Sharjah24 – AFP: Maggie Gyllenhaal's "The Lost Daughter," a drama about the challenges and taboos surrounding motherhood, was named the year's best indie film at the Spirit Awards on Sunday.
Gyllenhaal -- until now primarily known as an actress in films such as "The Dark Knight" and "Secretary" -- also won prizes for best screenplay and best director, for her debut effort in both fields.
The Film Independent Spirit Awards honor low- and mid-budget movies, and the glitzy gala held at Santa Monica beach near Los Angeles could provide a much-needed boost for smaller films like Gyllenhaal's ahead of this month's Oscars.
"The Lost Daughter," based on Elena Ferrante's novel, is in the running for three Academy Awards including best actress for Olivia Colman, who plays a mother estranged from her children and harboring guilt for her failings in raising them.
While only films made for less than $22.5 million can compete for Spirit Awards, some of Hollywood's biggest stars turned out for the event, and streaming giant Netflix emerged as the day's big winner with six awards.
Beyond the honors for "The Lost Daughter," Netflix earned two prizes for 1920s race drama "Passing," including best supporting actress for Ruth Negga, and one for South Korean smash hit series "Squid Game."
Stars Kristen Stewart and Javier Bardem were among several who used the event to speak out against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Simon Rex -- a former MTV host who began his career by appearing in adult films -- won best actor for "Red Rocket," about a washed-up porn star.
The Spirit Awards are typically held the day before the Oscars, but this year were held three weeks prior, meaning voting for the season-concluding Academy Awards has not yet taken place.
Deaf actor Troy Kotsur cemented his Oscar frontrunner status by earning another best supporting actor prize for his role in "CODA."
The film follows high school teen Ruby as she juggles her musical ambitions with her deaf family's dependence on her to communicate with the "hearing" world.
"Summer of Soul (...Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised)" -- musician Questlove's first movie about the huge "Black Woodstock" festival that took place in 1969 Harlem -- won best documentary.
Each year, the Spirit Awards gives the prestigious Robert Altman Award to a film's director, casting director and cast.
The Oscars take place in Hollywood on March 27.
For an optimal experience, please
