Award season is almost upon us, and although people are just now starting to talk about potential Oscar nods, the Independent Spirit Awards have already dished out their full list of 2007 nominees. The Spirit Awards are essentially the art-house version of the Oscars; eligibility depends on the cost of the completed film coming in under $20 million. This year’s front runners are Little Miss Sunshine and Half Nelson, having racked up 5 nominations each.

Personally I’m glad to see both of them get recognition here; I know Little Miss Sunshine didn’t sit right with some people, but it’s still one of my favourite flicks of the year. Interesting to note, however, the only actors from Little Miss Sunshine to get nominated were Paul Dano and Alan Arkin, both for Best Supporting Male. Didn’t see that one coming. Some other interesting nominees on the list include Steven Soderbergh (Best Director for Bubble), Catherine O’Hara (Best Female Lead for For Your Consideration), and Michael Winterbottom’s The Road To Guantanamo (nominated for Best Documentary, even though it’s actually a docudrama). Check out the full list of nominees below, and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section.