LOS ANGELES, CA (February 21, 2009) — The Wrestler, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and Milk shared top category honors at the 2009 Film Independent’s Spirit Awards, making the highly anticipated annual event into a celebration of the 
diverse films that captured the public’s attention this year. The Visitor, Frozen River, In Search of a Midnight Kiss, Man on Wire, The Class and Synecdoche, New York also received awards at the event.
The 2009 Film Independent’s Spirit Awards were held Saturday, February 21, in a tent on the beach in Santa Monica. The Spirit Awards is a celebration honoring films made by filmmakers who embody independence and who dare to challenge the status quo. This annual event, which began as a small grassroots program, has grown into one of the most anticipated events of the film year.
The following is a complete list of the winners:
Best Feature
The Wrestler
Best Director
Tom McCarthy for The Visitor
Best Screenplay
Woody Allen for Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Best First Feature
Synecdoche, New York
Best First Screenplay
Dustin Lance Black for Milk
John Cassavetes Award (For
the Best Feature made for
under $500,000)
In Search of a Midnight Kiss
Best Supporting Female
Penelope Cruz for Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Best Supporting Male
James Franco for Milk
Best Female Lead
Melissa Leo for Frozen River
Best Male Lead
Mickey Rourke for The Wrestler
Best Cinematography
The Class
Best Documentary
Man on Wire
