitable Defeat
of Mister and Pete
----------------- ---------------------
JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD - Given to the best feature made for under $500,000. Award given to the writer, director, and producer. Executive Producers are not awarded.


Computer Chess WRITER/DIRECTOR: Andrew Bujalski

PRODUCERS: Houston King & Alex Lipschultz
--- -----------------------------------------

Crystal Fairy WRITER/DIRECTOR: Sebastian Silva

PRODUCERS: Juan de Dios Larrain & Pablo
Larrain
--- ----------------------------------------

Museum Hours WRITER/DIRECTOR: Jem Cohen

PRODUCERS: Paolo Calamita & Gabriele
Kranzelbinder
--- -------------------------------------

Pit Stop WRITER/DIRECTOR: Yen Tan

WRITER: David Lowery

PRODUCERS: Jonathan Duffy, James M.
Johnston,

Eric Steele, Kelly Williams
--- ---------------------------

This is Martin Bonner WRITER/DIRECTOR: Chad Hartigan

PRODUCER: Cherie Saulter
--- ------------------------




BEST FEMALE LEAD


Cate Blanchett Blue Jasmine
-------------- ------------

Julie Delpy Before Midnight
----------- ---------------

Gaby Hoffmann Crystal Fairy
------------- -------------

Brie Larson Short Term 12
----------- -------------

Shailene Woodley The Spectacular Now
---------------- -------------------
BEST MALE LEAD


Bruce Dern Nebraska
---------- --------

Chiwetel Ejiofor 12 Years a Slave
---------------- ----------------

Oscar Isaac Inside Llewyn Davis
----------- -------------------

Michael B. Jordan Fruitvale Station
----------------- -----------------

Matthew McConaughey Dallas Buyers Club
------------------- ------------------

Robert Redford All Is Lost
-------------- -----------


BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE


Melonie Diaz Fruitvale Station
------------ -----------------

Sally Hawkins Blue Jasmine
------------- ------------

Lupita Nyong'o 12 Years a Slave
-------------- ----------------

Yolonda Ross Go For Sisters
------------ --------------

June Squibb Nebraska
----------- --------
BEST SUPPORTING MALE


Michael Fassbender 12 Years a Slave
------------------ ----------------

Will Forte Nebraska
---------- --------

James Gandolfini Enough Said
---------------- -----------

Jared Leto Dallas Buyers Club
---------- ------------------

Keith Stanfield Short Term 12
--------------- -------------
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY


Sean Bobbitt 12 Years a Slave
------------ ----------------

Benoit Debie Spring Breakers
------------ ---------------

Bruno Delbonnel Inside Llewyn Davis
--------------- -------------------

Frank G. DeMarco All Is Lost
---------------- -----------

Matthias Grunsky Computer Chess
---------------- --------------
BEST EDITING


Shane Carruth &
David Lowery Upstream Color
--------------- --------------

Jem Cohen & Marc
Vives Museum Hours
---------------- ------------

Jennifer Lame Frances Ha
------------- ----------

Cindy Lee Una Noche
--------- ---------

Nat Sanders Short Term 12
----------- -------------
BEST DOCUMENTARY (Award given to the director and producer)


20 Feet From
Stardom DIRECTOR/PRODUCER: Morgan Neville

PRODUCERS: Gil Friesen & Caitrin Rogers
--- ---------------------------------------

After Tiller DIRECTORS/PRODUCERS: Martha Shane & Lana Wilson
------------ -----------------------------------------------

Gideon's Army DIRECTOR/PRODUCER: Dawn Porter

PRODUCER: Julie Goldman
--- -----------------------

The Act of Killing DIRECTOR/PRODUCER: Joshua Oppenheimer

PRODUCERS: Joram Ten Brink, Christine Cynn, Anne
Kohncke, Signe Byrge Sorensen,

Michael Uwemedimo
--- -----------------

The Square DIRECTOR: Jehane Noujaim

PRODUCER: Karim Amer
--- --------------------


BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM (Award given to the director)


A Touch of Sin DIRECTOR: Jia Zhang-Ke

(China)
------

Blue is the Warmest DIRECTOR: Abdellatif
Color Kechiche

(France)
-------------------

Gloria DIRECTOR: Sebastian
Lelio

(Chile)
------

The Great Beauty DIRECTOR: Paolo
Sorrentino

(Italy)
------

The Hunt DIRECTOR: Thomas
Vinterberg
(Denmark)
--------
ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD - (Given to one film's director, casting director, and its ensemble cast)


Mud Director: Jeff Nichols
--- ----------------------

Casting Director: Francine
Maisler
---------------------------

Ensemble Cast: Joe Don Baker,
Jacob Lofland, Matthew
McConaughey, Ray McKinnon,
Sarah Paulson, Michael
Shannon, Sam Shepard, Tye
Sheridan, Paul Sparks, Bonnie
Sturdivant, Reese Witherspoon
------------------------------


17(th) ANNUAL PIAGET PRODUCERS AWARD - The 17(th) annual Producers Award, sponsored by Piaget, honors emerging producers who, despite highly limited resources demonstrate the creativity, tenacity, and vision required to produce quality, independent films. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by Piaget.


