Film Independent’s Independent Spirit Awards nominations were released this morning, and I feel like I’m both surprised and not surprised all at the same time every year when they come out. Nonetheless, let’s get to the major storylines from a fantasy perspective.
Where’s The Whale and Till?
The Whale and Till were completely shut out from the Independent Spirit Awards nominations. It’s hard to see acting lists without Brendan Fraser and Danielle Deadwyler, both of which are generating lots of buzz not only to score an Oscar nomination, but to win it as well. Does missing here spell trouble for these two? I don’t think so. I will always contend that the Indie Spirits never hurt anyone’s stock. If it does, it’s not nearly as much as it helps players who did secure an Indie Spirit nominee as they gain momentum for more fantasy points throughout the season. If I’m an owner of these two, I’m disappointed for missing out an a couple points, but I’m not about to put them on my bench for future matchups. They both have Gotham nominations and they both have Sunset Circle nominations. Let’s not overreact for missing here.
Cha Cha Real Rough
Remember how in the previous paragraph I said, “I will always contend that the Indie Spirits never hurt anyone’s stock?” Well, Cha Cha Real Smooth is the exception that proves the rule. However, Cha Cha Real Smooth has been completely absent early in the fantasy season, and missing BOTH Gotham and Indie Spirit is a huge red flag. The former Sundance darling is going to have some serious trouble gaining any traction now. If you own anything from Cha Cha Real Smooth, drop it so you can get something better off waivers. Refer to this blog for any number of waiver wire add candidates.
Florian Hoffmeister getting buzz
Speaking of waiver wire adds, Florian Hoffmeister all of a sudden is entering the conversation for being cinematographer of Tár. Although not counted for fantasy points, he recently won the Golden Frog at the Camerimage Film Festival. This was before snagging nominations at the most recent two nominations announcements for points. Seems like he’s gaining momentum when it counts. Florian Hoffmeister is at least worth a speculative waiver wire add.
Considerable overlap between Gotham and Indie Spirit
More than half of the 20 nominated actors and actresses were nominated at both the Gotham Awards and the Indie Spirit Awards. Cate Blanchett, Michelle Yeoh, and Ke Huy Quan shouldn’t surprise anyone. The rest are arguably helped immensely by being nominated in both places. Paul Mescal, Dale Dickey, Taylor Russell, Mark Rylance, Brian Tyree Henry, Nina Hoss, Aubrey Plaza, and Gabrielle Union all might be worth adding. It seems like the top tier is set and if you don’t have a top tier actor or actresses, you’re gonna be looking for someone to give you points. This list here is a good starting point.
Daniels FINALLY got some points
With two nominations for Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, the #1 and #2 pre-draft ranked players finally got some points. Don’t fret, there will be plenty more where that came from.
Bones and All gets into Best Feature
Don’t sleep on this one. Taylor Russell and Mark Rylance are worthy add candidates. Bones and All itself will find itself on Best Horror lists for the ceremonies that honor them. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross are also worthy adds, but chances are, someone already has them on their team.
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