Mickey Rourke is a Best Actor again.
The “Wrestler” star won another trophy for his performance as an aging athlete at Film Independent’s 24th Annual Spirit Awards in LA on Saturday, dedicating it to his recently deceased dog, Loki.
His speech was funny and profanity-laden, describing co-star Marisa Tomei, who played a sympathetic stripper, as knowing “how to climb the pole” – and a preview of his possible acceptance speech at the Oscars on Sunday should he win Best Actor.
The star was joined in the winners’ circle by Melissa Leo, who took home the trophy for Best Actress for her Oscar-nominated work in “Frozen River”; James Franco, who won Best Supporting Actor for “Milk”; and Oscar favorite Penelope Cruz, who won Best Supporting Actress for her fiery performance in Woody Allen’s “Vicky Cristina Barcelona.”
In the additional categories, Charlie Kaufman won Best First Feature for his direction of “Synecdoche, New York,” while Best First Screenplay went to “Milk” scribe Dustin Lance Black. Woody Allen won Best Screenplay for “Vicky Cristina Barcelona,” and “The Visitor” helmer Tom McCarthy earned the trophy for Best Director.
Finally, Mickey’s film, “The Wrestler,” topped the ceremony with the award for Best Feature.
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