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12 Years A Slave rules at Independent Spirit Awards

Steve McQueen's film takes home five gongs.

by Amber Wilkinson

Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong'o and Chiwetel Ejiofor as Edwin, Patsey and Solomon in Steve McQueen's 12 Years A Slave

Steve McQueen's 12 Years A Slave dominated at the Independent Spirit Awards tonight.

The film recounting the true story of a free man who was sold into slavery won the awards for Best Feature, Best Director, Best Screenplay for John Ridley, Best Cinematography for Sean Bobbitt and Best Supporting Female for newcomer Lupita Nyong'o.

Cate Blanchett continued her award-winning run ahead of the Oscars, picking up the Best Actress accolade for her performance as a down-on-her-luck socialite in Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine.

Dallas Buyers Club - which is also hoping for Oscar glory this weekend - also took home two acting awards, Best Male Lead for Matthew McConaughey, for his portrayal of AIDS sufferer Ron Woodruff, and his co-star Jared Leto, who took home the Best Supporting Male award for the role of trans woman Rayon.

Jared Leto and Matthew McConaughey in Dallas Buyers Club

The Best First Feature Award went to Ryan Coogler's feature debut Fruitvale Station - yet another film based on a true story - while the Best First Screenplay nod went to Bob Nelson for Nebraska. Chad Hartigan's This Is Martin Bonner picked up the John Cassavetes award, presented to the creative team of a film budgeted at less than $500,000.

Complete list of winners:

Best Feature: 12 Years A Slave

Best Director: Steve McQueen - 12 Years A Slave

Best Screenplay: John Ridley - 12 Years A Slave

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 First Feature: Fruitvale Station

Best First Screenplay: Nebraska - Bob Nelson

John Cassavetes Award: This Is Martin Bonner

Best Cinematography: Sean Bobbit - 12 Years A Slave

Best Editing: Nat Sanders - Short Term 12

Best Documentary: 20 Feet From Stardom

Best International Film: Blue Is the Warmest Colour

Robert Altman Award: Mud (given to a film's director, casting director and ensemble cast)

Piaget Producers Award: Toby Halbrooks and James M. Johnston

Someone to Watch Award: Newlyweeds - Shake King

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