2023 Spirit Awards Highlights: ‘Anora’ Dominates with Wins for Best Feature, Best Lead Performance, and Best Director!

The 40th Independent Spirit Awards unfolded on February 22 in Santa Monica, once again hosted by Aidy Bryant. It was an exciting day for independent filmmakers and actors.

The big winner, “Anora,” snagged the award for Best Feature Film. Sean Baker took home the Best Director award for the same film, while Mikey Madison won Best Lead Performance. “Baby Reindeer” also shone brightly, with Richard Gadd, Nava Mau, and Jessica Gunning winning in the lead, supporting, and breakthrough performance categories. Meanwhile, “Shōgun” was recognized as the Best New Scripted Series. In the debut film category, Sean Wang’s “Dìdi” won accolades for both Best First Feature and Best First Screenplay.

Here’s a quick look at the winners:

Best Feature: “Anora” (Winner)

Other nominees:

• “I Saw the TV Glow”
• “Nickel Boys”
• “Sing Sing”
• “The Substance”

Best First Feature: “Dìdi” (Winner)

Other nominees:

• “In the Summers”
• “Janet Planet”
• “The Piano Lesson”
• “Problemista”

John Cassavetes Award: “Girls Will Be Girls” (Winner)

Other nominees:

• “Big Boys”
• “Ghostlight”
• “Jazzy”
• “The People’s Joker”

Best Director: Sean Baker (“Anora”) (Winner)

Other nominees:

• Ali Abbasi – “The Apprentice”
• Brady Corbet – “The Brutalist”
• Alonso Ruizpalacios – “La Cocina”
• Jane Schoenbrun – “I Saw the TV Glow”

Best Lead Performance in a Film: Mikey Madison (“Anora”) (Winner)

Other nominees:

• Amy Adams – “Nightbitch”
• Ryan Destiny – “The Fire Inside”
• Colman Domingo – “Sing Sing”
• Demi Moore – “The Substance”

Best Breakthrough Performance in a Film: Maisy Stella (“My Old Ass”) (Winner)

Other nominees:

• Isaac Krasner – “Big Boys”
• Katy O’Brian – “Love Lies Bleeding”
• Mason Alexander Park – “National Anthem”

This year’s ceremony highlighted remarkable talent and creativity in independent filmmaking. It showcased the importance of these awards in recognizing new voices and innovative storytelling.”

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