LOS ANGELES (November 27, 2012)--The oddball romances "Moonrise Kingdom" and "Silver Linings Playbook" picked up five nominations each to lead the Spirit Awards honoring independent film.

Both films are competing for the best-picture prize at the Spirit Awards, one of Hollywood's first big announcements on the long road to the Oscars.

Also announced Tuesday for best picture were the father-daughter tale "Beasts of the Southern Wild"; the black comedy "Bernie"; and the gay drama "Keep the Lights On."

Presented by the cinema group Film Independent, the Spirit Awards will be handed out at an afternoon ceremony on Feb. 23 along the beach in Santa Monica, Calif., the day before the Academy Awards.

The Spirit Awards show will air that night on IFC.