Black stars nominated for 2013 Independent Spirit Awards (SLIDESHOW)

SLIDESHOW - Several African-American actors and filmmakers have been nominated for the 2013 Independent Spirit Awards...

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

Several African-American actors and filmmakers have been nominated for the 2013 Independent Spirit Awards.

Among those recognized for the top honors was Wendell Pierce, who has been nominated for best male lead for the movie Four, and the pint-size star of Beasts of the Southern Wild, Quvenzhané Wallis, who was nominated for best female lead.

Director Ana DuVernay‘s acclaimed Middle of Nowhere also scored multiple nominations, including one for best feature film.

The Spirit Awards are an annual event out of Santa Monica that brings Hollywood and talented low-budget filmmakers together to honor the talents of the independent film community.

The film War Witch from the Democratic Republic of Congo is in contention for best international film, while the racially-charged The Central Park Five is up for the best documentary award.

Check out our slideshow of the African-Americans being recognized with Indie Spirit Award nominations.

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