The 2009 Film Independent’s Spirit Awards were held Saturday, February 21, at picturesque Santa Monica, CA. Film Independent is an organization that champions independent film and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision. The Spirit Awards is the premier awards event for the independent film community.
Set up in a large tent which was all-encompassing, The Film Independant Spirit Awards took place at the beach in Santa Monica.
Excitement was in the air as the On 3 Productions Gift Lounge, held just a day before the Oscars for Spirit Awards participants, opened up to celebrities. Jessica Alba, Christina Applegate, and Cameron Diaz were among the guests eagerly waiting backstage to customize their own unique gift collections from vendors. On 3 Productions, the official Independant Spirit Awards Gift Lounge producer, has shown a keen intuition for finding gifts celebrities love.
These following vendors wowed the crowd with these fabulous goodies:
PALM Pre
Lucky celebs who attended the 2009 Film Independent’s Spirit Award Gift Lounge including Jessica Alba, Sandra Oh, and Taraji P. Henson, were overjoyed to be among the very first to receive the limited and highly anticipated Palm Pre, along with 6 months of complimentary service from Sprint, since the Palm Pre is only available exclusively with Sprint.
Eliza Dushku with Palm Pre (Sprint)
In fact, Sandra Oh was so thrilled with her new gift that she immediately requested that Palm call the Grey’s Anatomy propmaster on Monday so that her character on the show could be brought up to speed with the hottest technology! The Pre was previously unveiled in January at the in Las Vegas, where it received much praise and acclaim due to it’s superior capability and design that enable it to be harmoniously in sync with the user’s needs. By gracefully compiling information from the user’s phone, work, and the web into one simple, integrated view, the user can keep multiple applications open, simultaneously flip from one to another, and maneuver easily between activities without losing they’re current place. Alongside all those fore-mentioned desirable phone qualities, the Pre also has the advantage of a smooth, rounded ergonomic design with a touch screen and a slide-out keyboard. www.palm.com
On top of doling out handfuls of Pre’s, which are not yet on the market, Palm also made a noteworthy contribution to Project:Involve, the Film Independent’s signature diversity program, for every celebrity that entered the Gift Lounge. Once there, celebs took the liberty of leaving messages of encouragement on the new Palm Pre’s for all the filmmakers who benefit from the program. Here are a few of the messages that were left:
“Hi, this is Michelle Monoghan calling, I just want to say keep up the good work, keep doing what you’re doing! What you’re doing is a labor of love and that’s what we all do! And God bless indie film and keep up the good work and keep making them!” “Hi, this is Justine Bateman and I just want to say to you do not quit! Do not quit because if you do we won’t hear your voice and we need it!” “Hi, this is Kerry Washington: I can’t wait to see you guys at the awards next year or the year after so keep up your indie thing and never be anyone else, always be who you are!”
AMC Entertainment Exclusive AMC Signature Pass:
AMC, who brings independant films to communities at their theatres all over the country was also delightfully on hand to offer each glamorous star and one guest of their choosing the amazing opportunity to see movies for free at more than 350 AMC Theatres around the world for an entire year. Legendary song crooner Michael Bolton sang a funny, new tune saying “it’s Christmas in Santa Monica” when he received his AMC Theatres Signature Pass, and Indie sovereign Ileana Douglas promised she would take her grandmother to the matinees at the AMC in Century City that she loves with her passes.
Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson with AMC Theatres
Oscar’s Best Actress nominee Taraji P. Henson said she looks forward to taking her son to the movies as she chomped down on some concession-style Gummi stars, while Jessica Alba commented that the movie passes were “fresh” and her absolute favorite gift in the lounge. Eric Roberts, who catches a movie every Friday morning at AMC, said he’s very excited and that his wife will probably die when she finds out that they’ve got a year of free movies! www.amctheaters.com
ST. Regis Monarch Beach Resort 1-Night Stay in Monarch Suite
Stars were also graciously gifted an exclusive one night stay in a St. Regis Monarch Suite, the only Mobil Five Star and AAA Five Diamond Resort in California, which is located on 172 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Dana Point between Los Angeles and San Diego. The Monarch Suites are located on the 7th floor of the main building with full ocean views, with 3 bay suites that are 1,466 square feet each and have lovely private key access elevators, butler service, a living room, 2 balconies, a dining table with seating for 10, a wet bar, pantry, fireplace, guest bathroom and master bathroom with Jacuzzi. Michael Bolton spoke nonstop of his love of golf and how he especially loves the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course on the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort property. He says that he’s really looking forward to a night at the resort! Robin Wright Penn and Sandra Oh, who are already huge fans of the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort and have stayed there before are looking forward to yet another trip, while Best Actor winner Mickey Rourke plans to take a break after the “craziness of the award-show season.” While walking away with his one gift from the Gift Lounge he murmured, “I wonder if they allow pets?”. www.stregismb.com
GLOWELLE Beauty Drink Dietary Supplement – 1-Year Supply
Glowelle, whose motto is to “drink in beautiful skin“, was also at the Gift Lounge to make celebrities who were already radiant glow even more. A years worth of Glowelle’s new ingestible skincare supplement that promotes natural, radiant beauty from the inside out was generously given to each celebrity.
Melissa Leo trys Glowelle Beauty Drink.
As they were gifted they asked, “What makes you glow?”. Here’s what they replied: “Love makes me glow because it comes from within” -Taraji P. Henson, as she sipped on a delicious Glowelle smoothie; “My daughter, Honor” -Jessica Alba; “Laughing everyday” -Rose Perez; “Writing something good” -John Waters; “I think you know the answer to that….hmmmh!” -Alec Baldwin; “Joy in my heart”-Melissa Leo, Best Actress winner for “Frozen River”; “Free stuff!”-Richard Jenkins; “My wife of 17 years, Eliza Roberts”-Eric Roberts. www.glowelle.com
Arm & Hammer Advance White Toothpaste and Whitening Booster “Last Minute Smile Kit”
Arm and Hammer, onhand to ‘brighten up’ their day, was a vendor of the Gift Lounge committed to equipping star’s with the must-have essentials to ensure bright smiles by donating special kits that included certificates for a one-year supply of Advance White Toothpaste. Furthermore, when Dana Delany and Bryan Cranston dropped by the Arm & Hammer Advance White Toothpaste and Whitening Booster station, the Arm and Hammer attendants decided to have a little fun and asked them, “What movie made you smile?”. They both grinned and replied that “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” made them beam from ear to ear! Advanced White Toothpaste, specially created to supply deep-cleaning, leaves users with white “red-carpet worthy” smiles, a fresh from the dentist clean feeling, and teeth that are 3x whiter! www.myoralcare.com
Blue Notch Denim Jeans
The number one supplier of premium Japanese Denim for men and women, Blue Notch Denim Jeans, was also at the Gift Lounge to outfit celebs in one of a kind, great-fitting jeans. Rosie Perez could not stop commenting on how much she loved how stretch of Blue Notch Jeans denim accentuated her curves and booty! To boot, Jessica Alba, who is really into Japanese denim and was unaware of the origin of Blue Notch Denim, was ecstatic to find out that’s where Blue Notch Denim is from. However, no one was as ecstatic as Mena Suvari, who loved the custom ripped jeans that the rep from Blue Notch was wearing so much that she made a special request and ordered two pairs. Even “30 Rock” star Alec Baldwin couldn’t resist out a pair of Blue Notch Jeans for his daughter Ireland, while Oscar nominee Richard Jenkins said he’ll be living in his new Blue Notch Jeans! Lastly, the always beautiful, Andie McDowell officially launched Blue Notch Denim Jeans into the Hollywood stratosphere when said she plans to wear her new Blue Notch Jeans home on the plane! www.bluenotchjeans.com
Koolaburra Genuine Australian-made Sheepskin Boots
Koolaburra, the brand that features gorgeous boots with embroidered leather appliqués and Swarovski crystals that are actually made in Australia, showcased the hottest, newest styles from their Fall ’09 collection for men and women at the Gift Lounge. As soon as she saw them, Jessica Alba quickly snatched up a pair of Koolaburra’s “Crystal Flock” Genuine Australian Sheepskin Boots in black from their not yet released Fall ’09 collection that features Swarovski crystal birds.
