Nominations for the Spirit Awards -- which honor the best in indie films -- were announced today, with Little Miss Sunshine and Half Nelson leading the best-picture pack. Also notable: A best-director nod to the recently deceased Robert Altman for his suddenly-profound rumination on death, A Prairie Home Companion.

Don't be surprised if Altman gets a slew of posthumous honors for the film, including Oscars (if it's eligible. Is it eligible? Isn't that my job to find out? Whatev). Altman got an honorary golden boy earlier this year, but has never won for one of his films. If the Academy decides to finally give him a normal Oscar, I won't protest -- Prairie Home is a great li'l flick full of both joyous and subtly tender moments. But it's not as if Altman cares -- he's in Heaven, probably making a film about the inner-workings of the angel world.