If you regularly follow our coverage, you’ll know that Morgan and I both strive to share with you what we feel are among the most exciting and special films that don’t always find themselves being discussed in the conversation. So with that in mind, we wanted to share with you some of the lesser-known films of 2018 that were honored at a different awards event, one that we covered on the red carpet (check out our site for our video coverage) as well as in the press room.

Taking place the day before the Oscars every year, the Film Independent Spirit Awards celebrate the best of films that are independently produced and made outside of the rigid – and often political – studio system. Despite their countries of origin, budgets, and the talent attached, all of the films recognized at the Spirit Awards have one thing in common: they all embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision.

And the winners are…

While the Oscars awarded Best Picture to Green Book, the Indie Spirit Awards gave Best Feature to If Beale Street Could Talk, the big-screen adaptation of James Baldwin’s literary classic directed by Barry Jenkins (who was also awarded for Best Director, as well as honored last year for the incredible Moonlight). If you’ve yet to see it, Beale Street was truly one of the most beautiful movies made last year, its level of artistry and emotive resonance will surely leave an imprint on those who seek it out.

Best Male Lead went to Ethan Hawke in First Reformed – and while Hawke, unfortunately, couldn’t attend the event, his performance in the film was committed and definitely one to celebrate. Best Female Lead went to Glenn Close in The Wife, who – while sharing her thanks on the podium and in the press room – brought her dog, Pip, onto the stage, stealing the show. Best Supporting Male went to Richard E. Grant in Can You Ever Forgive Me? and Best Supporting Female went to Regina King in If Beale Street Could Talk.

Other notable awards went to Can You Ever Forgive Me?’s Nicole Holofcener for Best Screenplay, Eighth Grade’s Bo Burnham for Best First Screenplay, and Sorry to Bother You’s Boots Riley for Best First Feature. The Robert Altman Award, which is given to an ensemble cast, director, and casting director of a film considered to be a “maverick” of the year, went to Suspiria, and the John Cassavetes Award went to En El Séptimo Día.

Looking ahead

While the landscape of movies has evolved so much over the past few years, leaving unique films to compete with the latest binge-worthy television show on any number of streaming services, Cinemacy aims to share with you, our readers, interesting films of little-known awareness but are among the top artistic achievements of the year. And with the Film Independent Spirit Awards (and Oscars) now concluded, we set our sights ahead to 2019 and what will no doubt be another exciting year in film.