<p><br /> Hilary Swank says she feels honoured at the 20th Annual Gotham Independent Film Awards as they mean so much.<br /> </p><p><br /> The actress was one of four individuals to be recognised as Tribute honorees at the ceremony and said:<br /> </p><p><br /> "It's these small independent films that I love because I think they mirror life and more often than not give a newcomer an opportunity, which is the case with me and I'm just honoured."<br /> </p><p><br /> Natalie Portman and Winona Ryder star in new psychological thriller Black Swan, directed by Darren Aronofsky, which has also received critical acclaim.<br /> </p><p><br /> Aronofsky said: "It's a huge thrill to get recognised by them. I was really a struggling filmmaker with them so it's been a long road and it's kind of, it's moving and touching and to share a stage with these other filmmakers that are getting honored is big for me too".<br /> </p><p><br /> The Gotham Independent Film Awards are the first honours of the film awards season and provide critical early recognition and media attention to worthy movies.<br /> </p>
