In case you missed the live nominations ceremony earlier this week, be sure to check out the nominees for the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards! Over the past seven or so years, the Spirit Awards have become my favorite awards show for many reasons. From the work that is recognized to the entertaining factor that an uncensored show brings… there is so much to love and appreciate about the Spirit Awards so I hope that you all tune in and make sure to screen many of the films that are nominated if you haven’t already.

Nominees for Best Feature include 50/50, Beginners, Drive, Take Shelter and The Artist. Margin Call was selected to receive the annual Robert Altman Award, which is bestowed upon one film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast. Check out the full list of nominees at Spiritawards.com.

Now in its 27th year, the Film Independent Spirit Awards is an annual celebration honoring artist-driven films made with an economy of means by filmmakers who embody independence and originality. The Spirit Awards recognizes the achievements of American independent filmmakers and promotes the finest independent films of the year to a wider audience.

Awards are given in the following categories: Best Feature, Best First Feature, Best First Screenplay, Best Director, Best Screenplay, John Cassavetes Award (given to the best feature made for a budget under $500,000), Best Male Lead, Best Female Lead, Best Supporting Male, Best Supporting Female, Best Cinematography, Best International Film, Best Documentary, and the Robert Altman Award. The Filmmaker Grants include the Piaget Producers Award, Someone to Watch Award, Truer Than Fiction Award and Jameson FIND Your Audience Award.

The 27th Film Independent Spirit Awards ceremony will be held as a daytime luncheon in a tent on the beach in Santa Monica, and the premiere broadcast will air later that evening on February 25, 2012 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on IFC.