Lauded character actor J.K. Simmons took home honors at the Spirit Awards, winning Best Supporting Actor for his role as a hard-driving music teacher in Whiplash. Simmons revealed backstage to the Daily News that his newest piece of hardware would join the others in a special place. “Right now, there is an embarrassingly large collection of them that are sitting on top of a mini-fridge in our bathroom,” said the newly minted winner. “I can’t lie.”

While the role has garnered notice for its intensity, Simmons maintains no illusions about it. “This took no bravery. I dove into a river after a guy who was drowning and we both survived.”

The Broadway veteran also shared his thoughts on education. “I think there are unfortunate inconsistencies. There are school systems that are suffering greatly and funding is a problem, but not the only problem, and there are certainly many, many institutions that continue to do a brilliant job.”

Simmons took a moment to get personal, voicing his adoration for wife Michelle Schumacher and citing their marriage as an integral part of his success. “The key to marriage is paying attention to her. There are ups and downs and you ride the downs.”

Julianne Moore, another well-respected Hollywood shape-shifter, took home the Best Actress prize for her role as a college professor with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in Still Alice. She echoed Simmons’ thoughts on bravery in acting, acknowledging other challenges that affect her far more.

“I always say to be brave, you have to be afraid and the one thing I am not actually afraid of is acting. I am afraid of skiing, going fast in cars. I don’t like to drive.

“Acting is something I really enjoy, particularly film acting, and I feel like that is a safe place to do anything.”

The 30th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards was hosted by Fred Armisen and Kristen Bell and broadcast live tonight on IFC.