"Hunger" and "In Bruges" lead independent film awards

LONDON (Reuters) - IRA prison drama "Hunger" and crime comedy "In Bruges" will go 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."

They are joined by "Man On Wire," "Somers Town" and "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 on Tuesday.

The prize ceremony will be held on November 30 in London.

Both "Hunger" and "In Bruges" have 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 Bruges" actors 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 Duchess" and one for "In Bruges."

Other notable nominees include Keira Knightley for best actress in "The Duchess" and 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."