While the budgets of studio-produced films bloat uncontrollably and the box office continues to take a nose dive, IFP's 21st Annual Gotham Awards will celebrate the tiny films that could. This year's nominees include Dee Rees, up for Breakthrough Director for her film, Pariah, and Harmony Santana for Breakthrough Actor for Gun Hill Road.

But Hollywood hasn't been left out of the game completely. George Clooney and his latest, The Descendants, got a nod, as did Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey and Demi Moore for some of their micro-budget projects.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony November 28 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, which, if she wins, will bode very well for Rees' Pariah, which opens in theaters in December. 

Here's wishing the cash-strapped indie filmmakers good luck — and more champagne — in their bright futures!

(Photo: Jerod Harris/Getty Images)