"Beginners" and "The Tree of Life" Tie For Top Honors At The Gotham Awards

Mike Mills and the cast of "Beginners" Brian Brooks

The 21st Gotham Independent Film Awards are currently underway in Lower Manhattan. Hosted by Edie Falco and Oliver Platt, the event acts as an official kick-off to the 2011-12 award season. 

In general, the awards proved consistently unpredictable, right down to the tie for best feature between Mike Mills' "Beginners" and Terrence Malick's "The Tree of Life."

"Beginners" was the night's big winner, taking honors for best feature and best ensemble performance. Shut out completely were "The Descendants" and "Martha Marcy May Marlene," which went into the night with the most nominations.

In addition to the competitive awards, Charlize Theron, Gary Oldman, David Cronenberg and Tom Rothman will each receive a career tribute.

A complete list of announced winners is below. Check back throughout the night for updates.

Best Feature: TIE: The Tree of Life, directed by Terrence Malick and Beginners, directed by Mike Mills
 

Best Documentary: Better This World, directed by Kelly Duane and Katie Galloway

Dee Rees at the Gotham Awards. Photo by Brian Brooks.

Breakthrough Director: Dee Rees, Pariah

Breakthrough Actor: Felicity Jones, Like Crazy

Best Film Not Playing at a Theater Near You: Scenes of a Crime, directed by Blue Hadaegh & Grover Babcock

Audience Choice Award: Girlfriend, directed by Justin Lerner