Kristen Stewart speaks out for Ukrainians risking lives

“Spencer”actress Kristen Stewart gave a powerful call from the 2022 Independent Spirit Awards podium to support the people of Ukraine amid the invasion by Russian forces.

Stewart, honorary chairperson of the awards program focused on independent films, spoke before giving out the award for best male lead actor, saying Sunday’s Spirit Awards stand for freedom of expression, independence and humanity.

“Today we are compelled to stand with the people of Ukraine. They are risking their lives to fight for those very things,” said Stewart, standing in front of a video screen lit up in blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukrainian flag. “We stand for the hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing this war , both Ukrainians and those of other nationalities being denied safe harbor.”

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The award show’s husband-and-wife hosts Nick Offerman and megan mullally had earlier stuck it to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the war in Ukraine, condemning him from the stage with an obscene hand gesture.

Offerman asked the crowd for a moment to “send our best wishes to those affected by the war in Ukraine and all unjust conflicts around the world.”

Mullally added, “I think we speak for everyone here when we say we are hoping for a quick and peaceful resolution. Specifically, (expletive) off and go home, Putin.”

Offerman urged the audience to give a “Spirit Awards salute” to Putin, and Mullally then pointed out the many groups raising money for Ukrainian refugees. “Please give what you can to help the victims of this senseless act of aggression,” she added.

It wasn’t all serious for the zany couple co-hosts: At one point, Offerman walked onstage wearing little more than fire-engine red briefs and fishnet stockings for a skit involving a stripper pole, only to find out it had been cut from the program. “I guess I should cancel the naked backup dancers,” he joked

Maggie Gyllenhaal had a standout day with her directorial debut film “The Lost Daughter,” which earned three major awards, including best feature, director and screenplay.

During her best screenplay acceptance speech, Gyllenhaal gave emotional props to husband Peter Sarsgaard. Her “favorite” actor “has read almost every single draft, heard all the music cues, taken our kids to the dentist, put them to bed, fed them breakfast, held my hand in Venice when we saw the movie for the first time, and most importantly, you have taught me the beauty and the thrill of the real thing, as opposed to the fantasy.”

“And that was the north star in this movie,” Gyllenhaal said.

Troy Kotsur continued his best supporting actor winning streak for his role in “CODA,” after making history as the first deaf actor to win a SAG Award last month. The Oscar-nominated actor won best male supporting performance on Sunday.

Onetime adult film actor and MTV VJ Simon Rex won best male lead for “Red Rocket” and shouted out to his director Sean Baker for casting him in the drama about a washed-up porn star moving back to Texas.