Rutger Hauer, 1988

I do not know what is happening here, but I do know that it's ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. Informative Caption tells me that this Independent Spirit Awards show was held "at Rosalie's Restaurant, 385 N. La Cienega Blvd," and the helpful inclusion of the address means that I can tell you that space is now condos, after a brief stint

Marlee Matlin, 1988

In case you thought the Bra Top Under Blazer look was NEW!

Sally Kirkland, 1988

Yes, that's Trashy Lingerie behind her -- an LA institution if you're in need of a Slutty Halloween Costume (no judgement, I too went through this period in my life).

Ed Harris and Amy Madigan, 1988

WHAT was Ed Harris doing with his facial hair in 1988?! Additionally: STILL MARRIED!

Winona Ryder, 1989

By 1989, the festivities moved to the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, which I suspect was a bit seedy at that point. (It's long since been much renovated back into being a haunted, historical hot spot.) Winona is 18 here, and I believe she was nominated for Heathers, which certainly was a project that involved a lot of pleated skirts, blazers, and interesting hosiery.

Keanu Reeves, 1989

Look at this disheveled babe.

Jodie Foster, 1989

"Can I help you? I'm busy."

Ally Sheedy, 1990

Honestly, this is great on her. No matter how doubtful those folks are in the background!

Jennifer Jason Leigh, 1990

She looks DISHY here!

Christian Slater, 1991

I both live for all the surly 90s babes in the background, and the one in the foreground. Friends, I had such a crush on him at this point in history and I STAND BY IT.

Jennifer Jason Leigh and Julian Sands, 1992

I also had a crush on HIM at this point in history! I also stand by THAT! (They were not dating; he was married to his current wife at this point.)

Janet Jackson, 1992

I don't know about you, but nearly 30 years later and this is still EXACTLY how Janet looks in my head. Literally this exact outfit. (I believe she was filming Poetic Justice at this point.)

Patrick Dempsey, 1992

This year, the awards were held at Raleigh Studios, also known (to me) for being a very cute, and old, little lot. I do not understand why McDreamy has a beaded choker inside his collar.

Sofia Coppola and Keanu Reeves, 1992

I did NOT know they dated; apparently, they met when her Dad was directing him in Dracula, and GOOD FOR YOU SOFIA.

Johnny Depp, 1992

I love the photographer behind Johnny who is like, "have you got him? Because Brad Pitt and Juliette Lewis just got here."

Juliette Lewis and Brad Pitt, 1992

AS PROMISED. Juliette looks so cute here. (She's also one of those people where I'm happy for her that she got in on this when it was really primo. By "this," I guess I mean Brad.)

Liam Neeson, 1992

THIS IS A LOOK.

Harry Dean Stanton and Rebecca De Mornay, 1992

YES, they dated. Then she left him for Tom Cruise. Then they were, as they are here, just friends. (She and Tom had their assignation circa Risky Business, which was a decade prior to this.)

Edward James Olmos and Andy Garcia, 1992

This year brought SO many double-breasted suits!

Rosie Perez, 1992

Okay, so it turns out this was the announcement of nominations, rather than the event itself, but I wanted you to see Rosie in such a quintessentially 1992 ensemble.

Robert Townsend and wife Sheri Jones, 1992

This suit is timeless!

Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh, 1994

They are, as perhaps you've heard, NOT still married.

Jennifer Jason Leigh, 1996

We've clearly transitioned over to the west side, and this event's now-usual beach location. I do not know why JJL is dressed like a newscaster.

Jennifer Lopez and Gabriel Byrne, 1997

Enjoy this while it lasts, Gabriel Byrne!

David Arquette & Jennifer Tilly, 1997

I'm both confused and entranced by Jennifer Tilly's outfit.

Aaron Eckhart, 1998

Will someone please come pick up Aaron Eckhart?! He's been waiting for his ride for ages!

Debi Mazar, Minnie Driver, Vince Vaughn, 1998

I don't know who the woman is between Minnie and Vince, but I bet she had this photo magneted on her fridge for a while.

Brendan Fraser and Joey Lauren Adams, 1998

Joey Lauren Adams is VERY excited to be Brendan Fraser-adjacent, and who can blame her?

William H Macy, 1998

He went for it!

Benicio Del Toro and John Turturro, 1998

"Maybe I should have worn a white suit, too. Benicio! Bill Macy looked so dapper!"

Cameron Diaz, 1998

Look at this baby!

Samuel L. Jackson, 1998

It's soothing to me to see Samuel L. Jackson in his traditional headwear!

Gina Gershon, 1999

I'd wear those trousers now, SO WHAT.

Kim Basinger and Alec Baldwin, 1999

I do not know what Kim is trying here. I think she's wearing a tiny pillbox hat?

Alfre Woodard, 1999

She always looks amazing.

Marisa Tomei, 1999

This is VERY 1999 and VERY cute.

Minnie Driver, 1999

This too is VERY 1999 and VERY cute.

Illeana Douglas, 1999

Also very 1999 and very....1999. (Having said that, NOTHING says Turn of the Century Independent Films like Illeana Douglas.

Ally Sheedy & Rosanna Arquette, 1999

Exactly.

Let's Check Out Some Early Independent Spirit Awards Red Carpets

It's all floppy hair and smoking.