In a potential (and hopeful) precursor to tomorrow’s Academy Award ceremonies, Steve McQueen‘s slave drama, which was our cumulative favorite film of last year, swept the 2014 Independent Spirit Awards this evening. Hosted by Patton Oswalt, 12 Years a Slave picked up the top awards for best film, director, screenplay, supporting actress and cinematography.
In other major awards, Ryan Coogler won for his debut feature Fruitvale Station, and perhaps one of the few films which actually embodies an independent feature (This is Martin Bonner, made for $42,000) won the John Cassavetes Award. With the Dallas Buyers Club duo picking up the male acting nods and Cate Blanchett winning for Blue Jasmine — all awards we expect to be repeated tomorrow night — one can check out the full list below.
BEST FEATURE:
12 Years a Slave
BEST DIRECTOR
Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave
BEST SCREENPLAY
John Ridley, 12 Years a Slave
BEST FIRST FEATURE (Award given to the director and producer)
Fruitvale Station
BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY
Bob Nelson, Nebraska
JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD – Given to the best feature made for under $500,000. Award given to the writer, director, and producer. Executive Producers are not awarded.
This Is Martin Bonner
BEST FEMALE LEAD
Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine
BEST MALE LEAD
Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club
BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE
Lupita Nyong’o, 12 Years a Slave
BEST SUPPORTING MALE
Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
12 Years a Slave
BEST EDITING
Short Term 12
BEST DOCUMENTARY (Award given to the director and producer)
20 Feet From Stardom
BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM (Award given to the director)
Blue is the Warmest Color
PIAGET PRODUCERS AWARD – The Piaget Producers Award honors emerging producers who, despite highly limited resources demonstrate the creativity, tenacity, and vision required to produce quality, independent films. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by Piaget.
Toby Halbrooks and James M. Johnston
ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD – (Given to one film’s director, casting director, and its ensemble cast)
Mud
Director: Jeff Nichols
Casting Director: Francine Maisler
Ensemble Cast: Joe Don Baker / Jacob Lofland / Matthew McConaughey / Ray McKinnon / Sarah Paulson / Michael Shannon / Sam Shepard / Tye Sheridan / Paul Sparks / Bonnie Sturdivant / Reese Witherspoon
What do you think of the winners? Do you think it’s a precursor for the Oscars?