Birdman

The dark comedy "Birdman" held up a mirror to Hollywood and its struggling actors and received in return the film industry's highest recognition on Feb. 22, the Academy Award for best picture.
   

Birdman, directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu and The Grand Budapest Hotel were neck in neck at the 87th Academy Awards ceremony.

Birdman, however, snatched two of the most prestigious film awards - best director and and best picture, as well as best original screenplay and best cinematography.

Dark showbiz satire "Birdman," and coming-of-age tale "Boyhood," took the top honors at the Independent Spirit Awards on Feb. 21, a day before Hollywood's biggest night when both will face off in the top Oscars categories.
   
"Birdman," nominated for nine Oscars on Sunday, won three Spirit Awards, including the top prize of best feature.
   

Dark comedy "Birdman" got another pre-Oscars boost Feb. 7, winning the top prize at the Directors Guild of America honors as Hollywood gears up for the all-important Academy Awards this month.
      
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu was crowned best director at the climax of the DGA show, barely two weeks before the Oscars on February 22.
      

Show business satire "Birdman" took the lead in what promises to be a competitive race for the best picture Oscar by winning the top award from Hollywood producers on Jan. 24.
   

Coming-of-age drama "Boyhood" emerged triumphant Jan. 11 at the Golden Globes, Hollywood's first major awards show, where celebrities vowed solidarity with France after the Paris attacks.        

Hollywood is holding its breath ahead of Sunday's Golden Globes, with dark comedy "Birdman" leading the race for awards glory ahead of next month's all-important Oscars.