In the mire and bog of awards season, suddenly – a bright light. A shining grin. A guffawing laugh. A grown man that looks like Fozzie Bear? Sign me up! Film Independent (the non-profit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival) has announced that Seth Rogen will serve as the host for the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards (better known as the Independent Spirits Awards). The 27th annual awards ceremony will be held as a daytime luncheon in a tent on the beach in Santa Monica (fancy!) on Saturday, February 25. The show will be broadcast on television that night at 10P.M. ET/PT on IFC. A lunch on the beach with Seth Rogen? Did someone steal my dreams?
And it appears that this hosting choice is just as exciting to the Film Independent bigwigs, with Film Independent Senior Director Sean Mc Manus weighing in: “We’re incredibly excited to have Seth as the host for the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards and join us in celebrating this year’s exquisite films and talented filmmaking artists. Seth’s charm, intelligence and quick wit are sure to light up the room and will make for a truly entertaining afternoon.” IFC is jazzed, too, as Jennifer Caserta, Executive Vice President & General Manager, IFC said, “Seth is one of the smartest and funniest actors today and we look forward to him making this one of the most entertaining Spirit Awards yet. IFC is a growing brand for original comedy programming, and our viewers are in for a good time with Seth hosting.” I am tempted to agree (um, obviously).
I’ve covered the Independent Spirit Awards on-site in years past, and the addition of Rogen as host has me thinking that I may need to swing by the ceremony again this year. Be sure to check out the full list of nominees for the Film Independent Spirit Awards HERE. It’s one of my favorite nominee lists of the season.