Robert Duvall, who plays a Pentecostal preacher in “The Apostle,” offered an enthusiastic “Praise Jesus!” after accepting the last of three awards Saturday at the 13th annual Independent Spirit Awards. The ceremony, held on the beach, salutes efforts of filmmakers whose projects are produced without backing of a Hollywood studio.
Hosted by John Turturro, the event attracted many stars–Peter Fonda, Sean and Robin Wright Penn, Andie MacDowell, Minnie Driver and keynote speaker Spike Lee to name a few–who clearly enjoyed the casual atmosphere and fast-paced presentations. Unlike Monday night’s Oscars, where a dress code is enforced, the Spirits allowed room for creativity (Samuel L. Jackson was resplendent in purple, while director Kevin Smith wore a Superman T-shirt).
In thanking voters for his Best Actor, Best Director and Best Feature Awards, Duvall said, “This was the most important project of my entire life, and definitely an independent film.”
Also grabbing multiple Spirits were Kasi Lemmons’ “Eve’s Bayou,” for best first feature and best supporting female (Debbi Morgan); Smith’s “Chasing Amy,” for best supporting male (Jason Lee) and best screenplay; and Neil LaBute’s “In the Company of Men,” for best first screenplay and best debut performance (Aaron Eckhart).
Julie Christie, who, like Duvall is up for an Oscar, won the Best Female Lead for “Afterglow.” Best Foreign Film Award went to Canada’s Atom Egoyan for “The Sweet Hereafter,” which, because it is in English, won’t qualify for an Academy Award.