Zhao’s ‘Nomadland’ Wins Top Indie Spirit Prize
BY SCOTTIE KNOLLIN
The producers of the 36th Film Independent Spirit Awards tried to freshen up the whole awards-show-on-Zoom template with its host, Melissa Villaseñor, doing her bits in a theater and shots of nominees reacting here and there. Though IFC stated the show was live, it was obvious that much of the show had actually been pre-taped and edited into a succinct awards ceremony that zipped through its categories. The only time things seemed to draw out was when Villaseñor tried her hand and overly-long segments featuring the comedian inserted into some of the night’s film honorees. A particular “Nomadland” tribute with Villaseñor as Owen Wilson seemed to never end.
Speaking of “Nomadland”, the drama from Chloé Zhao was the night’s big winner. The film picked up prizes for Best Feature, Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing. It is expected to win several of those same awards at this weekend’s 93rd Academy Awards.
Traditionally, the Indie Spirit Awards are the last major awards show before Oscar Sunday, held the evening before the Oscars in a massive tent at Santa Monica Beach. With the global pandemic continuing, this year’s plans were adapted. Nearly every presenter, which included the likes of Cate Blanchett, Adam Sandler, and Renée Zellweger, commented on how they look forward to returning to the tent in the future.
To qualify for the Film Independent Spirit Awards, films must be made with a budget under $22.5 million.
COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS:
BEST FEATURE
NOMADLAND
BEST DIRECTOR
Chloé Zhao, NOMADLAND
BEST FEMALE LEAD
Carey Mulligan, PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN
BEST MALE LEAD
Riz Ahmed, THE SOUND OF METAL
BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE
Yuh-Jung Youn, MINARI
BEST SUPPORTING MALE
Paul Raci, SOUND OF METAL
BEST SCREENPLAY
Emerald Fennell, PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Joshua James Richards, NOMADLAND
BEST EDITING
Chloé Zhao, NOMADLAND
BEST DOCUMENTARY
CRIP CAMP
BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM
QUO VADIS, AIDA?
ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD
ONE NIGHT IN MIAMI
JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD
RESIDUE
PIAGET PRODUCERS AWARD
Gerry Kim
BEST FIRST FEATURE
THE SOUND OF METAL
BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY
Andy Siara, PALM SPRINGS
TRUER THAN FICTION
Elegance Bratton, PIER KIDS
SOMEONE TO WATCH AWARD
Ekwa Msangi, FAREWELL AMOR