Justine Bateman with Koolaburra boots
Meanwhile backstage, Mena Suvari slipped into a pair of her very own new Koolaburra boots- the “Erika Short”, which feature beautiful adornments of gold studs and fringe and Taraji Henson fell in love with a pair of double fringe boots, the crème de la crème of boots among young Hollywood starlets like Jessica Biel and Vanessa Hudgens. Blair Underwood even scooped up a pair of boots for himself, while remarking that his wife simply adores the Peace Sign boots he picked up from Koolaburra in January for her because she wears them all the time! Illeana Douglas promised to wear her Koolaburra’s on stage while performing with her rock band and Justine Bateman found it so hard to settle on just one pair of the in-demand Koolaburra boots that she got two! www.koolaburra.com
Carlos Falchi Evening Bags
Even the renowned international handbag designer, Carlos Falchi, was there to lend his iconic style and fashion advice by helping celebs choose the absolute perfect Red Carpet evening bag, many of which featured luxurious exotic skins. While at the Gift Lounge, Eric Roberts sweetly picked out a blue and brown small snakeskin Carlos Falchi clutch for Emma Roberts and Academy Award nominee Taraji P. Henson, who was visibly excited for the Oscars the next day, scooped up a green square Carlos Falchi clutch with jewels, mentioning that the bag always makes her outfits! Tara Riggs and Eliza Dushku both picked up one-of-a-kind python Carlos Falchi clutch bags; Tara opting for the pink and Eliza’s for the gray and white. Afterwards, Jessica Alba, who had the hardest time choosing between two python Carlos Falchi clutches, happily opted for a daring leopard print python clutch, while Mena Suvari rewarded herself with a mint green python Carlos Falchi clutch. Surprisingly, many of the stars decided to be animal friendly and opted for the Carlos Falchi microfiber clutches, versus the more expensive cayman and python styles on display! Andie McDowell and Melissa Leo both showed their love for animals and went with the bronze microfiber purses, with Misty Upham later going for the silver microfiber. www.carlosfalchidesign.comTLC Laser Eye Center & AMO, INC.
iLASIK Procedure Performed by World Renowned TLC LASIK Surgeon Alan Berg, M.D. and a 1-Year Supply of Blink Tears: The iLASIK procedure, one of the most advanced laser vision correction procedure available today, was made available to stars at the Gift Lounge in the form of a gift certificate, delighting many.
No more dry eyes for Blair Underwood with Blink Tears.
