Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind will receive the "Celebrate New York Tribute." Photo credit: David Lee

December 1, 2004 - This evening, some of the greatest independent film talent from Gotham and around the world will be honored at IFP/ New York's annual Gotham Awards.

At the ceremony, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind will receive the “Celebrate New York Tribute.” The film shot in New York City from November 2002 - March 2003, employing 150 New York City cast and crew members and making use of numerous locations including Columbia University, Madison Square Park, the New Victory Theatre, Grand Central Station and numerous other locations throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn.

In addition, a number of New York City's rising indie stars have been nominated for awards. Mos Def, Anthony Mackie, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Dallas Roberts and the ensemble cast of Everyday People are in the running for the Breakthrough Actor Award, while Rodney Evans, Debra Granik, Nicole Kassell, Joshua Marston, Lori Silverbush and Michael Skolnik have been nominated for the Breakthrough Director Award.

As the capital of independent filmmaking in the United States, New York City is a fitting location for the ceremony.

“New York is physically and culturally a bridge between the film industries in Los Angeles, Europe and the rest of the world,” IFP/ New York Executive Director Michelle Byrd said. “With that as our reference, we look forward to celebrating a roster of talented individuals whose impact on our culture has certainly been felt in our hometown of New York City, as well as throughout the world.”

Tune in to IFC this evening (channel 81 on Time Warner Cable in New York City) for the live broadcast of the ceremony.