'Artist,' 'Descendants' win big at Spirit Awards

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SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 25 (UPI) -- "The Artist" was declared Best Feature at the 27th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards ceremony in Santa Monica, Calif., Saturday.

The black-and-white valentine to cinema's silent age also earned the awards for Best Actor for Jean Dujardin, Best Director for Michel Hazanavicius and Best Cinematography. The film goes into Sunday's Oscar race with 10 nominations, including one for Best Picture.

Michelle Williams picked up the Best Actress prize for her portrayal of screen icon Marilyn Monroe in "My Week with Marilyn," while Christopher Plummer was honored with the Best Supporting Actor prize for his depiction of a senior citizen finally facing his homosexuality in "Beginners." Both stars are nominated for Oscars for their respective performances.

The Independent Spirit Award for Best Screenplay went to Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash for "The Descendants," a contemporary, Hawaii-set family drama for which cast member Shailene Woodley won the trophy for Best Supporting Actress. "The Descendants," also a Best Picture contender, is nominated for five Oscars.

"The Interrupters" was named Best Documentary and Iran's "A Separation" was declared Best International Film.

Actor-writer-producer Seth Rogen served as host of the Independent Spirit Awards.