Independent Spirit Awards 2009; The Wrestler wins big

by Amy Judd | February 21, 2009 at 05:37 pm

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The Independent Spirit Awards 2009 took place in Los Angeles tonight and 'The Wrestler' was the clear big winner, winning three awards including best feature.

Mickey Rourke won the award for the best male lead and the other award for the film went to camerawoman Maryse Alberti for cinematography in the feature. Rourke was clearly excited to accept his award on Santa Monica Beach.

After kissing the film's director, Darren Aronofsky, on the lips, the 56-year-old actor launched into a meandering speech in which he recalled being arrested by the local police a decade ago, urged Hollywood to give his friend Eric Roberts another shot, and fought back tears as he paid tribute to his recently deceased Chihuahua dog Loki.

For his part, Aronofsky told reporters backstage that he hoped to work with Rourke again.

"I've been joking with him I'm going to wait five years 'til he screws it up again, and then come back and reinvent him," Aronofsky said.

It is thought that Rourke will win the Oscar tomorrow night for his role in the movie.
Melissa Leo from 'Frozen River' took home the award for best female lead, but she thinks that either Meryl Streep or Kate Winslet will win the Oscar.
James Franco took home best supporting male for 'Milk' and Penelope Cruz took home best supporting female for 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona'.
Best director went to Tom McCarthy for 'The Visitor'.
Best documentary went to 'Man on Wire' about a tight rope walk between the World Trade Center in New York.
This was the 24th annual Spirit Awards.