Over the weekend, the Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica threatened to turn X-rated, thanks to the risque remarks from director-screenwriter Kevin Smith (“Chasing Amy”).

Smith’s ribald commentary began when he picked up a screenwriting award and declared: “This makes up for every chick who ever told me I had a small … (Long pause) Is this being televised?”

Later, when Smith presented the award for best documentary, he joked that he showed up because he heard that the notorious home sex video of Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee had been nominated, but added, “I didn’t think much of the writing: ‘Oh God! Oh God! Oh God!”‘

Noting that some filmmakers honored at the indie awards received cash prizes, Smith went on to say if he were to win the 20 grand for the Truer Than Fiction documentary award, he would spend it on “crack and whores.” What a guy!

No one commented, however, on Smith’s attire. Under his black sports jacket, he wore a Superman T-shirt. Of course, Smith was the screenwriter who was fired from the upcoming Superman project when director Tim Burton and star Nicolas Cage came on board.

Kevin Smith aside, the awards were a pretty somber affair. Keynote speaker Spike Lee remarked, “I didn’t come here to preach,” then went on to say, “I’m appalled when I go into a meeting with studios and I’m the only black face in there.”

The awards certainly weren’t as independent as some people think they ought to be. Just like everybody else in Hollywood, indie filmmakers are terribly starstruck.

Rather than going to some unknowns or newcomers, the top awards were bestowed on industry veterans. Julie Christie was named best actress for “Afterglow”, and Robert Duvall received awards for best actor, best director and best film for “The Apostle”.