Oscar Sunday

It’s been threatening to rain for the past few days and then it did – downpours of the torrential kind. Hopefully Mother Nature has got it all out her system by now because no one likes a wet red carpet…

Yesterday in Santa Monica, the annual Independent Spirit Awards were handed out by Film Independent, the organization that aims to promote indie films and actors. In this ceremony, gems like Fruitvale Station and Short Term 12 had the chance to be included among the nods to great films of the past year. The ceremony (which also has a relaxed atmosphere, thanks to the midday drinking that’s encouraged) was hosted by comedian Patton Oswalt (who was fab as Charlize Theron’s Young Adult co-star). Brad and Angie were there, Lupita Nyong’o celebrated her 31st birthday and Jared Leto made sure he thanked almost everyone he could, including the inventor of the zipper and vegan butter.

As The Hollywood Reporter‘s Scott Feinberg notes, it’s looking like all four actors who won Indie Spirit Awards will go on to win at the Oscars, which would make it the first time in the awards’ history that they forecast the Oscars.

The winners then…

Feature – 12 Years A Slave

Male Lead – Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club

Female Lead – Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine

Male Support – Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club

Female Support – Lupita N’yongo, 12 Years A Slave

Director – Steve McQueen, 12 Years A Slave

First Feature – Ryan Coogler, Fruitvale Station

Screenplay – John Ridley, 12 Years A Slave

First Screenplay – Bob Nelson, Nebraska

John Cassavetes Award (film under $50,000) – This is Martin Bonner

Cinematography – Sean Bobbitt, 12 Years a Slave

Editing – Nat Sanders, Short Term 12

Documentary – 20 Feet From Stardom

International Film – Blue Is the Warmest Color

Robert Altman Award – Mud 

The night before the Oscars, as always, is filled with soirees and parties celebrating the success of nominees. I spotted 12 Years a Slave‘s Chiwetel Ejiofor and Michael Fassbender leaving the Grey Goose pre-Oscar dinner. Both were in great spirits as they got into their chauffeured cars, chatting to those around them. Apparently Angelina Jolie joined Brad Pitt, a producer on the film, at the dinner too. A friend at Grey Goose told me he found her to be really down to earth, asking about his mother and the rest of his French family. Gotta love Oscar time!