The 2010 Film Independent Spirit Awards

"I'm not sure what it'll be like tonight," said Maria Bello (in Kaufmanfranco) after greeting Rosario Dawson (in Stella McCartney) on the blue carpet at the 2010 Film Independent Spirit Awards. Though this year marked the ceremony's shift from a daytime event by the beach to a late night bash at L.A.'s Nokia Theatre, Bello soon realized that the indie crowd still brought that same, well, spirit. "People who do independent films are passionate about story," the actress said once the show had gotten underway. "I like to be in the midst of such passion."

-Bronwyn Barnes, with reporting by Lindzi Scharf

"I get so much joy from watching other people enjoy the ride," said Taraji P. Henson (in Kevan Hall) who joined Lenny Kravitz and Mariah Carey (in Valentino) for a backstage break mid-show. "This is so much fun!" So where will the actress, who was nominated for an Academy Award last year, be on Oscar Sunday? "I'll be in flannel pajamas and fluffy slippers watching everybody else sweat about what they're wearing," Henson joked.

She's being buzzed about for Alice in Wonderland, but Mia Wasikowska was among the Spirit Award nominees in the category of best supporting female for her role in the indie flick That Evening Sun. Though she lost out to Mo'Nique, Wasikowska was excited just to be in the room. "It's a huge honor," the Aussie actress said of being included. "And I'm wearing Rodarte. I feel very, very lucky!"

Ryan Reynolds and Maggie Gyllenhaal raised a toast when their turn came to present the award for best male actor to Gyllenhaal's Crazy Heart co-star Jeff Bridges. Though she looked glamorous in a one-shoulder Lanvin gown, Gyllenhaal admitted that she missed the casual vibe-and attire-of past Spirit Awards ceremonies. "It doesn’t quite feel the same not being by the beach," said the actress.

Though she's up for in the running for best actress at Sunday night's Academy Awards, Carey Mulligan revealed that she's still struggling to get a handle on her new-found stardom. "I'm not great at the mingling side of things," said the actress, who nevertheless looked at ease rubbing elbows with Ethan Hawke backstage. "But everyone has been so kind and not at all intimidating."

With most of the leading ladies opting for dresses in black and nude hues, Vera Farmiga stood out in a commanding crimson Marchesa frock. The Oscar nominee took a break from the action backstage, where she ran into Pierce Brosnan.

"People let their hair down at this award show, they're a little freer," noted Olivia Wilde (in Ralph Lauren). "It's just a little more sassy than any of the other awards shows." After chatting with filmmaker John Waters, Wilde headed to the On3 Presenters lounge, where she picked up one of the evening's must-have swag items-a cotton-silk scarf from Leigh and Luca emblazoned with quotes by author Oscar Wilde.

"The Indie Spirits are way more fun because you don't have to dress up for them," said Jodie Foster. Good thing the Oscar-winning actress kept it casual-Foster was among the stars who took the LG Electronics Kompressor vacuum for a spin to help raise funds for Project:Involve, a program dedicated to increasing diversity in the film community.