The 37th Film Independent Spirit Awards Sunday featured big winners such as Maggie Gyllenhaal’s “The Lost Daughter”, “Drive My Car”, and “Summer of Soul”.
Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman hosted the ceremony, which was broadcast on AMC/IFC. This is a casual, cool alternative to the more formal film awards shows.
Offerman stated, “If you don’t win, you can just walk right into the ocean.”
Gyllenhaal was awarded best feature, best director, and best screenplay for her adaptation “The Lost Daughter” by Elena Ferrante.
Gyllenhaal, through tears, said that she believes in love more than anything. She was eloquent in her praises for her crew.
She said, “You were the first to tell me that I was a director.” “Thanks to Netflix, I can’t believe it — for your support. … No one ever sees their first movie and leaves feeling grateful for their financiers.
“I love independent film,” Gyllenhaal added. “I grew-up making independent film.”
Japan’s “Drive My Car”, which was also nominated for an Oscar for best picture, won best international feature.
Taylour Paige was awarded best female lead for Zola, which was based upon a Twitter thread about an adventurous trip to Florida.
“Wow, I am in shock. Paige stated, “I wrote something because I’m not eloquent”
She thanked Zola, her grandmother, who died the day after she received word about her nomination, and her grandmother for “knowing that my story was worth telling”.
Simon Rex was nominated for best male lead in Sean Baker’s “Red Rocket” for his portrayal of an ex-pornstar. Rex stated that his career was in disarray before Baker asked him to do the shoestring film.
Rex stated, “I’m still reeling from the entire experience.” “This film is a glorified student film… I’m grateful, humbled.”
Offerman and Mullally got the show off on a good start in three-piece suits and vests, with no shirt underneath. Sarah Silverman appeared in a pre-taped segment, offering her services to be a backup host since Mullally and Offerman joined Twitter “before 2015”.
They said that they hoped to be the most famous Hollywood couple and were shocked to find Maggie Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard and others there to upstage them.
“A-listers or indie stars?” Offerman suggested that you pick a lane, greedy bastards.
They also acknowledged Russia’s invasion in Ukraine. Offerman stated that he hoped “Putin(expletive), off and goes home” and urged the audience to send him off by giving him a “Spirit Awards Salute.” Many raised their arms with a middle finger.
Kristen Stewart, the show’s honorary chair, also spoke out about the war.
Stewart stated, “We are compelled to support the people of Ukraine.” “We stand with hundreds of thousands fleeing war.”
The Spirit Awards were traditionally held on Saturday afternoons before the Oscars. However, this year, they moved up a few days.
“Summer of Soul”, the best documentary, won. This film brings to life the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival.
Questlove, director of “Summer of Soul”, stated, “I’m no one is going to cry right away, I’m actually not, I am not, I don’t, I’m never,”
Troy Kotsur received another boost prior to the Oscars when he won best supporting actor for “CODA” and also the Screen Actors Guild prize.
Kotsur stated, “I can feel and celebrate the spirit of the arts.”
Lee Jung-jae, “Squid Game”, also received a Spirit Award to follow up his SAG win.
Marlee Matlin presented Michael Sarnoski the first screenplay award for “Pig” and urged screenwriters to consider deaf actors in writing scripts.
Andrew Garfield was present to present the Robert Altman award to Fran Kranz, his friend who he had acted in a Mike Nichols drama. Kranz’s “Mass”, his debut, is a small ensemble that focuses on a mediation between the parents of the victim and the perpetrator in the aftermath of a school shooting.
Ruth Negga was named best supporting female for her role in Rebecca Hall’s film “Passing.” Unfortunately, a technical glitch halted her first virtual speech. Edu Grau won best cinematography for the black-and-white Netflix movie.
Sometimes, the show can be a preview of Oscar night. Chloe Zhao’s film “Nomadland”, which won best feature and director at last year’s Spirit Awards, went on to win the Oscars top prizes. Before winning best picture at Oscars, “Moonlight,””Spotlight”, “Birdman”, and “12 Years a Slave,” all of these Spirits winners were also awarded.
Many top award contenders for this year’s awards were disqualified due to their production budgets. This includes “Belfast,” King Richard, and “The Power of the Dog”. To be eligible, films must have been made for less than $22.5million.
