The Gotham Independent Film Awards (an annual ceremony of awards presented to the makers of independent films which takes place in New York City ,first nicknamed Gotham by native son Washington Irving, in an issue of Salmagundi, published on November 11, 1807) have taken an especially indie slant with their 2009 edition, nominating three festival favorites with modest box-office returns for their best feature prize(Hollywood Reporter).Cherien Dabis' immigrant tale "Amreeka," Robert Siegel's rabid-fan feature "Big Fan" and Sebastian's working-class drama "The Maid" all drew nominations in the Gotham Awards' top category, joining higher-profile awards front-runners "The Hurt Locker" and "A Serious Man."
"Locker" and "Fan" received the most nominations, drawing three each. Both earned nods for best feature and best actor, while Siegel landed a spot as breakthrough director and "Locker" scored a nomination for best ensemble performance.
Competing for best documentary in the 19th annual Gotham Awards are "Food, Inc.," "Good Hair," My Neighbor, My Killer," "Paradise" and "Tyson."
Presented by the nonprofit Independent Filmmaker Project, the Gothams are presented in New York and kick off the film industry's awards season. Prizes are handed out in six categories: breakthrough actor and breakthrough director, best documentary, best feature, best ensemble performance and best film not playing at a theater near you.
