Gritty slavery drama 12 Years a Slave leads the race for the Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, as the film community gathers to honor smaller-budget and art house movies that are often strong contenders at the Academy Awards the next day.
Directed by Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave earned seven Spirit nominations including best feature, director, best actor for Chiwetel Ejiofor and best supporting nods for Michael Fassbender and Lupita Nyong'o.
