Adam Sandler and the Safdie Brothers from ‘Uncut Gems’ Shine at the Film Independent Spirit Awards

The crime thriller “<strong” picked up awards in two major categories at the 35th Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards (which aired on cable channel IFC) on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020 from Santa Monica. Calif., —the day prior to Hollywood’s 92nd Academy Awards.

Its star Adam Sandler won the Best Male Lead prize for his portrayal as a New York jeweler with a gambling addiction searching for an expensive gem in order to pay off his debts. Sandler accentuated his acceptance speech in the style of his Cajun Man character from his “SNL” days. He offered hilarious takes on his oft-criticized film career, the lack of recognition by the Academy Awards and the filmmakers of “Uncut Gems” themselves. (Note: Sandler’s speech contains foul language.)

As for those filmmakers, the brother duo of Josh and Benny Safdie won for Best Director. Award show producers usually prefer to conserve time with winners’ acceptance speeches. The Safdies managed to do just that: purposely overlapping their own speeches — each having talked over each other, which delighted the crowd, including Sandler.