12 Years a Slave (2013) Best Feature, Best Cinematography, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Female Breakthrough Performer: Lupita Nyong’o Where You Can Watch It: DVD, HBO Last year, director Steve McQueen’s heart-wrenching epic brought the emotional true story of Solomon Northup to life, and took the awards season by storm. Chiwetel Ejiofor was captivating as Northup, a man sold into slavery and fighting for his life, never giving up hope that he will be emancipated. Equally powerful was the performance of Lupita Nyong’o as Patsey. Making her feature film debut, Nyong’o earned a Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female—along with an Oscar and many others. She became the Cinderella of the awards season, delivering inspirational acceptance speeches and turning heads in every dazzling gown she showed up in. In the Company of Men (1998) Best Debut Performance, Best First Screenplay Breakthrough Performer: Aaron Eckhart Where You Can Watch It: DVD Playwright and indie film director Neil LaBute is no stranger to exposing audiences to psychologically analytical and often disturbing material. In LaBute’s feature debut, two business executives with too many failed relationships decide to get revenge on the female species by targeting a harmless young woman and attempting to ruin her life. Aaron Eckhart’s portrayal of the despicable, misogynistic character Chad won him the Spirit Award that year. He landed roles in a few more indies before being cast as Julia Roberts’ love interest in Steven Soderbergh’s blockbuster Erin Brockovich. Junebug (2006) Best Supporting Female Breakthrough Performer: Amy Adams Where You Can Watch It: DVD Now she has had a plethora of nominations for various great performances, but Amy Adams was little known when she starred in the quirky, hilarious role of Ashley in director Phil Morrison’s feature debut. Adams was the film’s obvious scene-stealer as an adorable, Southern pregnant woman who loves meerkats. The role landed Adams a Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female and led to the first of several Oscar nominations, making her one of Hollywood’s most versatile and in-demand leading ladies. Chris Lombardi / Film Independent Blogger