“Silver Linings Playbook” hauled in the most awards at this year’s Independent Spirit Awards. The David O. Russell helmed-film starring Bradley Cooper won four awards: Best Director (David O. Russell), Best Screenplay (Russell, again) and Best Actress (Jennifer Lawrence).
The night’s other big winners were John Hawkes and Helen Hunt winning Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress respectively for ‘The Sessions,” and Matthew McConaughey for Best Supporting Actor in “Magic Mike.”
Like the Golden Raspberry Awards, the Film Independent Spirit Awards ceremony s a prelude to Hollywood’s biggest awards gala, the Oscars.
The Independent Spirit Awards “celebrates artist-driven film-making and recognizes the finest achievements of today’s independent filmmakers,” according to the Film Independent website. It has made a name for itself as the premier awards event for the independent film community by, in part, being a great party, and by bringing together the top talent from independent film and Hollywood.
Trophies are presented for the year’s best achievements in independent film, with statues awarded for Best Feature, Best First Feature, Best Feature Made for Under $500,000 (the John Cassavetes Award) and many more.
Keeping with its roots and L.A. location, the Spirit Awards takes place each year inside a beachfront tent in Santa Monica. Currently in its 28th year, the show is as original as the films and filmmakers it honors.
Here is a full list of winners below:
Best Feature
‘Silver Linings Playbook’
Best Director
David O. Russell, ‘Silver Linings Playbook’
Best Screenplay
David O. Russell, ‘Silver Linings Playbook’
Best First Feature
Stephen Chbosky, ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’
Best First Screenplay
Derek Connolly, ‘Safety Not Guaranteed’
John Cassavetes Award
Ava DuVernay, ‘Middle of Nowhere’
Best Female Lead
Jennifer Lawrence, ‘Silver Linings Playbook’
Best Male Lead
John Hawkes, ‘The Sessions’
Best Supporting Female
Helen Hunt, ‘The Sessions’
Best Supporting Male
Matthew McConaughey, ‘Magic Mike’
Best Cinematography
Ben Richardson, ‘Beasts of the Southern Wild’
Best Documentary
‘The Invisible War’
Best International Film
‘Amour’
Robert Altman Award
Starlet, Sean Baker
Piaget Producers Award
Stones in the Sun, Mynette Louie
Someone to Watch Award
Gimme the Loot, Adam Leon
Stella Artois Truer Than Fiction Award
The Waiting Room, Peter Nicks
Jameson Find Your Audience Award
Breakfast With Curtis, Laura Colella