Having worked covering independent film for several years before my current gig with “REEL TALK,” I was thrilled to see so many indie made and indie-spirited films receive Oscar nominations this morning. To me it’s a sign that Hollywood is ready to embrace alternative fare and films that take more risks than your average studio produced movie.

Of course, “Juno” is the talk of the town, with its nods for actress, screenplay and picture, which I think stunned everyone. It seems like a shoe-in for best original screenplay, although I don’t think it can compete with more ‘serious’ films such as “There Will Be Blood” (my pick!) and the costumed glory of “Atonement.”

“The Savages” has also connected with Academy voters. A small, very dark comedy, it was nominated for original screenplay by Tamara Jenkins and best actress, Laura Linney -- always a friend to the indies.

And then there’s Tilda Swinton in “Michael Clayton.” Although the film isn’t a small indie project, Swinton is an actress whose love of off-beat projects keeps her energized. from “Orlando” to “Stephanie Daley,” she is always challenging her audiences. She also does not fit in to the current ideals of beauty that Hollywood espouses -- nor does she pander to its vanities, and she is all the more beautiful for it. This week she was out at Sundance promoting a documentary she produced, wrote and narrates about British film pioneer Derek Jarman.

I’m rooting for her to win best supporting actress for her portrayal as a merciless corporate attorney in “Michael Clayton.”