“Birdman,” which follows the journey of a washed-up actor as he embarks on a theater comeback, scored a Best Actor nod for Michael Keaton, Best Supporting Actor and Actress for Edward Norton and Emma Stone and Best Director for Alejandro G. Inarritu.
Fox Searchlight’s “Birdman” joined four other contenders, IFC Films’ “Boyhood,” Paramount Pictures’ “Selma” and Sony Pictures Classics films “Whiplash” and “Love Is Strange,” for the coveted top prize for Best Feature.
Jazz drumming drama “Whiplash,” which won the top honor at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year and has garnered awards buzz, landed four nominations, including Best Director for Damien Chazelle and Best Supporting Actor for J.K. Simmons.
The Independent Spirit Awards, held at a casual luncheon on California’s Santa Monica beach the day before Hollywood’s glitzy Oscars ceremony on Feb. 21, bestows awards on the best achievements in independent film.
(Reuters)
