It’s Oscars eve and that has meant one thing for the last two decades—it’s time for indie cinema to reward itself in its annual fete. This is also the award show to hit up when you’ve been snubbed by the Academy. We’re looking at you, The Farewell and Uncut Gems and Adam Sandler.
The beachside salute to the best in independent cinema saw what may go down as one of the greatest acceptance speeches in the history of these such events. After winning his Best Male Lead award for his stunning turn in Uncut Gems, Sandler did not disappoint. In fact, the video for his acceptance speech has most definitely gone viral in the few short hours since the Sandman delivered it.
“Independent films have been a big part of the Adam Sandler ecosystem. From my first film – a fearless look in the American education system through the eyes of a privileged sociopath by the name of Billy (expletive) Madison — to my searing exploration of American college foosball and it’s manipulation of socially challenged athletes like the Mr. Bobby Boucher, I have tried to sell my truths with a truly independent spirit, while also cashing some truly disturbingly large paychecks.” That was just the tip of the awesome Adam iceberg.
As we ready ourselves for the so-called Hollywood’s biggest night, aka the Oscars, let’s salute the Spirit Award winners in all their glory.
2020 Independent Spirit Awards Winners:
Best Feature: The Farewell
Best First Feature: Booksmart
John Cassavetes Award: Give Me Liberty
Best Director: Benny Safdie & Josh Safdie, Uncut Gems
Best Screenplay: Noah Baumbach, Marriage Story
Best First Screenplay: Fredrica Bailey & Stefon Bristol, See You Yesterday
Best Cinematography: Jarin Blaschke, The Lighthouse
Best Editing: Ronald Bronstein & Benny Safdie, Uncut Gems
Best Female Lead: Renee Zellweger, Judy
Best Male Lead: Adam Sandler, Uncut Gems
Best Supporting Female: Zhao Shuzhen, The Farewell
Best Supporting Male: Willem Dafoe, The Lighthouse
Robert Altman Award: Marriage Story
Best Documentary: American Factory
Best International Film: Parasite (South Korea)
Bonnie Award: Kelly Reichardt
Producers Award: Mollye Asher
Someone to Watch Award: Rashaad Ernesto Green, Premature
Truer Than Fiction Award: Nadia Shihab, Jaddoland