The Independent Feature Project (IFP) has been running the Independent Spirit Awards for 17 years, which takes place each year a day before the Oscars. This year's top three Spirit nominees will compete for best feature, along with the fact-based rape drama Things Behind The Sun and the live-action cartoon Waking Life.

L.I.E sees Cox - considered by some as the true Hannibal Lector after his brutally chilling turn in Michael Mann's soon-to-be-remade Manhunter - play Big John. The character is a paedophile who overcomes his condition to befriend a troubled 15-year-old boy. Cox will compete against Ryan Gosling from The Believer, Jake Gyllenhaal for Donnie Darko and Brit Tom Wilkinson for In The Bedroom.