Los Angeles, California - Period drama Train Dreams took home the Spirit Awards win for best feature Sunday, as both it and The Secret Agent gathered momentum ahead of the Academy Awards.

The Secret Agent notched best international film as its team hopes to win in the same category at the Oscars next month.

The annual Film Independent Spirit Awards ceremony only celebrates movies made for less than $30 million.

Train Dreams, director Clint Bentley's adaptation of the Denis Johnson novella, follows a railroad worker and the transformation of the American northwest across the 20th century.

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The film won three of its four categories, also grabbing wins for best director and best cinematography. The movie's lead, Joel Edgerton, however, did not take home best actor, which went to Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I'd Kick You.

Train Dreams producer Teddy Schwarzman told AFP the film "is a singular journey, but it hopefully helps bring people together to understand all that life entails: love, friendship, loss, grief, healing and hope."

Train Dreams will compete for best picture at the Oscars, among other honors.

After The Secret Agent nabbed best international film, director Kleber Mendonca Filho hailed the win as one that hopefully "gives more visibility to Brazilian cinema."

The film follows a former academic pursued by hitmen amid the political turmoil of Brazil under military rule.

It prevailed Sunday over contenders including rave-themed road trip movie Sirat, which will compete alongside The Secret Agent for best international feature film at the Oscars, capping Hollywood's awards season.

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The Secret Agent will also be up for best picture, best actor, and best casting.

Brazil's I'm Still Here won best international feature at the Oscars last year.

Other Spirit winners on Sunday included Lurker, for best first screenplay and best first feature film.

Sorry, Honey nabbed best screenplay, and The Perfect Neighbor scored best documentary.

The Academy Awards will be presented on March 15.