| Independent Spirit [Award for Best Film|Best Feature] | Best Director |
Sex, Lies, and Videotape
| Steven Soderbergh - Sex, Lies, and VideotapeJim Jarmusch - Mystery TrainCharles Lane - Sidewalk StoriesNancy Savoca - True LoveGus Van Sant - Drugstore Cowboy |
| Best Actor | Best Actress |
| Matt Dillon - Drugstore CowboyNicolas Cage - Vampire's KissCharles Lane - Sidewalk StoriesRandy Quaid - ParentsJames Spader - Sex, Lies, and Videotape | Andie MacDowell - Sex, Lies, and VideotapeYouki Kudoh - Mystery TrainKelly Lynch - Drugstore CowboyWinona Ryder - HeathersAnnabella Sciorra - True Love |
| Best Supporting Actor | Best Supporting Actress |
| Max Perlich - Drugstore CowboySteve Buscemi - Mystery TrainScott Coffey - ShagGary Farmer - Powwow HighwayScreamin' Jay Hawkins - Mystery Train | Laura San Giacomo - Sex, Lies, and VideotapeBridget Fonda - ShagHeather Graham - Drugstore CowboyMare Winningham - Miracle MileMary Woronov - Scenes from the Class Struggle in Beverly Hills |
| Best Screenplay | Best First Feature |
| Drugstore Cowboy - Gus Van Sant and Daniel Yost84 Charlie Mopic - Patrick S. DuncanHeathers - Daniel WatersMiracle Mile - Steve De JarnattMystery Train - Jim Jarmusch | Heathers84 Charlie MopicPowwow HighwaySidewalk StoriesTalking to Strangers |
| Best Cinematography | Best Foreign Film |
| Drugstore Cowboy - Robert YeomanEarth Girls Are Easy - Oliver StapletonMystery Train - Robby MüllerPowwow Highway - Toyomichi KuritaTalking to Strangers - Robert Tregenza | My Left Foot • Ireland/UKDistant Voices, Still Lives • UKHanussen • Hungary/West Germany/AustriaHigh Hopes • UKRouge • Hong Kong |