Maggie Gyllenhaal Wins Best Director for Daughter is gone in 2022 Independent Spirit Award.
Gyllenhaal was moved to tears as she realized the power and importance of love, independent film and The lost daughter’different production members while receiving the honor on Sunday in Santa Monica.
After telling himself to “keep it together” while working through his emotions, Gyllenhaal spoke about his philosophy as a director.
“I more than anything believe in love. … I don’t mean to set rules, but I think showing love is one of the most beautiful expressions of it,” she said. “Those movies remind me what it looks like and what it feels like when someone is true to themselves, when they listen to themselves.”
Gyllenhaal went on to thank the editor, composer, production designer, visual director, and Netflix, in particular, saying that “nobody has ever made their first movie… as a filmmaker… independent films and love their financiers, but I do.”
“You literally like me,” the Best Director winner said of the film’s creative team. “Some of you have known me for a long time. You got my call at the weekend. And you are a huge part of the reason I’m standing here right now. ”
At the end of his speech, Gyllenhaal paid tribute to the independent film medium.
“One last thing. I love indie films. I grew up making indie films. I love watching movies. Everyone here in this shack was fighting to make their movies. On our set, when we have a problem because we don’t have enough money or don’t have enough time… [we] had a spell,” she said. “We’ll make a compromise and we’ll say, ‘Next time: 35 millimeters and 35 days.'”
Daughter is gone follows a university professor who must deal with her disturbing past and memories of early motherhood after an encounter with a woman and her young daughter while on vacation in IDEA.
Last year’s winner, Chloé Zhao, gave the honor to Gyllenhaal, who was nominated in this category alongside Janicza Bravo (Zola), Lauren Hadaway (Newbie), Mike Mills (Come on) and Ninja Thyberg (honor).
Gyllenhaal also won the Spirit Award for best screenplay, while Daughter is gone was then crowned the best feature.
