'' My Own Private Idaho '' received the Showtime International Critics Award at the 1991 Toronto Film Festival . River Phoenix received the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the 1991 Venice Film Festival . The actor said , in regards to winning , " I do n't want more awards . Venice is the most progressive festival . Anything else would be a token " . Phoenix then went on to receive Best Male Lead from the Independent Spirit Awards and Best Actor from the National Society of Film Critics . With 6 nominations at the 7th Independent Spirit Awards , it tied with '' Hangin ' with the Homeboys '' for the most nominations during that ceremony . Winning 3 , it tied with '' Rambling Rose '' for the most awards
7th Independent Spirit Awards
7th Independent Spirit Awards
My Own Private Idaho