Let the jockeying for movie awards begin.

Not surprisingly, Steve McQueen and his film “12 Years a Slave” raced out to a fast award-season start with the most nominations Tuesday for the 29th Film Independent Spirit Awards. The film received seven nods, edging out Alexander Payne’s “Nebraska” with six.

“Fruitvale Station” picked up a first feature nomination for Oakland native Ryan Coogler’s film debut about the shooting of Oscar Grant by a BART police officer. Michael B. Jordan, who played Grant, was nominated for male lead and Melonie Diaz for supporting female.

Leading the pack, “12 Years a Slave” is in the running for feature, McQueen for director, John Ridley for screenplay, Chiwetel Ejiofor for male lead, Lupita Nyong’o for supporting female, Michael Fassbender for supporting male and Sean Bobbitt for Cinematography.

Also nominated for best film are “All is Lost,” “Frances Ha,” “Inside Llewyn Davis” and “Nebraska.” The awards will be handed out March 1.