Independent Spirit Awards: “The Farewell” Takes Top Honor

Shuzhen Zhao, Hong Lu, and Awkwafina in "The Farewell"

The Farewell was snubbed at this year’s Oscar race, but that didn’t stop it from winning big at the Independent Spirit Awards. It took home the award for the best feature of the year.

Lulu Wang’s heartfelt drama managed to beat the likes of Clemency, A Hidden Life, Marriage Story, and Uncut Gems to win the top honor at this ceremony. This wasn’t The Farewell’s only major award. Zhao Shu-zhen picked up the best supporting actress trophy.

Uncut Gems was also one of the biggest winners of the night, and it came out victorious in three categories – best director (Josh and Benny Safdie), best male lead (Adam Sandler), and best editing (Ronald Bronstein and Benny Safdie).

The Independent Spirit Awards took place on February 8th at Santa Monica Pier, with Aubrey Plaza serving as a host.

FULL LIST OF WINNERS AT 20020 INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDS:

BEST FEATURE

The Farewell

BEST FIRST FEATURE

Booksmart

BEST FEMALE LEAD

Renee Zellweger, Judy

BEST MALE LEAD

Adam Sandler, Uncut Gems 

BEST DIRECTOR

Benny and Josh Safdie – Uncut Gems

BEST DOCUMENTARY

American Factory

BEST SUPPORTING MALE

Willem Dafoe, The Lighthouse 

BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE

Zhao Shuzhen, The Farewell

BEST SCREENPLAY

Marriage Story, Noah Baumbach

BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY

See You Yesterday,Fredrica Bailey, Stefon Bristol

BEST EDITING

Uncut Gems – Benny Safdie, Ronald Bronstein

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Jarin Blaschke, The Lighthouse

BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM

Parasite,Bong Joon Ho

ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD

Marriage Story

JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD

Give Me Liberty

PRODUCERS AWARD

Mollye Asher

SOMEONE TO WATCH AWARD

Rashaad Ernesto Green, director of Premature

TRUER THAN FICTION AWARD

Nadia Shihab, director of Jabboland

THE BONNIE AWARD

Kelly Reichardt