'The Wrestler' Takes Top Nod at 2009 Independent Spirit Awards

Rourke and Cruz may be in for a happy weekend

By: Brad Brevet
Published: Saturday, February 21st 2009 at 6:25 PM

The 2009 Independent Spirit Awards were held today and while I decided to watch my beloved Tar Heels go down to Maryland just as my hometown (sort of) WSU Cougars beat UCLA it didn't stop me from keeping one eye open as The Wrestler took more than one award including Best Feature. Mickey Rourke won for Best Actor and the film won for Maryse Alberti's Cinematography.

Penelope Cruz took home the award for Best Supporting Actress while James Franco took home the award in the male category for his work in Milk.

You can check out the complete list of winners below and click here for a list of the nominees.

Best Feature

• The Wrestler

Best Director

• Thomas McCarthy, The Visitor

Best First Feature

• Synecdoche, New York

John Cassavetes Award (Given to the best feature made for under $500,000)

• In Search of a Midnight Kiss

Best First Screenplay

• Dustin Lance Black, Milk

Best Screenplay

• Woody Allen, Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Best Female Lead

• Melissa Leo, Frozen River

Best Male Lead

• Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler

Best Supporting Female

• Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Best Supporting Male

• James Franco, Milk

Best Cinematography

• Maryse Alberti, The Wrestler

Best Documentary

• Man on Wire

Best Foreign Film

• The Class (France)

Robert Altman Award (Given to one film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast)

• Synecdoche, New York