Blair Underwood, a self-proclaimed, “eye drop addict” scooped up a certificate, as well as Bradley Cooper, who he batted his baby blue eyes playfully after stopping at Blink Tears to refresh his dry eyes. Taraji P. Henson complained that the Santa Ana winds dry her eyes out and said that she can’t wait to receive her year supply of Blink Tears, another goodie complimentary of TLC! Blink Tears are advanced eye drops that relieve dry eyes and replenish tears with every blink. (Advanced Eyedrop that Replenishes Your Tears with Every Blink). www.TLCvision.com / www.yourhealthyeyes.com / www.iLASIK.com
CRUNCH 1-Year Gym Membership & Private AntiGravity Yoga ‘Wings’ or BodyWeb w/TRX Class for up to 8 Guests
Anthony Mackie, who portrayed Tupac Shakur in “Notorious” was overjoyed when he picked up his an annual membership to Crunch Gym at the Gift Lounge and happily commented, “I’ve worked out at Crunch in NYC and I want to go back, so this is perfect!” Furthermore, Eliza Dushku, whose man is an unmentionable NFL player, said she was more than ready and willing to work out with her man at Crunch and “Hairspray” director John Waters sarcastically shared with a laugh, “I’m the only gay man who hasn’t been to a gym. Maybe Crunch will turn me into a Gym bunny?”. The Crunch AntiGravity Yoga ‘Wings’ allow users to stretch further than ever before and hold challenging postures longer by using a flowing fabric hammock as a prop. By using the fabric as a soft trapeze, users are enabled the use of simple suspension techniques allowing them to move into seemingly impossible inverted poses, relieving compressed joints and aligning the body from head to toe. On the other hand, the BodyWeb with TRX system hangs from the durable TRX system ropes to push, pull, lift and lower the user’s body through Spiderman moves for a total body suspension workout that will also super-strengthens your core. www.crunch.com
WACOAL Shapewear and Lingerie from B.Tempt’d by Walcoal
Never to be outdone, Wacoal, the brand featuring the most coveted seamless shapewear, “Lace Yourself”, gifted celebs with a table pant set (3 tangas) from the newly launched and imaginatively pulsating intimates collection from B.tempt’d, as well as a $100 gift certificate for a special, complimentary fitting and intimates from the latest Wacoal and B.tempt’d collections. B’temped which was launched in February 2009 by Wacoal, entices the young vivacious woman to “be tempting” and express her unique style in fun and flirtatious designs, all while reveling in exceptional fit, trusted quality, and comfort.
Dana Delaney with B.Tempt'd by Wacoal
“Mad Men” star John Hamm, who loves his wife, Jennifer Westfeld in lingerie, winked and nodded to her as he asked, “Did you get some of these? Nice!”. It seems he and Dominc Monaghan of “Lost” are new fans of the new B.tempt’d by Wacoal line of lacy bras & panties. Before leaving, Monoghan asked, “Are these edible? They look delicious!”. Find them at: www.b.temptd.com and www.wacoal-america.com
SAKROOTS Limited Edition Eco-Friendly Weekender Tote Designed Exclusively for the Gift Lounge Featuring Signature “Peace Print” by Graffiti Artist Gilles Jourdan
Sakroots, a creative, soulful, and dynamic collection of sustainable and stylish bags introduced by The Sak, demonstrated that “peace & harmony among all things” is possible in today’s society by introducing celebs at the Gift Lounge to their products created with the use of environmentally-friendly materials, dyes and processes. The bags from the ECO Harmony collection made from 100% bamboo string, which feature messages such as “happy & free” on them and are meant to bring merriment to each bag owner were given to celebs at the Lounge. Sandra Oh of “Grey’s Anatomy”, who selected a bag from the Sakroots new Indio crochet bamboo collection, exclaimed, “This bag is a must-have, I’m gonna rock this, it’s fabulous!”. Later when “30 Rock” star Alec Baldwin was asked who he’d like to give his Sakroots limited edition weekender tote featuring a signature “Peace” print by Graffiti artist Gilles Jourdan to, he humbly admitted “I don’t have anyone special in my life, but I wish I did.” Then, Robin Wright Penn snatched up a crocheted Sakroots Indio Tote and shared her love of Bali! “I frequent Bali quite often. I’ve seen the hand-crochet process and it’s amazing-the work that goes into it.” Even new mom, Jessica Alba got into it- declaring that she likes her bags eco-friendly. While choosing her new Sakroots Eco Harmony Black Space Dye drawstring bag, she commented, “It’s nice to see a company who is making something that is actually good for the planet.”
