IRA prison drama Hungerand crime comedy In Brugesgo head to head at the British Independent Film Awards with seven nominations apiece, more than any other 2008 picture.
Hunger, starring Michael Fassbender as IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands and directed by British artist Steve McQueen in his film-making debut, has been shortlisted in the best British independent film category along with
In Bruges, which stars Irish actors Brendan Gleeson and colin Farrell.
They are joined by
Man On Wire, Somers Townand
Slumdog Millionaire, a tale of a teenager from India's slums who competes on a television game show, which received six nominations when they were announced today.
The prize ceremony will be held on November 30th in London.
Both
Hungerand
In Brugeshave also been nominated for best debut director, best screenplay, best actor, best supporting actor and best technical achievement.
McQueen is also on the shortlist for best director, while
In Brugesactors Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson are up against each other in the best actor category.
Ralph Fiennes was nominated twice in the best supporting actor category -- once for
The Duchessand one for
In Bruges.
Other notable nominees include Keira Knightley for best actress in
The Duchessand Sally Hawkins in the same category for her comic turn in Mike Leigh's
Happy-Go-Lucky.
Sienna Miller is up against Kristin Scott Thomas and Emma Thompson among others for best supporting actress in
The Edge of Love.
Thomas Turgoose, born in 1992, became the youngest best actor nominee at the awards for his performance in
Somers Town.