The Gotham Independent Film Awards aren't exactly a barometer of how the Oscars and Golden Globes will go but they're the first semi-major movie awards of 2009 and therefore deserve a little attention.

Kathryn Bigelow's Iraq War thriller The Hurt Locker grabbed two Gotham prizes Monday night, for best picture and best ensemble cast (Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty, Ralph Fiennes, Guy Pearce, David Morse and Evangeline Lilly). Bigelow also received a career tribute, honoring her role as one of Hollywood's few successful female directors, and often in action flicks like The Hurt Locker, Point Break, Blue Steel and Near Dark that are traditionally male-propelled.

The nutrition documentary Food, Inc. was named the year's best cinema verite (didn't those Gothamites see The Cove???)

The Hollywood Reporter story notes that Independent Spirit Award nominees will be announced later today, and The Hurt Locker is guaranteed to not be among them. Why? Because it was eligible under their rules last year, with Renner and Mackie earning acting nods and no other nominations for the movie.