www.thesak.com, www.sakroots.com
ALTOIDS SMALLS Mints:
Altoids, the tiny breath mints that “go where you go” and are apart of The Original Celebrated Curiously Strong Altoids family of mints, were on hand to keep celebrities breath smelling lusciously fresh. Celebs were delighted to learn that the mints that they so love are now smaller, sugar-free, and available in three flavors – Peppermint, Wintergreen & Cinnamon. www.altoids.com
Promax Nutrition PURE:
PURE, the scrumptious organic snack bar that’s raw, vegan, gluten free, and contains 1 1/2 serving of fruit and nuts that topped the cake as they served delicious, healthy treats to all the attendees. www.promaxnutrition.com
On 3 fashioned the Official Ceremony Gift Bag distributed to all ceremony guests. Host, Steve Coogan, Honorary Co-Chair, Alec Baldwin, Justine Bateman, Michael Bolton, Maria Bozzi, Joey Cassata, Steve Coogan, Bradley Cooper, and Frank Corraci were all elated to receive their very own Official Ceremony Gift Bag with top-notch goodies such as the special Film Independent Publication, Film Independent Magazine; Alacer Corp. Emergen-C, Altoids Smalls Mints, an AMC Eco-friendly Reusable Water Bottle, ELLE March Issue, GARNIER FRUCTIS Wonder Waves Enhancing Spray, a one-month supply of Glowelle Beauty Drink Dietary Supplement, an IFC Custom Designed 2009 Spirit Awards Bag, Jessie Steele Tea Towels, a tube of Maybelline New York Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length Mascara, No Nonsense Shoe Solutions, Popchips all-natural popped potato chips, ProMax Nutrition Pure, the Robyn Hitchcock “Goodnight Oslo” CD, The Container Store Oli Sticky Notes Notebook, a $1000 Gift Certificate from TLC Laser Eye Center& Amo, Inc. toward an iLASIK procedure performed by the world renowned TLC Lasik Surgeon Alan Berg, M.D, Blink Tears, the Wahl Lithium Ion Grooming Tool, and many more amazing treats!
The talent that received their On 3 Productions organized gifts also included Kerry Washington, Elizabeth Banks, Jason Bateman, Zooey Deshanel, Teri Hatcher, Anne Hathaway, Taraji P. Henson, Emile Hirsch, Sandra Oh, Mary-Kate Olsen, Blair Underwood, Evan Rachel Wood, Bryan Cranston, Dana Delaney, Chris Donovan, Illeanna Douglas, Eliza Dushku, Chiwetel Ejiofor, John Hamilton, Teri Hatcher, Taraji P. Henson, Robyn Hitchcock, Dawn Hudson, Richards Jenkins, Rachel Lefevre, Melissa Leo, Andie MacDowell, Michelle Monaghan, Dominic Monaghan, Sandra Oh, Mary-Kate Olsen, Rosie Perez, John C. Reilly, Jeremy Renner, Giovanni Ribisi, Tarra Riggs, Eric Roberts, Mena Suvari, Jeffrey Tambor, John Waters, Michael Winchester, Robin Wright Penn, David Zablidowsky, Paul Zablidowsky, Diana Zahn, Anthony Mackie, Misty Upham, Tom Noonan, and Jon Hamm.
Film Independent is an open enrollment and non-profit membership organization that champions independent film and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps fimmakers make their movies, builds the audience for their projects, and works to diversify the film industry. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, film industry leader, or a film lover.
Spirit Award Winners
Despite worthy competition, Spirit Award winners earned their awards. The winners?
BEST FEATURE
“The Wrestler”
BEST DIRECTOR
Tom McCarthy, “The Visitor”
BEST FIRST FEATURE
“Synecdoche, New York”
JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD
“In Search of a Midnight Kiss”
BEST SCREENPLAY
Woody Allen, “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”
BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY
Dustin Lance Black, “Milk”
BEST FEMALE LEAD
Melissa Leo, “Frozen River”
BEST MALE LEAD
Mickey Rourke, “The Wrestler”
BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE
Penelope Cruz, “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”
BEST SUPPORTING MALE
James Franco, “Milk”
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Maryse Alberti, “The Wrester”
BEST DOCUMENTARY
“Man on Wire”
BEST FOREIGN FILM
“The Class
