The surreal show business satire "Birdman," a darling of critics for its innovative storytelling, led the Golden Globe Awards film nominations announced on Thursday, 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."

The Golden Globes, organised by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, will be handed out on January 11 in Beverly Hills. They are one of the biggest ceremonies in the Hollywood awards season leading to the Oscars in February.

Keaton, who like his character is a former superhero star, will compete for best comedy or musical actor with Ralph Fiennes for "The Grand Budapest Hotel," Bill Murray for "St. Vincent," Joaquin Phoenix for "Inherent Vice" and Christoph Waltz for "Big Eyes."