The Memphis-made feature film "The Book of Noah" earned the "Spirit of Independence Award" in the "Originality" category this month at the prestigious Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival.

The win puts "The Book of Noah" in some impressive company. Also honored at the 22nd annual Fort Lauderdale filmfest were Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman, named Best Actress and Best Actor for "The Savages"; "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly," named Best Film; Mary Stuart Masterson, whose directorial debut, "The Cake Eaters," won the Audience Award for Best American Indie; and Gary Sinise (perhaps best known as "Lt. Dan" in "Forrest Gump"), who was presented with the festival's Career Achievement Award.