Maggie Gyllenhaal and “The Lost Daughter” took home best director, screenplay and best feature honors from 37th Film Independent Spirit Awards, honoring the industry’s leading indie films. Another social detour due to the pandemic, the earlier than usual ceremony — which is historically held on the Saturday afternoon before the Oscars — returned to an in-person event held in Santa Monica after being virtual in 2021.
“Zola,” which led all nominees heading into the event, took home multiple awards, including editing and one for lead actress Taylour Paige. “Passing” also won multiple prizes (for Ruth Negga and cinematography) while “Red Rocket” actor Simon Rex took home lead actor honors.
Production budgets are the standard by which films are considered independent, and some of the Oscar-contending films that might normally fit the thematic tones of Spirit Awards nominees, including “Belfast,” “King Richard” and “The Power of the Dog,” were not eligible because they cost more than $22.5 million to make.
