Journalism-drama "Spoitlight", which follows the investigating unit of Boston Globe as they uncover church sex abuse scandal, took home top honours at the Film Independent Spirit Awards, including best feature and best director for Tom McCarthy.
The Oscar-nominated independent film is based on a series of stories by the real Spotlight team that earned The Globe the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service.
The Mark Ruffalo-starrer also bagged the best screenplay, best editing and best ensemble prizes.
Actor Abraham Attah won the best male lead award for his work in "Beasts of No Nation", while the best female lead went to season-favourite Brie Larson for "Room".
Idris Elba, whose exclusion from the 88th Oscar nominations raised eyebrows, bagged the best supporting actor for "Beasts of No Nation".
Mya Taylor won the best supporting actress for her performance in comedy-dram "Tangerine". "The Look of Silence" was announced the best documentary.
"Son of Saul" won the best international film. The best first feature honour went to "The Diary of a Teenage Girl", while Emma Donoghue bagged the best first screenplay for "Room".
