For the second time, the swiss watchmaker and jeweller Piaget, renowned for its High Jewellery collections and exceptional lines of watches, has further strengthened its longstanding ties with Hollywood by deciding to sponsor the Independent Spirit Awards.

Since its founding in 1874, Piaget stands for unique watchmaking and jewellery know-how allied with a pioneering spirit. The exceptional talent of Piaget’s craftsmen lies in their ability to constantly reinvent age-old watchmaking techniques and to make people dream by creating emotions around gold and diamonds. Today, art continues to find the most varied forms of expression; and boundaries are progressively shattered. Design, video, film, music and fashion are all creative territories that Piaget explores and integrates into its collections. Thus, it was only natural that Piaget team-up with Film Independent to celebrate for the second time, the best of independent films through sponsorship of the Spirit Awards.

In a testament to the importance of independent film today, Hollywood’s best and brightest joined Piaget to celebrate the 24th annual Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, CA. The runaway star of the afternoon’s casual ceremony on the beach was clearly Mickey Rourke, who accepted his Best Male Lead award wearing a Piaget Polo timepiece in white gold with diamonds. Best Female Lead nominee, Anne Hathaway, dazzled the A-list crowd in white gold and diamond Piaget Limelight collection earrings and rings. Other leading ladies choosing Piaget jewels to complete their red carpet looks were Jessica Alba, Terri Hatcher, Mena Suvari, Andie MacDowell, Misty Upham and Rachelle Lefevre.

Known for creating some of the world’s most exceptional timepieces, Piaget also proved to be a favorite for discerning leading men attending the awards show. Presenter Aaron Eckhart became an instant fan of the new Piaget Polo FortyFive timepiece, as did Mad Men star Jon Hamm, 30 Rock’s Alec Baldwin and Anthony Mackie, star of The Hurt Locker. A highlight of the afternoon’s festivities was the presentation of the Piaget Producers Award. Andie MacDowell and Thomas Hayden Church presented the coveted award and grant to Heather Rae—who also wore Piaget— for her outstanding production of the critically acclaimed Frozen River.

Following the ceremony, Piaget CEO Phillipe Léopold-Metzger and Film Independent’s Executive Director Dawn Hudson welcomed guests to into the Piaget lounge for a celebratory glass of champagne and closer look at the renowned Swiss jeweler and watchmaker’s newest creations. Piaget champions creativity and independent thinking and is proud of its long-standing commitment to cinema and the arts.

www.piaget.com