Among the top winners at Sundance 2009 were Grand Jury and Audience: U.S. Dramatic winner Push: Based on a Novel by Sapphire (as opposed to the upcoming sci-fi thriller Push, starring Dakota Fanning and Chris Evans). Directed by Lee Daniels and adapted by Damien Pearl, Push follows an overweight, pregnant teenager living in Harlem who must struggle to find her place in the world. Mo'Nique, as the young woman's ruthless mother, received a special acting award.
Directed by Ondi Timoner (above), Grand Jury Prize: U.S. Documentary winner We Live in Public depicts the impact the Internet has had on human interactions by focusing on web artist Josh Harris' experimental public art projects.
World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic winner The Maid (La Nana), directed by Chilean filmmaker Sebastián Silva, tells the story of a vengeful servant who does her best to drive her mistress crazy after a new maid is brought into the household. Star Catalina Saavedra was given the World Cinema Special Jury Prize for Acting.
Directed by Kim Longinotto, Rough Aunties won the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Documentary. The film follows a group of women determined to protect abused and neglected children in Durban, South Africa.