As always, when the the time of year comes around for the annual Independent Film Award nominations, our predictions and expectations for the upcoming Oscar season are both thrown out the window and replaced with new emerging considerations.
And this year, the case is no different.
Big hitters 'May December', 'American Fiction' and Past Lives' lead the race with the most nominations across all categories, all tied with five. The three films are joined by the likes of Andrew Haigh's 'All Of Us Strangers', Ira Sachs' 'Passages' and Minhal Baig's 'We Grown Now' in the Best Feature category.
The Robert Altman award, a prestigous award thatserves the purpose of recognising the director, casting director and case ensemble of one individual production will be presented to Kelly Reichardt's 'Showing Up'. The cast ensemble for this film includes recognisable names such as Michelle Williams, Hong Chau and Judd Hirsch.
Charles Melton progressed further in his chances of receiving a first Academy Award nomination as the actor was recognised in the Best Supporting Performance category for his work in 'May December'.
Whereas Natalie Portman was also recognised for her work in this film as she received recognition in the Best Lead Performance category, whereas her co-star Julianne Moore missed out.
Fuel was added to the brazing fire that is the Best Director category as Andrew Haigh continued his progression towards an Academy Award nomination with recognition from the Independent Film Awards, whereas Celine Song remains an intriguing outside shout following her nomination for her work on 'Past Lives'.
To view the full list of nominations, click here.