Both the director, Celine Song, and the feature film won awards at the independent film awards in the USA. The Spanish film ‘Upon Entry (La llegada)’ did not win any of the three it was nominated for. 

The independent film scene celebrated its own at the Spirit Awards, where «Past Lives» was named best film of the year. These awards are unique in the film industry, with a maximum film budget of $20 million to qualify, and categories that vary greatly from other award shows. The relaxed atmosphere, set in temporary tents beside Santa Monica beach, is a stark contrast to the typical Hollywood red carpet events. The Spanish film «Upon Entry» did not win any of its three nominations, with «Scandal Secrets» winning for best first script, «How to Blow Up a Pipeline» for best editing, and «Thousand and One» for best debut film. «Past Lives» took home the awards for best film and best director, while Jeffrey Wright won for best performance in «American Fiction». The John Cassavetes award for best film with a budget under $1 million went to «Fremont», and the Robert Altman award for best cast went to «Showing Up», starring Michelle Williams. In the television categories, «The Last of Us» and «Bronca» tied, with «Jury Duty» winning for best ensemble and the documentary series «Dear Mama» winning in its category. The next stop for the industry is the Oscars on March 10th.