Maybe you’ve heard, but there’s a pretty big awards show this weekend. And surely the first—nay, only—thing to have popped into your head upon reading the previous sentence was: “But of course! The 2018 Film Independent Spirit Awards are happening this Saturday, March 3. I must tune in to IFC at precisely 2:00 pm PT/5:00 pm ET, or I’ll have completely failed as a movie lover and supporter of independent film.” Which, hey: you said it, not us.

Oh Hello! masterminds and comedy world BFFs Nick Kroll and John Mulaney are back once again to host, capping off a busy week for the funnymen, who tonight will be at LA’s Largo at the Coronet to emcee a benefit for March 24’s March for Our Lives protests against gun violence (for more info click here.)

But while cracking wise about movie industry peccadillos may seem like an ignominious move after such an altruistic gig, helping to attract nearly a million eyeballs to the efforts of a diverse group of innovative storytellers and their experiences is actually anything but.

In the meantime, though, Nick and John took some time to be silly, polling a diverse cross-section of literal canines to get a dog’s perspective on the year in movies. And as far as interview subjects go, these pups were ruff (which, excuse us while we ascend to dad joke heaven)—check ‘em out!

For that matter, what are dogs’ favorite indie movies? Donnie Barko? Pup Fiction? There will be Bloodhounds? Did I Google a list of dog movie title puns in order to complete this paragraph? Perhaps! But never mind that. The important thing is: PUPPIES.

But what exactly has our intrepid hosting duo been up to since last acclimating themselves to the aggressively pressurized atmosphere inside our world famous Spirit Awards tent? Well, if this promo is to be believed, medical stuff. Gross?

But Nick and John won’t be the only celebs getting slightly drunk within tipsy earshot of the skittering skeeballs inside the arcade on the adjacent Santa Monica Pier. After all, what would an awards show host be without celebrity presenters to introduce/gently mock?

So keep an eye out on our blue arrivals carpet for Fred Armisen, Chadwick Boseman, Carrie Brownstein, John Cho, Jason Clarke, Ava DuVernay, Jon Hamm, Ethan Hawke, Spike Lee, Ben Mendelsohn, Amanda Seyfried, Lena Waithe and more, as well as double-dipping presenter-nominees like Salma Hayek Pinault, Kumail Nanjiani and Margot Robbie. Who else? Stay tuned to our presenters page for additional announcements.

We take it for granted that you know your 2018 Spirit Award nominees by heart, but if not, click here for a complete list or watch our nominee press conference.

Now all that’s left is for you to watch: catch the show live on IFC this Saturday, March 3 at 2:00 pm PT/5:00 pm ET. You can also watch the opening monologue, acceptance speeches and exclusive highlights on YouTube—be sure to subscribe to the Film Independent channel today. And don’t forget: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat (@filmindependent).

The Film Independent Spirit Awards are sponsored by Premier Sponsors American Airlines, AT&T, IFC and the Jeep brand; Principal Sponsors Piaget and Visit Seattle; and Supporting Sponsor Truly Spiked & Sparkling. Bulleit Frontier Whiskey is the Official Spirit. FIJI Water is the Official Water. Landmark Vineyards is the Official Wine. Lindt is the Official Confectioner. Getty Images is the Official Photographer.

(Header photo credit: Kyle Christy/IFC)