‘Get Out’ wins Spirit for best film, director
Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” won best film and best director on Saturday at the 33rd Independent Film Spirit Awards, a day before the horror sensation will vie for top honors at the Academy Awards.
The wins for Peele’s directorial debut gave the Spirits, a celebration of indie filmmaking, something unusual: a box-office behemoth. Made for just $4.5 million, “Get Out” grossed $255 million worldwide.
“We are in the beginning of a renaissance right now, where stories from the outsider, stories from the people in this room, the same stories that independent filmmakers have been telling for years are being honored and recognized and celebrated,” Peele said.
Held in a beachside tent, the Spirit Awards are the dressed-down prelude to the Academy Awards.
“I continue to be amazed that you let me get to the microphone. What are you crazy?” said Frances McDormand, who again won best actress for her performance in “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.” “Do you know how hard it’s been not to swear over the last couple of months? Because this awards convention goes on for (expletive) forever.”
Allison Janney continued her sweep of the best supporting actress awards for “I, Tonya.” The supporting actor Oscar favorite Sam Rockwell (“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”) added to his string of awards.
Timothee Chalamet, the “Call Me By Your Name” breakthrough star, took best actor, a category that at the Spirits didn’t include the Oscar favorite Gary Oldman. The 22-year-old said he was trying to savor the moment. “I don’t know if this kind of thing is ever going to happen again,” Chalamet said.