'Birdman' goes into Independent Spirit Awards show with a leading six nods

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 21 (UPI) -- The dark comedy Birdman, which features a career-best performance by beloved actor Michael Keaton, is going into Saturday's Independent Spirit Awards with a leading six nominations.

The Oscar Eve gala -- celebrating the best films of 2014 with a budget of around $20 million or under -- is to air on IFC.

Competing with Birdman for the top prize of Best Feature are Boyhood, Love is Strange, Selma and Whiplash.

Fred Armisen and Kristen Bell are to serve as co-hosts of the event in Santa Monica, Calif.