Considered a precursor to the Oscars, the Film Independent Spirit Awards saw Birdman pip Boyhood to the post.
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The final preparations are being made ahead of one of the biggest events in the film calendar.
Tonight (February 22), at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the 87th Academy Awards kick off in all their glory.
But a night earlier, in the slightly less glamorous setting of a giant tent on Santa Monica beach, the Film Independent Spirit awards were considered by many as an indicator of what is to come.
That's a wrap on the 2015 #SpiritAwards! We hear there's another awards show tomorrow... let's keep the party going.
— Film Independent (@filmindependent) February 22, 2015
Showbiz satire Birdman pipped Boyhood to the post for the coveted ‘Best Feature’ prize at the awards, which honour low-budget film-making.
Congratulations to BIRDMAN, our 2015 Film Independent #SpiritAwards Best Feature! http://t.co/FJUAu68svS pic.twitter.com/bRAfUpfL5U
— Film Independent (@filmindependent) February 22, 2015
Directed by Mexican Alejandro González Iñárritu, the film also took home awards for ‘Cinematography’ and ‘Best Actor’, for Michael Keaton’s performance.
Birdman’s success adds to its growing momentum ahead of the Oscars, where it is in the running for nine awards, tied with 2014 smash, The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Lying just behind, with two awards, Boyhood won twice at the Independent Spirits. Patricia Arquette took home the ‘Best Supporting Actress’ prize, while Richard Linklater won ‘Best Director’.
Congratulations on your @filmindependent #SpiritAwards win, @PattyArquette @BoyhoodMovie pic.twitter.com/4yUvQcT8oM
— Film Independent (@filmindependent) February 21, 2015
Filmed over 12 years, the family drama is in line for six Academy Awards, including ‘Best Actress in a Supporting Role’, which Patricia Arquette is also strongly tipped to win.
We’ll be covering the Oscars live throughout the ceremony on euronews.com.