LOS ANGELES, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- "Lovely & Amazing," a comedy about the relationship among a mother and her three daughters, led the field with six nominations as the IFP Independent Spirit Award nominees for 2003 were announced in Los Angeles.

"Far from Heaven," a drama that simultaneously pays tribute to '50s U.S. films while examining frank themes in a contemporary way, had the second most nominations with five.

"The Good Girl," "ivans xtc." and "Tully" had four nominations each, and six movies tied with three nominations apiece.

"Far from Heaven," "The Good Girl," "Lovely & Amazing" and "Secretary" were nominated for best feature.

Todd Haynes ("Far from Heaven") and Nicole Holofcener ("Lovely & Amazing") are up for best director, along with Joe Carnahan ("Narc"), Bernard Rose ("ivans xtc.") and Gus Van Sant ("Gerry").

Jennifer Aniston's transformation from TV comedy star to respected movie actress got a boost from her nomination for best female lead actress in "The Good Girl," which also earned a nomination for Mike White's screenplay. The other nominees for female lead are Maggie Gyllenhaal for "Secretary," Catherine Keener for "Lovely & Amazing," Julianne Moore for "Far from Heaven" and Parker Posey for "Personal Velocity."

Newcomer Derek Luke was nominated for best male lead for "Antwone Fisher," one of two Indie nominations for Denzel Washington's feature film directorial debut. Viola Davis was nominated for best supporting female.

The other nominees for male lead are Graham Greene for "Skins," Danny Huston for "ivans xtc.," Jeremy Renner for "Dahmer" and Campbell Scott for "Roger Dodger."

Holofcener was also nominated for her screenplay for "Lovely & Amazing." The other nominees in the category are Dylan Kidd for "Roger Dodger, Jill Sprecher and Karen Sprecher for "Thirteen Conversations About One Thing," and Hilary Birmingham and Matt Drake for "Tully."

Michael Moore's "Bowling for Columbine" was nominated for best directory, along with "The Cockettes," "Devil's Playground," "How to Draw a Bunny" and "Stevie."

The 2003 IFP Independent Spirit Awards will be presented on March 23, 2003, in Santa Monica in ceremonies to be televised live on the Independent Film Channel. Filmmaker John Waters is scheduled to return for a third straight year as emcee.

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