Toby Halbrooks &
James M. Johnston
------------------

Jacob Jaffke
------------

Andrea Roa
----------

Frederick Thornton
------------------
20(th) ANNUAL SOMEONE TO WATCH AWARD - The 20(th) annual Someone to Watch Award recognizes a talented filmmaker of singular vision who has not yet received appropriate recognition.


My Sister's Quinceanera DIRECTOR: Aaron Douglas
Johnston
----------------------- -----------------------

Newlyweeds DIRECTOR: Shaka King
---------- --------------------

The Foxy Merkins DIRECTOR: Madeline Olnek
---------------- ------------------------


19(th) ANNUAL STELLA ARTOIS TRUER THAN FICTION AWARD - The 19(th) annual Truer Than Fiction Award, sponsored by Stella Artois, is presented to an emerging director of non-fiction features who has not yet received significant recognition. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant.


Kalyanee Mam A River Changes Course
------------ ----------------------

Jason Osder Let the Fire Burn
----------- -----------------

Stephanie Spray &
Pacho Velez Manakamana
----------------- ----------


BY DISTRIBUTOR





DISTRIBUTOR NOMINATIONS # OF NOMINATIONS
----------- ----------- ----------------

Fox Searchlight Pictures 12 Years a Slave, Best
Cinematography 9

12 Years a Slave, Best Director

12 Years a Slave, Best Feature

12 Years a Slave, Best Male Lead

12 Years a Slave, Best Screenplay

12 Years a Slave, Best Supporting
Female

12 Years a Slave, Best Supporting
Male

Enough Said, Best Screenplay

Enough Said, Best Supporting Male
--- ---------------------------------

IFC Films Blue is the Warmest Color, Best
International Film 8

Blue Caprice, Best First Feature

Crystal Fairy, Best Female Lead

Crystal Fairy, John Cassavetes
Award

Frances Ha, Best Editing

Frances Ha, Best Feature

Una Noche, Best Editing

Una Noche, Best First Feature
--- -----------------------------

Sony Pictures Classics Before Midnight, Best Female Lead 6

Before Midnight, Best Screenplay

Blue Jasmine, Best Female Lead

Blue Jasmine, Best Screenplay

Blue Jasmine, Best Supporting
Female

Wadjda, Best First Feature
--- --------------------------

Paramount Pictures Nebraska, Best Director 6

Nebraska, Best Feature

Nebraska, Best First Screenplay

Nebraska, Best Male Lead

Nebraska, Best Supporting Female

Nebraska, Best Supporting Male
--- ------------------------------

Roadside Attractions/
Lionsgate All Is Lost, Best Cinematography 4

All Is Lost, Best Director

All Is Lost, Best Feature

All Is Lost, Best Male Lead
--- ---------------------------

Roadside Attractions Gloria, Best International Film 4

In A World, Best First Screenplay

Mud, Best Director

Mud, Robert Altman Award
--- ------------------------

The Weinstein Company Fruitvale Station, Best First
Feature 3

Fruitvale Station, Best Male Lead

Fruitvale Station, Best
Supporting Female
--- ------------------------

Radius-TWC 20 Feet From Stardom, Best
Documentary 2

Concussion, Best First Feature
--- ------------------------------






A24 Spring Breakers, Best
Cinematography 3

The Spectacular Now, Best Female
Lead

The Spectacular Now, Best
Screenplay
--- --------------------------

CBS Inside Llewyn Davis, Best
Cinematography 3

Inside Llewyn Davis, Best Feature

Inside Llewyn Davis, Best Male
Lead
--- -------------------------------

Short Term 12, Best Editing 3

Cinedigm Short Term 12, Best Female Lead

Short Term 12, Best Supporting
Male
--- -------------------------------

The Cinema Guild Manakamana, Stella Artois Truer
Than Fiction Award 3

Museum Hours, Best Editing

Museum Hours, John Cassavetes
Award
--- ------------------------------

Kino Lorber A Touch of Sin, Best
International Film 3

Computer Chess, Best
Cinematography

Computer Chess, John Cassavetes
Award
--- --------------------------------

Focus Features Dallas Buyers Club, Best Male
Lead 2

Dallas Buyers Club, Best
Supporting Male
--- -------------------------

Drafthouse Films The Act of Killing, Best
Documentary 1
---------------- ------------------------- -

HBO FILMS Gideon's Army, Best Documentary 1
--------- ------------------------------- -

Janus Films The Great Beauty, Best
International Film 1
----------- ----------------------- -

Lionsgate The Inevitable Defeat of Mister
and Pete, Best First Screenplay 1
--------- -------------------------------- -

Magnolia Pictures The Hunt, Best International Film 1
----------------- --------------------------------- -

Monterey Media inc This is Martin Bonner, John
Cassavetes Award 1
------------------ ---------------------------- -

Netflix The Square, Best Documentary 1
------- ---------------------------- -

Oscilloscope Pictures After Tiller, Best Documentary 1
--------------------- ------------------------------ -

