Kenneth Lonergan’s “Manchester by the Sea” topped the nominations for the 2016 Gotham Awards, the indie-centric trophies handed out annually by the Independent Filmmaker Project, Variety reports.
The drama, about a man who is named the legal guardian of his young nephew after the death of his brother, was nominated for a total of four awards. It scored a nod for best feature, and also made the cut for screenplay (by Lonergan), actor (lead Casey Affleck) and breakthrough actor (Lucas Hedges, who plays the nephew). The title has been a favorite on the festival circuit since it bowed at Sundance early this year.
“Manchester by the Sea” is in the running for the Gothams’ top film award with Kelly Reichardt’s “Certain Women,” Richard Linklater’s “Everybody Wants Some!!,” Barry Jenkins’ “Moonlight” and Jim Jarmusch’s “Paterson.” The latter also notched nominations for screenplay (Jarmusch) and actor Adam Driver.
“Moonlight,” which has picked up awards buzz since its premiere at Toronto, also scored nods for screenplay (Jenkins and Tarell Alvin McCraney) and a special acting award for the film’s cast, which includes Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, Alex Hibbert, Andre Holland, Jharrel Jerome, Janelle Monáe, Jaden Piner, Trevante Rhodes, and Ashton Sanders.
The Gothams can often serve as a bellwether of independent fare that looks poised to draw Oscar attention. In past years, the ceremony has given early wins to awards-magnets including “The Hurt Locker” and “Birdman.”
In recent years the Gothams have also begun to incorporate awards for television and other serialized content. This year’s TV nominees are “Jessica Jones,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “Horace and Pete,” “Master of None” and “The Girlfriend Experience.”
The Gothams will be handed out at a ceremony set for Nov. 28 at Cipriani Wall Street in downtown Manhattan.
