Photo Coverage: 2009 Independent Film Spirit Awards

Other acting awards went to Melissa Leo for Best Actress for Frozen River, James Franco won best supporting actor for Milk, while Penelope Cruz snagged a best supporting win for Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Woody Allen earned a Best Screenplay award for the film as well.

Founded in 1984, the awards were originally known as the FINDIE ("Friends of Independents") Awards. In 1986, the awards were renamed the Independent Spirit Awards. It was also the first time our membership voted on the winners.

Over the past 22 years, Film Independent's Spirit Awards has grown into a vanguard event. Held as a luncheon on the beach in Santa Monica, the Awards ceremony brings together the entire film community to celebrate the best of independent film.

In 2005, the producing organization of the Spirit Awards changed its name from IFP/Los Angeles to Film Independent. Although our name has changed, the show, the organization, and our mission remain the same.

Photos by Sara DeBoer/Retna Ltd