The day before the Oscars, Santa Monica always plays host to the Film Independent Spirit Awards that recognize and honor the work of independent filmmakers.  They have been going in some shape or form since 1984, and have come to be respected as awards that people love to win, and in a very casual ceremony where everyone can really let their hair down.

It is as Frances McDormand said picking up her third Spirit Award, this time for Best Actress for her performance in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri, the one place where you are expected to say ‘fuck’ at least once in your acceptance speech.  Freed from time restrictions and in this very relaxed atmosphere, the speeches have an authentic spontaneity about them, with genuine heartfelt thanks and pleas for the industry to always nurture indie filmmaking.

One of the most outstanding and loved acceptances yesterday was from Timothee Chalamet the 22-year-old star who picked up the Best Actor Award for his beautifully moving performance in Call Me By Your Name. Check out the video below and you’ll see why we were all so impressed with his words, and how much better it makes us feel that the future of indie cinema will be safe in hands like him and others of his generation.