The 2018 Gotham Independent Film Awards were handed out Monday night at Cipriani Wall Street in New York. Chloe Zhao's second feature The Rider, which chronicles a young cowboy’s struggle after a head injury leaves him unable to compete on the rodeo circuit, took home the top prize of best feature.
First Reformed, Paul Schrader's latest work about a troubled pastor drawn toward violence, also had a big night, with wins for best screenplay and actor for leading man Ethan Hawke.
Eighth Grade won in two categories as well: Elsie Fisher received the breakthrough actor award, and the film’s director, Bo Burnham, won the Bingham Ray Breakthrough director award.
Despite topping the nominations alongside First Reformed, The Favourite, Yorgos Lanthimos' period film about two women in Queen Anne's court competing for her attention and affection, didn’t win in any of its nominated categories. However, the film’s three main actresses — Olivia Colman, Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz — were honored with a special jury prize.
In addition to The Favourite, First Reformed, Barry Jenkins' Moonlight follow-up If Beale Street Could Talk and Josephine Decker's Madeline's Madeline were also nominated in the best feature category.
Heading into the night, numerous films were nominated in multiple categories, including the following with two mentions each: Hereditary, If Beale Street Could Talk, Leave No Trace, Madeline's Madeline, Private Life, Sorry to Bother You and Support the Girls.
Those totals don't include the audience award — which went to Won’t You Be My Neighbor? — voted on by IFP members from the films nominated for best feature, best documentary and breakthrough director.
The Gotham Awards began recognizing small-screen fare three years ago. This year, 195 Lewis and Killing Eve were presented with breakthrough series awards in the shortform and longform categories, respectively.
In addition to the competitive awards, previously announced tributes were given to Willem Dafoe, Paul Greengrass, Jon Kamen and Rachel Weisz. Sandra Lee received the "Made in NY" award.
Previous Gotham Award winners have included Oscar nominees and winners Call Me by Your Name, Moonlight, Spotlight, Birdman, Boyhood, Citizenfour, Inside Llewyn Davis, The Act of Killing, Moonrise Kingdom, Beasts of the Southern Wild, Beginners, The Tree of Life, Winter’s Bone and The Hurt Locker.
