The 2009 Film Independent's Spirit Awards list of nominees has been revealed, and it's an interesting list that spreads the wealth around a bit. No one movie seems to be favored as Ballast, Frozen River and Rachel Getting Married tied with six nominations each.

The winners won't be revealed until Saturday, February 21, 2009 when the annual event takes place on the beach in Santa Monica. The Spirit Awards are a casual affair where actors and filmmakers can celebrate the indie world's version of the Oscars without all the pomp and circumstance. Read the List of Nominees...
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Screenwriter Peter Morgan (The Queen, Last King of Scotland) had no intention of bringing his play, Frost/Nixon, to the big screen until he was approached by director Ron Howard. Howard saw Frank Langella and Michael Sheen perform on stage as President Nixon and David Frost, and knew immediately he wanted to direct a film version of Morgan's play. Now the film's hitting theaters to positive reviews and Langella's name is being frequently mentioned as a real contender for a Best Actor Oscar nomination.

At the film's Los Angeles premiere, Langella, Sheen, Howard and Morgan talked about making the transition to the screen and why the story's still relevant:

One on One with Director Ron Howard

Michael Sheen on Playing David Frost

Interviews with Frank Langella and Kevin Bacon

Screenwriter Peter Morgan Discusses Frost/Nixon

_{(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)}

Warner Bros Pictures' holiday comedy Four Christmases continued the trend of comedies reeling in audiences. Ticket buyers seem to be leaning toward laughing as more serious fare - including new releases Australia and Transporter 3 - couldn't compete against the unlikely team of Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn.

Top 10 Films for the Holiday Weekend Ending November 30
1) Four Christmases - $46,054,468
2) Twilight - $39,540,889
3) Bolt - $35,995,522
4) Quantum of Solace - $27,487,933
5) Australia - $20,004,456
6) Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa - $19,154,953
7) Transporter 3 - $18,230,758
8) Role Models - $7,693,480
9) The Boy in the Striped Pajamas - $2,199,240
10) Milk - $1,601,140

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Initially, Josh Brolin was a little leery walking the streets of San Francisco during the filming of Milk due to the fact he was playing a man most citizens of San Fran hold in low regard – Dan White. On November 27, 1978 White murdered Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone in cold blood. Milk and White had butted heads over a number of issues, and White was on the outs with his political constituents. White apparently couldn't control his anger and frustration any more, and took the lives of Milk and Moscone. His defense attorney cited his agitated mental state at the time of the shootings was the result of being manipulated by those at City Hall and was also the result of his intake of a large amount of junk food (dubbed 'The Twinkie Defense'). Read More...

Video Clips and Trailer for Milk

Milk Poster

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