The 25th Spirit Awards were handed out in Los Angeles on Friday night (March 5) with the top honours going to Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire. The film, about a physically and mentally abused young African-American teenager growing up in 1980s Harlem, took home the awards for Best Feature, Best Director (Lee Daniels), Best Female (Mo’Nique), and Best Supporting Female (Gabourey Sidibe). Crazy Heart earned the Best First Feature prize and Jeff Bridges was awarded with Best Male for his portrayal of the fictional country singer Bad Blake. Other winners included (500) Days of Summer, The Messenger, Humpday, and the documentary Anvil! The Story of Anvil, which has catapulted the Toronto-based rockers back into the spotlight over the last year.
Recognizing the achievement of independent filmmakers, the Spirit Awards helps to promote independent films to a wider audience while celebrating original work in a variety of categories. Full list of winners below. For more information on the awards visit spiritawards.com.
Best Feature
Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire
Best Director
Lee Daniels, Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire
Best First Feature
Crazy Heart
Best Screenplay
Scott Neustadter, Michael H. Weber, (500) Days of Summer
John Cassavetes Award
(For the best feature made under $500,000)
Humpday
Best Supporting Female
Mo’Nique, Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire
Best Supporting Male
Woody Harrelson, The Messenger
Best Female
Gabourey Sidibe, Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire
Best Male
Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart
Best Cinematography
Roger Deakins, A Serious Man
Best Foreign Film
An Education
Best Documentary
Anvil! The Story of Anvil
Top image: Mo’Nique in Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire. Courtesy Maple Pictures.
