American films lead Indie Spirit Award nominations

LOS ANGELES - Two distinctly American odysseys, Andrea Arnold’s teens-on-the-road film “American Honey” and Barry Jenkins’ coming-of-age tale “Moonlight” led the Film Independent Spirit Awards nominations Tuesday with six nods each, including best feature and best director.

Other best-feature candidates are “Manchester by the Sea,” “Jackie” and “Chronic.”

Nominations for “American Honey” also include best female lead for newcomer Sasha Lane and best supporting male for Shia LaBeouf. “Moonlight,” which captured the Robert Altman Award for its ensemble cast, is being recognized for cinematography, editing and screenplay.

Oscar hopefuls are sprinkled throughout each category of the awards recognizing achievements in independent film, and occasionally the two sync up with their winners. Last year’s best independent feature winner “Spotlight” went on to pick up the top prize at the Academy Awards, as did best actress Brie Larson for “Room.”

Both “Moonlight” and “Manchester by the Sea,” Kenneth Lonergan’s New England-set familial drama, are considered top contenders for Oscars.

The Independent Spirit Awards also shines a spotlight on comparatively under-the-radar films, including “The Fits,” from first-time director Anna Rose Holmer, Robert Eggers’ “The Witch,” Chris Kelly’s “Other People” and Andrew Ahn’s “Spa Night.”

Winners will be revealed at a Feb. 25 ceremony, airing live on IFC from Santa Monica. AP