Milk, Gus Van Sant’s biopic of openly gay politician Harvey Milk, received eight Academy Award nominations this morning, including nods for Best Picture, Best Actor (Sean Penn) and Best Director (Van Sant).

“We are very proud  of everyone associated with this amazing film.  It’s an honest and deeply moving portrayal of a true civil rights hero, and it deserves the recognition it received this morning,” said Chuck Wolfe, president  and CEO of the Victory Fund.

Josh Brolin also received a supporting actor nomination for playing Dan White, the San Francisco supervisor who murdered Milk in City Hall. Screenwriter Dustin Lance Black received a nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

In addition, the film received nominations for costume design, editing and score.