Inside the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards

Photo Credit: Wireimage for Film Independent

Just one day before the Oscars, a haute crowd congregated by the beach to celebrate independent film at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards which, for the first time ever, was aired live.

Photo Credit: Wireimage for Film Independent

Hosts Kristen Bell and Fred Armisen entertained the crowd of Hollywood stars at the ceremony, which was held, as usual, in a beachside tent in Santa Monica, getting some laughs as they riffed off of their respective personas (she a little bit studio thanks to the film Frozen, he a little bit “indie” thanks to Portlandia). 

Photo Credit: Wireimage for Film Independent

In true awards season form, Birdman added another Best Feature award to those it had already earned at the Director’s Guild Awards, Producer’s Guild Awards and SAG Awards (it also won the coveted Best Film at the Oscars the following evening) as well as an additional two accolade, to Michael Keaton in the Male Lead category and Emmanuel Luzbeki for Cinematography; Best Director went to Boyhood’s Richard Linklater, while the Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting Actress were handed out to those who ended up taking home the Academy Awards on Sunday evening: Julianne Moore, Patricia Arquette and J.K. Simmons, respectively.

Photo Credit: Wireimage for Film Independent

Prior to the event, guests enjoyed a welcome reception outside (and also enjoyed the balmy weather) at a lounge provided by the Lincoln Motor Company, who was onsite to celebrate the beauty and balance of independent filmmaking with filmmakers and to showcase its 2015 MKZ Hybrid. Lincoln also made a donation to Project Involve, Film Independent’s signature diversity program to cultivate the careers of filmmakers.

Photo Credit: Getty Images for Lincoln Motor Company

THE 2015 INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDS WINNERS LIST 

Best Feature
Birdman

Best Director
Richard Linklater (Boyhood)

Best Screenplay
Dan Gilroy, Nightcrawler

Best First Feature
Nightcrawler

Best First Screenplay
Justin Simien, Dear White People

Best Supporting Female
Patricia Arquette, Boyhood

Best Supporting Male
J.K. Simmons, Whiplash

Best Female Lead
Julianne Moore, Still Alice

Best Male Lead
Michael Keaton, Birdman

Robert Altman Award
Inherent Vice 

Best Cinematography
Emmanuel Lubezki, Birdman

Best Editing
Tom Cross, Whiplash

Best International Film
Ida

Best Documentary
CITIZENFOUR

Special Distinction Award
Foxcatcher