'Descendants' and 'Martha Marcy May Marlene' Lead 2011 Gotham Awards Nominations

Movie

The George Clooney-starring dramedy and the Sean Durkin-directed thriller nabbed three nominations apiece, up against each other for Best Ensemble Performance kudo.

October 21, 2011

AceShowbiz -

The Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP), has announced the nominees for the 21st Annual Gotham Independent Film Awards on Thursday, October 20. Leading the pack this year is "The Descendants", which nabs three nominations, including Best Ensemble Performance and Breakthrough Actor for Shailene Woodley.

The other nod earned by the George Clooney-starring drama comedy is from Best Feature category. It will face other top contenders like "Beginners", "Meek's Cutoff", "Take Shelter" and "The Tree of Life" to take home the coveted award. It additionally helps Sean Durkin to get a chance at winning Breakthrough Director title.

Another film that also grabs three noms is Sean Durkin's "Martha Marcy May Marlene". It is up against "Descendants" for Best Ensemble Performance prize and puts Elizabeth Olsen in the same category (Breakthrough Actor) with Woodley.

Also getting multiple nominations are Mike Mills' drama "Beginners" and Jeff Nichols' psychological film "Take Shelter" which bag two each.

Editors' Pick

The main criteria for nomination consideration includes American (U.S.-based and U.S.-born directors and producers), and feature-length films that are made with a point of view. Additional criteria includes independently distributed movies. "What we do best is shine light on films that maybe otherwise would not have gotten that attention," Joana Vicente, IFP executive director explained.

"The high caliber of this year's Gotham Awards nominees' work is truly remarkable," Vicente added. "This extraordinary group of filmmakers and talent, both established and new, are breaking barriers and finding fresh, innovative ways to engage audiences through unique storytelling. We're passionate about shedding light on well deserved independent cinema and excited to begin what is sure to be a momentous awards season."

The winners of 2011 Gotham Awards will be announced in a ceremony that will take place on November 28. There are 24 independent movies that are competing in six categories.

Best Feature