Huge congratulations to Melissa Leo, winner of the 2009 Independent Spirit Award for “Best Lead Actress.” Click HERE to read my review of FROZEN RIVER as well as excerpts from my interview with Melissa when she came to Chicago last year for a Press Day.
So, funny story: Richard & I watched the Spirit Awards with our IFP/Chgo buddies @ a trendy spot on North Halsted. I came in thinking it would be a big night for RACHEL GETTING MARRIED, so when Melissa Leo won Best Lead Actress, I jumped up & started screaming. Funny Eden Essex, sitting in our booth, said quite spontaneously: “She’s her sister!” So people kept coming up to me afterwards to congratulate ME.
No, no, I said, but then I took my chance to explain both who Melissa Leo was & why her win was so important. Per my FROZEN RIVER review, Melissa Leo has done great work on TV & in films for years now, & she really, really, really deserved this. HOORAY!!!
