DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE?

Caught the tail end of the Independent Spirit Awards on IFC this evening, and we were struck by the fact that so many of the same films have been nominated for Oscars and "Indies" this year. Is this is a trend, or just a strange convergence of factors particular to this year? In previous years, it seems as though the ISA's were a place for people who would not otherwise be recognized with awards from the Academy to get their due. But now there seems to be all this crossover. Tellingly, THE SQUID AND THE WHALE, which apparently received more ISA nominations than any other film, was shut out in all six categories in which it was nominated. So it's worth asking, is the "Independent Spirit" taking over Hollywood, or is Hollywood sucking the life out of truly independent film?

Just a little food for thought. See you all tomorrow for the BIG SHOW!