The Independent Spirit Awards were presented in Santa Monica, CA on Saturday by the Independent Feature Project/Los Angeles. Todd Haynes' "Far From Heaven" won five awards at the ceremony, including best feature, best director, best female lead, and best supporting male. Julianne Moore, overlooked at the Oscars, beat Jennifer Aniston and Maggie Gyllenhaal among others to take home the Best Actress prize.
Host John Waters began proceedings at the 18th annual ceremonies by welcoming guests in what he called "these scary times." But then added jokingly, "Saddam Hussein? George Bush? No one will stop me from getting my gift bag."
The complete list of 2003 IFP Independent Spirit Award Winners
BEST FEATURE
"Far From Heaven," Producers: Jody Patton, Christine Vachon
BEST DIRECTOR:
Todd Haynes, "Far From Heaven"
BEST FEMALE LEAD
Julianne Moore, "Far From Heaven"
BEST MALE LEAD
Derek Luke, "Antwone Fisher"
BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE
Emily Mortimer, "Lovely & Amazing"
BEST SUPPORTING MALE
Dennis Quaid, "Far From Heaven"
BEST SCREENPLAY
"The Good Girl," Mike White
BEST FIRST FEATURE (Award given to the Director)
"The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys," Director: Peter Care
BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY
"Secretary," Erin Cressida Wilson
JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD (Given to the best feature made for under $500,000)
"Personal Velocity," Director/Writer: Rebecca MillerProducers: Alexis Alexanian, Lemore Syvan, Gary Winick
BEST DEBUT PERFORMANCE (Actors in their first significant role in a feature film)
Nia Vardalos, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Far From Heaven, "Edward Lachman"
BEST FOREIGN FILM (Award given to the Director)
"Y Tu Mama Tambien" - Mexico Director: Alfonso Cuaron
BEST DOCUMENTARY (Award given to the Director)
"Bowling for Columbine," Director: Michael Moore
SPECIAL PRIZES:
The winner of the 2003 Turning Leaf Coastal Reserve Someone to Watch Award is:
Przemyslaw Reut, director of "Paradox Lake"
The winner of the 2003 DIRECTV / IFC Truer Than Fiction Award is:Jennifer Dworkin for "Love & Diane"
The winner of the 2003 Motorola Producers Award is:Effie T. Brown, producer of "Real Women Have Curves" and "Stranger Inside"
