The Steve McQueen directed 12 Years a Slave won in five of the seven categories for which it was nominated at the 29th annual Independent Spirit Awards in Los Angeles Saturday. The film racked up last minute accolades on the road to the Academy Awards, including Best Feature and Best Director for Steve McQueen.
12 Years a Slave producer Dede Gardner thanked the many people involved in making the movie, including fellow producer Brad Pitt and the descendants Solomon Northup.
“It’s a reminder to care-take our freedom,” she said.
Matthew McConaughey won best male lead for his role in Dallas Buyers’ Club‘s while Jared Leto won for best supporting male. Fruitvale Station director Ryan Coogler won the award for best first feature. The Independent Spirit Awards will air Sunday at 10pm ET/PT on IFC. Below is an abbreviated listing of the winners.
BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY
Bob Nelson, Nebraska
BEST FIRST FEATURE
Fruitvale Station
BEST EDITING
Nat Sanders, Short Term 12
ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD
Mud
BEST SCREENPLAY
John Ridley, 12 Years a Slave
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Sean Bobbitt, 12 Years a Slave
BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE
Lupita Nyong’o, 12 Years a Slave
BEST DIRECTOR
Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave
BEST FEATURE
12 Years a Slave