I’m pleased by some of the names and film titles that were nominated in the fifteen categories and especially glad to see that Lance Hammer’s Ballast grabbed six nominations but I’m perplexed by one of the two films it shares a total of six nominations with.
First time feature filmmakers Steve McQueen’s Hunger and Martin McDonagh’s In Bruges are the toast of the 11th British Independent Film nominations this year -- each share a total of seven nominations a piece, while Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire has a total of six noms in five categories and should be a serious contender in at least the screenwriting category.
Matteo Garrone's Gomorrah and Paolo Sorrentino's Il Divo grabbed 5 nominations each with Toni Servillo getting nominated as best actor for his parts in both films.
Steve McQueen’s directorial debut has rocked the film festival circuit and will, as I had predicted minutes after living through the filmic experience that is known as Hunger back in Cannes, have swept up not only a slew of nominations at this year’s British Independent Film Awards, but walk away as 2008's big winner.