The 2015 Independent Film Project’s Gotham Awards were held last night in New York City, with the journalism drama Spotlight coming away as the big winner. In addition to its previously announced special prize for its ensemble cast, the film also won Best Feature and Best Screenplay.
However, the story of the night was the surprising wins in the acting categories. As Variety notes, The Diary of a Teenage Girl star Bel Powley took home Best Actress, beating Carol’s Cate Blanchett. Paul Dano won Best Actor for playing the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson in Love & Mercy.
Tangerine continued to be a star at indie film awards, earning two wins. The film, which was shot using an iPhone, won the audience Award and Breakthrough Actor for Mya Taylor.
Here’s the full list of winners:
Best Feature: Spotlight, Tom McCarthy
Best Documentary: The Look of Silence, Joshua Oppenheimer
Bingham Ray Breakthrough Director Award: Mediterranea, Jonas Carpignano
Best Screenplay: Spotlight, Tom McCarthy & Josh Singer
Best Actor: Paul Dano, Love & Mercy
Best Actress: Bel Powley, The Diary of a Teenage Girl
Breakthrough Actor: Mya Taylor, Tangerine
Best Ensemble: Spotlight
Breakthrough Series - Long Form: Mr. Robot (USA Network)
Breakthrough Series - Short Form: Shugs and Fats (ShugsandFats.TV)