The pressure of the Academy Awards is on, but before Oscar determines the fate of the film community, stars headed to the Southern California coast for the Independent Spirit Awards.
"My Week with Marilyn" star Michelle Williams was up for best lead actress for her portrayal as the late Marilyn Monroe. She bagged the Spirit award, but is considered an underdog at the Oscars against Viola Davis and Meryl Streep.
(SOUNDBITE) Michelle Williams, actress, saying (English):
"I first came here to the Independent Spirit Awards ten years ago. And I wore my own clothes back then, which were not very good. And I cut my own hair, which was also not very good. But I still remember the feeling that in this room, unlike others, that that was ok."
Christopher Plummer managed to snag best supporting actor. He's also up for an Oscar in the same category.
Demián Bichir, nominated for a Spirit for his lead actor role in "A Better Life," lost against "The Artist" star Jean Dujardin. But the two will face off again at the Academy Awards.
(SOUNDBITE) Demian Bichir, actor, saying (English):
"I'm just really, really moved by the fact that the Academy, for example, makes this small film, huge deal with this nomination and I just have to say, you know, the film has a lot more virtues that deserve another 20,000 nominations."
Actor William H. Macy praised George Clooney and Brad Pitt for their nominations, but wouldn't reveal his top picks for the best actor title.
(SOUNDBITE) William H. Macy, actor, saying (English):
"I'd like to keep my favorites close to the chest cause, you know, some of them are going to lose and I have to see them again."
"The Descendants" bagged best screenplay, while "The Artist" took four Spirits including best film and best director for Michel Hazanavicius.
(SOUNDBITE) Michel Hazanavicius, director, saying (English):
"I just arrived from France. We arrived five minutes ago. We had a plane. It was not so difficult and from the airport, we came with an escort, a police escort and when we arrive, it was the clip from "Drive" and it was like the same thing, so it was really great."
The Spirit Awards are considered among the top trophies for low-budget and art house movies, and come just a day before the annual Academy Awards.
Kilmeny Duchardt, Reuters.
