People can’t stop talking about Kate McKinnon’s “Carol” parody

What the Independent Spirit Awards lack in Oscars-level attention, they more than make up with, well, a truly independent spirit. Last night, the indie film awards show welcomed comedians Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live) and Kumail Nanjiani (Silicon Valley) as its consummate hosts and the two funny people did not disappoint.

One of the highlights of the night was Kate McKinnon’s spot-on parody of Carol, a 1950s-set drama about a forbidden lesbian relationship between soon-to-be-divorced housewife Carol, played by Cate Blanchett, and winsome photographer Therese, played by Rooney Mara. Since much of their relationship cannot be played out in public, Carol’s seduction of Therese must be subtle, a requirement that leads to an unforgettable scene where Carol meets Therese under the guise of retrieving a pair of lost gloves.

Enter Kate McKinnon, who as a lesbian herself, turns the scene into a piece of comedic gold not only featuring Nanjiani as an oblivious waiter, but out actresses Wanda Sykes and Jane Lynch as two other lesbians enjoying a so-called “glove lunch.”

Overall, the 31nd Annual Independent Spirit Awards were full of great moments. Transgender actress Mya Taylor made history, receiving a Best Supporting Actress award for her role in the cult comedy, Tangerine, while Idris Elba and his 16-year-old co star Abraham Attah both went home with awards for their roles in the African combat drama, Beasts of No Nation.

But the night belonged to Tom McCarthy’s journalism drama Spotlight, which swept a number of awards show, including Best Feature, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Ensemble. At tonight’s Oscar ceremony, we’ll find out whether it measures up to critical favorite, The Revenant.

Until then, we’ll just be watching this Carol parody over and over.