The drama centering on Boston Globe investigation of church sex scandal snatched five trophies at the Saturday, February 27 event, just one day before the Oscars.
- February 28, 2016
AceShowbiz -
"Spotlight" managed to live up to its title at the Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, February 27. The drama thriller took home five trophies at the event which honors indie productions made under $20 million budget.
Apart from winning the coveted Best Feature Film, the movie starring Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams among others also picked up Best Director for Tom McCarthy, Best Screenplay, Best Editing and the Robert Altman Award. The last category was awarded to a film's director, casting directors and ensemble cast. Its winner was previously-announced.
Brie Larson also shined at the awards show by winning the Best Female Lead for "Room". Ghanaian actor Abraham Attah won the Best Male Lead nod for his role in "Beasts of No Nation". His co-star Idris Elba went him with Best Supporting Actor. Meanwhile, a history was made in the Best Supporting Actress category.
Mya Taylor won the prize for her work in "Tangerine" and became first transgender actress to claim a major film award. "I came from almost nothing. My life did a total 360," she said on her acceptance speech. "There is transgender talent. There's very beautiful transgender talent. You better get out there and put them in your next movie!"
If the pattern follows, "Spotlight" has a big chance at winning the Oscars on Sunday, February 28. "Birdman" and "12 Years a Slave" that won the Indie Spirits went on winning the Academy's Best Picture in 2015 and 2014 respectively.
2016 Film Independent Spirits Awards Winners List:
