Once again the stars flocked to the beach in Santa Monica to honor independent filmmaking at the 32nd Film Independent Spirit Awards. In a year that saw a tumultuous political climate, spirited debates and controversy with issues of diversity in both film and awards, the Spirit Awards were once again ahead of the pack with one of the most inclusive slates of nominees in the history of Film Independent and the Spirit Awards.
As daylight turned into “moonlight”, the stars walked the “blue” carpet where film critic debbie elias caught up with them to talk about their films, their nominations and the landscape of independent film.
But after walking the carpet, there were awards to be handed out and winners to hear from IN THE WINNERS’ TENT. . .Take a look and listen at what each had to say to debbie elias as she spoke with them about their Spirit Award win!
Best Editing – MOONLIGHT – Nat Sanders & Joi McMillon
Best Supporting Male – BEN FOSTER for HELL OR HIGH WATER
Best Cinematography – MOONLIGHT – James Laxton
Best First Screenplay AND Best First Feature – THE WITCH – Robert Eggers, Writer/Director
Best Documentary – O.J.: MADE IN AMERICA – Ezra Edelman, Director/Producer
John Cassavetes Award – SPA NIGHT – Andrew Ahn, writer/director;
Producers Ki Jin Kim, Giulia Caruso, Kelly Thomas and David Ariniello
Best International Film – TONI ERDMANN – Maren Ade, Director
Best Supporting Female – MOLLY SHANNON for OTHER PEOPLE
Best Female Lead – ISABELLE HUPPERT for ELLE
Best Male Lead – CASEY AFFLECK for MANCHESTER BY THE SEA
Best Screenplay – BARRY JENKINS & TARELL ALVIN McCRANEY for MOONLIGHT
Best Director – BARRY JENKINS for MOONLIGHT
Best Feature – MOONLIGHT
Robert Altman Award Winner – MOONLIGHT
