The carpet was not-so red and the sky was not-so blue. But at the beach in Santa Monica yesterday, the stars who flocked to the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards were as bright as ever—and thrilled to be celebrating independent film. Under the tent, Patton Oswalt played host while a star-studded list of presenters, including the likes of Reese Witherspoon, Jon Hamm, Angela Basset, Jeremy Renner and Keanu Reeves, handed out the coveted awards celebrating the year’s greatest achievements in Indiewood. The night’s big winner? 12 Years a Slave, which grabbed Best Feature, Best Director for Steve McQueen, and Best Supporting Female for Lupita Nyong’o. Dallas Buyers Club was another top honoree with Matthew McConaughey walking away with Best Male Lead and Jared Leto taking Best Supporting Male.

BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY

Bob Nelson, Nebraska

BEST SUPPORTING MALE

Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club

BEST FIRST FEATURE

Ryan Coogler, director; Nina Yang Bongiovi and Forest Whitaker producers, Fruitvale Station

BEST EDITING

Nate Sanders, Short Term 12 

ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD

Jeff Nichols, director; casting director Francine Maisler; ensemble cast: Joe Don Baker, Jacob Lofland, Matthew McConaughey, Ray McKinnon, Sarah Paulson, Michael Shannon, Sam Shepard, Tye Sheridan, Paul Sparks, Bonnie Sturdivant, Reese Witherspoon, Mud

BEST SCREENPLAY

John Ridley, 12 Years A Slave

PIAGET PRODUCERS AWARD

Toby Halbrooks and James M. Johnston

JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD

Chad Hartigan, writer/director;  Cherie Saulter, producer, This Is Martin Bonner 

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Sean Bobbitt, 12 Years A Slave

BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE

Lupita Nyong’o, 12 Years A Slave

BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM

Abdellatif Kechiche, director Blue is the Warmest Color (France)

BEST DOCUMENTARY

Morgan Neville, director/producer; Gil Friesen & Caitrin Rogers, producers, 20 Feet From Stardom

KIEHL’S SOMEONE TO WATCH AWARD

Shaka King, Newlyweeds

STELLA ARTOIS TRUER THAN FICTION AWARD

Jason Osder, Let the Fire Burn

BEST DIRECTOR

Steve McQueen, 12 Years A Slave

BEST FEMALE LEAD

Cate Blanchette, Blue Jasmine

BEST MALE LEAD 

Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club

UNILEVER PROJECT SUNLIGHT BRIGHT FUTURE AWARD

Patrick Creadon, If You Build It

BEST FEATURE

Dede Gardner, Anthony Katagas, Jeremy Kleiner, Steve McQueen, Arnon Milchan, Brad Pitt, Bill Pohlad, producers, 12 Years A Slave