Indie Spirit Awards: Cooper, Lawrence, Wallis’ last stop before the Oscars

The Film Independent Spirit Awards are the penultimate stop before the Oscars -- but with just one day to go before the Academy Awards, 9-year-old Quvenzhane Wallis had reached her red carpet threshold.

As her publicist told her she had a few more interviews to do before heading into the telecast -- held in a beachside tent in Santa Monica -- the “Beasts of the Southern Wild” star pouted.

“I don’t want to,” she said, one of her trademark puppy dog purses swinging from her wrist.

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Wallis wasn’t the only Oscar nominee who seemed eager for award season to come to a close. Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and Helen Hunt all rushed down the fuchsia carpet, barely acknowledging many members of the press.

Though his “Silver Linings Playbook” co-stars may be tired of the promotional circuit, Chris Tucker still appeared to be basking in the spotlight. The actor, who was presenting at the Spirit Awards, said his return to acting after a five-year hiatus has been exciting. Not only has his role in the movie helped his comedy tour ticket sales, but it’s also made him some unlikely new friends in Hollywood.

“I ran into Tom Cruise and he put me in a headlock and asked me when we’re doing a movie together,” the actor recalled. “I was like ‘Damn! Tom’s got me in a headlock.’”

Despite the day’s focus on achievements in the independent film world, many of the attendees said they were consumed with thoughts of tomorrow’s Oscars ceremony. Even indie veteran Mark Duplass, on hand to support the Sundance favorite “Safety Not Guaranteed,” said he was anxious about tomorrow’s best picture showdown.

“I … hope that we beat ‘Argo’ tomorrow. ‘Argo’ is a safer version of an interesting political thriller,” Duplass said, not pulling any punches when it came to his feelings about Ben Affleck’s frontrunner.

Even Spirit Awards host Andy Samberg used his opening monologue to poke fun at the fact that many of today’s nominees often crossover into the world of Hollywood’s most lucrative films (he noted that both “Silverlings” stars Lawrence and Cooper appear in the massive franchises “The Hunger Games” and “The Hangover”).

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But Daniel Radcliffe, who is currently transitioning from the “Harry Potter” franchise into the indie world, insisted that the differences between big- and low-budget productions are minimal.

“It only relates to how many resources you have and for how long. Other than that, it’s the same chaotic process of filmmaking,” said Radcliffe.

Many on the carpet said they were most looking forward to watching Samberg host; however, several of his comedian friends, including “New Girl” star Jake Johnson and his former Saturday Night Live castmate Fred Armisen, used today as an opportunity to roast Samberg.

“He’s not good at things. He’s odd looking. He belongs in regional theater,” Armisen said.

His unsolicited advice for the host?

“Find some friends who can make your personality better. Do something with your hair.”

Samberg did not take kindly to the tips.

“You know what? Shout-out to all those regional theater people doing God’s work,” he said. “Plus, I don’t take tips. I think it’s tacky. Gratuity is included and I’m paid in full.”

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