The nominees for Film Independent's Spirit Awards have been announced, and Synecdoche has already taken out an award.

Charlie Kaufman's "Synecdoche, New York," a twisty, M.C. Escher-like film, was singled out as the winner of the group's Robert Altman Award, give to one film's director, casting director and ensemble cast. Kaufman will share the award with casting director Jeanne McCarthy and his actors Hope Davis, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Catherine Keener, Samantha Morton, Tom Noonan, Emily Watson, Dianne Wiest, and Michelle Williams when the Spirit Awards are handed out Feb. 21.

"Synecdoche" also figure in the best first feature lineup, along with Antonio Campos' "Afterschool," Barry Jenkins' "Medicine for Melancholy," Christopher Zalla's "Sangre De Mi Sangre" and Alex Rivera's "Sleep Dealer." (Source)