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The harrowing drama Precious has swept to victory at the Independent Spirit Awards, taking five prizes including best feature. Its stars Gabourey Sidibe and Mo'Nique took the best female lead and best supporting female lead. The awards, which celebrate independent film, took place in Los Angeles two days before the Oscars. Many Oscar nominees attended, including British actors Colin Firth, Helen Mirren and Carey Mulligan. Mulligan's An Education won best foreign film while Jeff Bridges was named best actor. Woody Harrelson scooped best supporting actor for his role in the war-on-terror drama The Messenger. The awards ceremony, celebrating its 25th anniversary, had moved from its Santa Monica beach location to a tented car park in central Los Angeles. The event was hosted by Eddie Izzard.