‘Call Me by Your Name’ Wins Best Feature at Gotham Awards

The Gotham Independent Film Awards, the Iowa caucus of Oscars season, kicked off on Monday with a surprise winner. “Call Me By Your Name” received a big boost, picking up two awards including best feature. The drama, directed by Luca Guadagnino, stars Armie Hammer and Timothee Chalamet as lovers that meet in 1980s Italy.

While the Gothams are decided by small panels comprised of actors and directors, the ceremony hosted by the Independent Film Project has gained prominence in recent years. Three of the previous top Gotham winners — “Moonlight,” “Spotlight” and “Birdman” — were able to catapult from this venue at Cipriani Wall Street all the way to the Oscars stage.

For most of the evening, “Get Out” seemed like the unstoppable favorite. Jordan Peele picked up multiple awards, sweeping best screenplay, breakthrough director and the audience award for his hit horror drama released by Universal Pictures.