Most Oscar odds-makers say Hawke is a long shot to win an award but the nomination alone has raised his profile.

BBC: Ethan Hawke's Oscar surprise

The film's producers said they had expected fellow Oscar best-picture nominee "Beasts of the Southern Wild" to win the top Spirit Award and that they have no expectations of winning the big prize at the Oscars, where Ben Affleck's CIA thriller "Argo" is the best-picture favorite.

NPR: 'Silver Linings' Leads Spirit Awards With 4 Prizes