The surreal show business satire "Birdman," a darling of critics for its innovative storytelling, led the Golden Globe Awards film nominations announced on Thursday (December 11), with its seven nods making it a frontrunner early in the Hollywood awards season.

The story of a washed-up actor played by Michael Keaton attempting a comeback on the Broadway stage, "Birdman" will compete in the best comedy or musical category with "The Grand Budapest Hotel," "Into the Woods," "Pride" and "St. Vincent."

Coming-of-age drama "Boyhood" and World War Two biopic "The Imitation Game" landed five nominations each and will square off in the coveted best drama category against "Foxcatcher," "Selma" and "The Theory of Everything."