The critically acclaimed film 12 Years a Slave has picked up 7 nominations for the 29th Film Independent Spirit Awards. The gripping tale of a free African-American man who was captured and sold into slavery in the 1800’s is in the running for Best Feature Film.
The film also received nominations in the categories of Best Director for Steve McQueen, Best Actor for Chiwetel Ejiofer, Best Supporting Actress for Lupita Nyong’o and Michael Fassbender, Best Cinematography for Sean Bobbitt and Best Screenplay for John Ridley.
Octavia Spencer and Paula Patton announced the nominees on Tuesday at the W hotel in Hollywood.
Michael B. Jordan is also in the running for best male lead in Fruitvale Station.
The awards ceremony will take place on March 1, 2014 in Santa Monica and will air later that night on IFC at 10 p.m. PST/EST.