So, we know that there is some other film awards show going on this weekend that involves statues and crimson carpets and such, but how many nominees can claim Austin as their hometown? None that we can think of, which is what makes the Film Independent's Spirit Awards a bazillion times more interesting to us than the stodgy old Oscars! Well, that and the fact that in keeping with their mission statement of honoring filmmakers who embody independence and who dare to challenge the status quo, the simulcast will run unedited and uncut, meaning that the presenters, winners and host Rainn Wilson will all have an open platform for sassy soliloquies.

“It is truly an honor to be asked to host an awards show that salutes the cutting edge in cinema. I like to think that I bring a bit of an ‘independent spirit’ to the proceedings as I recently installed a gun-rack in my Prius,” said Wilson last December when it was announced that he would be at the helm of the show.

To celebrate the three Austin-based films that have been nominated for Spirit Awards this year, the Austin Film Society will be hosting a free screening party on Saturday at Austin Studios and will be providing snacks and beverages! Come and help cheer for Chris Eska's feature August Evening, Laura Dunn's documentary The Unforeseen and Jeff Nichols' feature Shotgun Stories, which were all featured at either SXSW or the Austin Film Festival in 2007.

Also, before you head out to East 51st, you should check out the red carpet pre-show webcast on IFC.com starting at 1:30pm, because AFS Board member and SXSW Film Festival Producer extraordinaire Matt Dentler will be co-hosting. Bring on the hardware, IFC, 'cause Austin is totally representing!