Silver Linings Playbook dominated at the Independent Spirit Awards in Los Angeles yesterday.
David O Russell's film - about a man whose life becomes increasingly complicated after release from a mental institution - won Best Picture, directing and writing awards as well as a Best Actress gong for Jennifer Lawrence. The film, which is in the running for eight Oscars tomorrow is a controversial winner, having been made for a purported $21 million, which is $1 million more than the stated limit to qualify for the Spirits, although nominees can be added at the jury's discretion.
John Hawkes, who many felt unfairly overlooked by Oscar for his portrayal of a man in an iron lung in The Sessions, was named Best Actor, while his co-star Helen Hunt - who is in the running for an Academy Award - was named Best Supporting Female. Best Supporting Male went to the newly resurgent Matthew McConaughey for Magic Mike.
The best first feature went to The Perks Of Being A Wallflower, while Beasts Of The Southern Wild - which had been an early favourite to take home a top prize - won Best Cinematography for Ben Richardson.
Kirkby Dick's The Invisible War - also in the running for an Oscar - was named best director.
Michael Haneke's Amour - which won heavily at the Césars last night (more about that, here) - was named best foreign film.
The winners are below:
Best Feature
Silver Linings Playbook - Producers: Bruce Cohen, Donna Gigliotti, Jonathan Gordon
Best Director
David O Russell - Silver Linings Playbook
Best Screenplay
David O Russell - Silver Linings Playbook
Best First Feature
The Perks Of Being A Wallfower - Director: Stephen Chbosky; Producers: Lianne Halfon, John Malkovich, Russell Smith
Best First Screenplay
Derek Connolly - Safety Not Guaranteed
John Cassavetes Award - Given to the best feature made for less than $500,000
Middle Of Nowhere - Writer/Director/Producer: Ava DuVernay; Producers: Howard Barish, Paul Garnes
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 - Director: Kirby Dick; Producers: Tanner King Barklow, Amy Ziering
Best International Film
Amour - Director: Michael Haneke
Piaget Producers Award
Stones In The Sun - Producer: Mynette Louie
Someone To Watch Award
Adam Leon, Gimme The Loot
Truer Than Fiction Award
The Waiting Room - Director: Peter Nicks
Robert Altman Award
Starlet - Director: Sean Baker; Casting Director: Julia Kim; Ensemble Cast: Dree Hemingway, Besedka Johnson, Karren Karagulian, Stella Maeve, James Ransone
