The Film Independent Spirit Awards celebrate the best of independent film, and the 2017 nominees were announced on Tuesday. This year, two LGBTQ films -- "Moonlight" and "Other People" -- came away with multiple nominations.
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"Moonlight," which centers on the journey of a young, gay African American man, was nominated for Best Feature, Best Director and Best Screenplay, along with two other awards. In addition, the “Moonlight” team will be presented with the Robert Altman Award.
“Other People” was another LGBTQ film that received multiple awards. The film, which was Chris Kelly’s first feature (Kelly served as writer and director), centers on a young gay man and his dying mother. The film was nominated for Best First Screenplay and Best First Feature.
Jesse Plemons and Molly Shannon, who play the young man and his mother, have been nominated for Best Male Lead and Best Supporting Female.
LGBTQ films “Lovesong” and “Spa Night” also received one nomination each.
Film Independent, the nonprofit that produces the Spirit Awards, serves as a champion of independent storytelling and unique artists. The 3rd annual Film Independent Spirit Awards will air on IFC on Saturday, February 25.
