Independent Spirit Awards Back in Santa Monica: The Big Chill

The Film Independent Spirit Awards returned to Santa Monica on Saturday night, following a one-year relocation to Los Angeles. From a physical standpoint, the show didn't exactly get a warm reception, as it was held after two days of rain. A handful of presenters remarked about the particularly cool temps.

Mark Ruffalo ("The Kids Are Alright") was the first actor to note the chill at , where the show has historically been held. "It's great to be back here where we all belong, having a picnic lunch in a tent on a beach … and freezing," he said. 

Then Ruffalo added the obligatory, canny kicker: "I'm always glad to be back at the Independent Film Awards because it means that I'm still significant and cool."

Past Spirit Awards host Rainn Wilson was more R-rated with his take on the weather—not that it mattered, since the show was broadcast uncensored on cable channel IFC.

"This is the coldest f---ing awards show ever," he said.

Ben Stiller, who presented later, was even more brisk in his assessment: "Cold ... so cold," he shivered.

Final presenters Don Cheadle and Uma Thurman closed out the event, fittingly, by touching on what turned out to be the show's underlying theme.

"Wow, it's cold out here," he said.

With a flourish that was either sarcastic or understated, she added: "Just a little."