With five nominations, drama film "Tàr" is the favorite at this year's Gotham Awards, which are given to independent films.

The German actress Nina Hoss (47) has a chance of winning the award in the supporting actor category, where her French co-star Noémie Merlant is also nominated. Australian Cate Blanchett (53) is in the running for the leading actor trophy. "Tàr," directed by Todd Field, also has a chance of winning Best Picture and Screenplay.

The US awards, which have been presented since 1991, are considered the start of the trophy season, which ends with the Oscars in mid-March.

In "Tàr" Blanchett embodies the fictional chief conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic, whose life spirals out of control. Hoss plays her partner. Along with "Tàr", the films "Aftersun", "The Cathedral", "Dos Estaciones" and "Everything Everywhere All at Once" compete for the top prize as best film.

The awards ceremony in 12 film and TV categories is scheduled for November 28 in New York. The awards are determined by a small group of filmmakers and critics. Previous Gotham Award winners that went on to win Oscars include Moonlight, Spotlight, Birdman and Nomadland.