Phase 4 Films Newlyweeds, Someone to Watch
Award 1
------------- ----------------------------- -

Relativity Media Don Jon, Best First Screenplay 1
---------------- ------------------------------ -

The Film Arcade / Afternoon Delight, Best First
Cinedigm Screenplay 1
----------------- ------------------------------ -

Variance Films Go For Sisters, Best Supporting
Female 1
-------------- -------------------------------- -

Wolfe Releasing Pit Stop, John Cassavetes Award 1
--------------- ------------------------------- -

Zeitgeist Films Let the Fire Burn, Stella Artois
Truer Than Fiction Award 1
--------------- --------------------------------- -

No Distributor A River Changes Course, Stella
Artois Truer Than Fiction Award 5

The Foxy Merkins, Someone to
Watch Award,

My Sister's Quinceanera, Someone
to Watch Award

Upstream Color, Best Director

& Best Editing
--- --------------
45 FILMS NOMINATED



TOTALS PER FILM


FILM TITLE CATEGORIES # OF NOMINATIONS
---------- ---------- ----------------

12 Years a Slave Best Cinematography 7

Best Director

Best Feature

Best Male Lead

Best Screenplay

Best Supporting Female

Best Supporting Male
--- --------------------

20 Feet From
Stardom Best Documentary 1
------------ ---------------- ---

A River Changes Stella Artois Truer Than Fiction
Course Award 1
--------------- --------------------------------- ---

A Touch of Sin Best International Film 1
-------------- ----------------------- ---

After Tiller Best Documentary 1
------------ ---------------- ---

Afternoon Delight Best First Screenplay 1
----------------- --------------------- ---

All Is Lost Best Cinematography 4

Best Director

Best Feature

Best Male Lead
--- --------------

Before Midnight Best Female Lead 2

Best Screenplay
--- ---------------

Blue Caprice Best First Feature 1
------------ ------------------ ---

Blue is the Warmest
Color Best International Film 1
------------------- ----------------------- ---

Blue Jasmine Best Female Lead 3

Best Screenplay

Best Supporting Female
--- ----------------------

Computer Chess Best Cinematography 2

John Cassavetes Award
--- ---------------------

Concussion Best First Feature 1
---------- ------------------ ---

Crystal Fairy Best Female Lead 2

John Cassavetes Award
--- ---------------------

Dallas Buyers Club Best Male Lead 2

Best Supporting Male
--- --------------------

Don Jon Best First Screenplay 1
------- --------------------- ---

Enough Said Best Screenplay 2

Best Supporting Male
--- --------------------

Frances Ha Best Editing 2

Best Feature
--- ------------

Fruitvale Station Best First Feature 3

Best Male Lead

Best Supporting Female
--- ----------------------

Gideon's Army Best Documentary 1
------------- ---------------- ---

Gloria Best International Film 1
------ ----------------------- ---

Go For Sisters Best Supporting Female 1
-------------- ---------------------- ---

In A World Best First Screenplay 1
---------- --------------------- ---

Inside Llewyn Davis Best Cinematography 3

Best Feature

Best Male Lead
--- --------------

Let the Fire Burn Stella Artois Truer Than Fiction
Award 1
----------------- --------------------------------- ---

Manakamana Stella Artois Truer Than Fiction
Award 1
---------- --------------------------------- ---

Mud Best Director 2

Robert Altman Award
--- -------------------

Museum Hours Best Editing 2

John Cassavetes Award
--- ---------------------

My Sister's
Quinceanera Someone to Watch Award 1
------------ ---------------------- ---

Nebraska Best Director 6

Best Feature

Best First Screenplay

Best Male Lead

Best Supporting Female

Best Supporting Male
--- --------------------

Newlyweeds Someone to Watch Award 1
---------- ---------------------- ---

Pit Stop John Cassavetes Award 1
-------- --------------------- ---

Short Term 12 Best Editing 3

Best Female Lead

Best Supporting Male
--- --------------------

Spring Breakers Best Cinematography 1
--------------- ------------------- ---

The Act of Killing Best Documentary 1
------------------ ---------------- ---

The Foxy Merkins Someone to Watch Award 1
---------------- ---------------------- ---

The Great Beauty Best International Film 1
---------------- ----------------------- ---

The Hunt Best International Film 1
-------- ----------------------- ---

The Inevitable
Defeat of Mister
and Pete Best First Screenplay 1


---

The Spectacular Now Best Female Lead 2

Best Screenplay
--- ---------------

The Square Best Documentary 1
---------- ---------------- ---

This is Martin
Bonner John Cassavetes Award 1
-------------- --------------------- ---

Una Noche Best Editing 2

Best First Feature
--- ------------------

Upstream Color Best Director 2

Best Editing
--- ------------

Wadjda Best First Feature 1
------ ------------------ ---


SOURCE The Film Independent Spirit Awards

The Film Independent Spirit Awards

CONTACT: Alia Quart Khan, Film Independent?, 310.432.1287, aqkhan@filmindependent.org; or Gina Lang, Ginsberg/Libby?, 323.645.6800, gina.lang@ginsberglibby.com

Web Site: http://www.spiritawards.com


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