How about those Independent Spirit Awards? Hollywood was blessed by a sunnier Saturday than expected (the rain predicted only days ago magically went away), and even with Natalie Portman bowing out (she also is skipping the Oscars), the star power at the Spirit Awards tent was impressive. In fact, you could argue the line of presenters at the Spirits was more impressive than the predictable list the Academy Award producers have set for Sunday (truth hurts).

Continue reading Best And Worst Of The 2017 Independent Spirit Awards: ‘Moonlight,’ Nick Kroll And John Mulaney, Molly Shannon at The Playlist.

If the Golden Globes have always been the looser, cooler brother to the Oscars, the Indie Spirits are the unpredictable, wilder cousin. This afternoon, the warmup to the big show tomorrow unfolded, and not only was it finished in just over two hours, it was actually kind of fun.

 Nick Kroll and John Mulaney delivered an opening monologue that was politically sharp and hilarious, and poked fun at the nominees too.

Continue reading Indie Spirits 2017: Nick Kroll & John Mulaney’s Hilarious Opening Monologue, In Memoriam Parody & Acceptance Speeches at The Playlist.

Oscar’s Saturday sister, the Independent Spirit Awards, may not get the ratings or have anywhere close to the same production budget, but news alert: It usually has much better hosts.

Over the past decade Seth Rogen, Andy Samberg, Joel Mchale, Sarah Silverman and Kristen Bell and Fred Armisen have killed at the annual indie filmmaking event where almost anything goes (although it wasn’t Steve Coogan or Patton Oswalt were two rare and unexpected mistakes).

Continue reading Oh, Hello! Nick Kroll And John Mulaney To Host 2017 Independent Spirit Awards at The Playlist.