Independent Spirit Awards 2010

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Gabourey Sidibe: From $2 a Day to Independent Spirit Awards Win

Originally posted 03/06/2010 01:30AM

Who knew how far $2 could go? Gabourey Sidibe's mom, who used to pay her daughter that amount each day to attend school, does now.

"I saved up my money for a week so I could see Welcome to the Dollhouse," Sidibe, the Independent Spirit Awards' best female lead winner, said in her beaming acceptance speech Friday night. She excitedly explained that it was the first film that made her think: "I could do that." A notion that gave birth to her own independent spirit and an Oscar-nominated performance in her first film, Precious.

Her costar Mo'Nique credited their "low-budget, independent film's" leaders for teaching her how to bring her A-game and score yet another trophy this awards season for best supporting female.

But it wasn't all about the best feature film of the year, Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire. Crazy Heart star Jeff Bridges continued his winning streak for best male lead, exclaiming to his wife that his Spirit award trophy would "really tie the room together!" He explained to PEOPLE after that it was his "little nod to The Dude."

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Filed Under: Independent Spirit Awards 2010, Movies, Individual Class, Gabourey Sidibe, Jeff Daniels, Mo'Nique

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Movie News

Ben Stiller, Olivia Wilde Among Indie Spirit Presenters

Originally posted 02/19/2010 07:00AM

Ben Stiller, Olivia Wilde and this year's first-time Downloading Nancy nominee Maria Bello will be among those presenting Film Independent Spirit Awards at the March 5 ceremony, PEOPLE has learned exclusively.

Other presenters announced Friday are Emile Hirsch, former nominee Marisa Tomei and two-time winner (for Drugstore Cowboy and Crash) Matt Dillon.

With Precious and The Last Station leading the nominations, this year's event – to be hosted by comedian Eddie Izzard from the LA Live event deck in downtown Los Angeles – marks the 25th anniversary of the Independent Spirit Awards, which recognizes achievement in indie movies.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards will air live and uncut on Friday, March 5, at 8 p.m. PT/11 p.m. ET on the Independent Film Channel (IFC). The Oscars will air two days later on ABC.
– Jessica Wedemeyer

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Filed Under: Independent Spirit Awards 2010, Ben Stiller

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Movie News

Precious, The Last Station Lead Indie Spirit Nominations

Originally posted 12/01/2009 12:05PM

Precious and The Last Station lead the nominations for the 25th Film Independent Spirit Awards with five nods each, it was announced Tuesday.

Both pictures are up for best feature film, and will compete in the category with (500) Days of Summer, Amreeka, and Sin Nombre

Lee Daniels, who directed Precious, and Michael Hoffman, who helmed The Last Station, were both nominated for best director. Mo'Nique, who has been hailed for her role as the brutal mother in Precious received a nod for best supporting female.

A Serious Man was selected for the Robert Altman Award, which is given to one film's director, casting director and ensemble cast.

The ceremony will be held on Friday, March 5, in a tent on the event deck at L.A. Live. The show will air live on the cable channel IFC.

For complete list of nominations, visit SpiritAwards.com