Silver Linings Playbook at the Top of its Game

The Independent Spirit Awards for 2013 were handed out last night, under that traditional beach tent in Santa Monica, in a show unevenly hosted by Andy Samberg.  We are still wondering how fast he ran in that parking lot with Jeremy Renner on his tail.  But while the show itself was full of pompous remarks about the noble cause of independent film, the major awards themselves were almost predictable.  Independent films are important to the industry, but they are PART of the industry.  Some light hearted snobbery attached to indies is OK but Samberg got well deserved groans and snubs from the audience when he went a little heavy on the holier than thou attitude.

Silver Linings Playbook swept, even though its indie credentials may be somewhat suspect (For an analysis of the script for this and other nominated films check The Nominated Scripts – Adapted Screenplay. Tread carefully for spoilers!). With a budget over $21 Million, produced and distributed by a mini-major (The Weinstein Co.) and chock-full of A-List actors, it was the most mainstream of contenders.  With a worldwide box office of $155M and counting, and released at its widest in over 2,800 theaters, it is way ahead of the second ranked movie in the list, Moonrise Kingdom, ($16M budget, $67M box office, 924 theaters), both of which however totally outrank the other three in the list, Beasts of the Southern Wild, Bernie, and Keep the Lights On, with a collective box office of $22M and released at their max to 318, 332 and 10 theaters respectively.

Good surprise of the night, John Hawkes for The Sessions, and a well deserved win by Helen Hunt for the same movie.  Though it still is puzzling why she contends as supporting actress here.  William H. Macy’s performance in this film is underrated.  A definite must see.

Here are all the Independent Spirit Award WINNERS and Nominees.

In the other Awards of the night there was no major surprise either: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 swept the Razzies.