Professional Motion Picture Production and Distribution NEWS

Scarlett Johansson - Reuters Photo

LONDON - Spoof zombie splatterfest "Shaun of the Dead" and indie movie darling Scarlett Johansson are just two of the nominees jostling for gongs at the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA).

Now in their seventh year, the awards contrast Hollywood glamour with down-to-earth British drama, and familiar names, such as director Mike Leigh, with ambitious young talent.

"This year's nominees reflect the growing strength and diversity of British independent film-making," said BIFA founder and director Elliot Grove on Tuesday.

Hollywood star Johansson is the highest profile name in the best actress category, nominated for her part in "Girl With A Pearl Earring," the tale of a Dutch maid and her artist master.

Former Coronation Street actress Anne Reid was also nominated, for her part in cross generational romance "The Mother," and Eva Birthistle for her role in inter-racial romance "Ae Fond Kiss."

Critics' favorite Imelda Staunton, winner of multiple theater awards, was nominated for her part in "Vera Drake," veteran director Mike Leigh's latest offering, which dominates the nominations along with "Dead Man's Shoes."

Both films are in the running for Best British Independent Film and like all other nominated films are produced or majority co-produced by a British company.

The other films in the category are mountaineering survival story "Touching the Void," "Shaun of the Dead" and friendship drama "My Summer of Love."

Brotherly love and violent retribution feature in "Dead Man's Shoes," which received eight nominations, while "Vera Drake," about a 1950s abortionist, received seven.

In the best actor category, former photographer Paddy Considine was nominated for his role in "Dead Man's Shoes," Phil Davis for "Vera Drake," and Ian Hart for Beirut hostage drama "Blind Flight."

Oscar winner Geoffrey Rush was nominated for the lead in "The Life and Death of Peter Sellers," a film about the man best known as Inspector Clouseau in the Pink Panther films.

Scourge of right wing America, Michael Moore, may add another award to his Oscar with the nomination of anti-war film "Fahrenheit 9/11" for Best Foreign Film.

The awards will be presented on November 30.

Source: Yahoo! News/Reuters