This morning, Film Independent announced that Aubrey Plaza (Ingrid Goes West, Legion, Parks & Recreation) will host the 2019 Film Independent Spirit Awards. The Spirit Awards are the primary fundraiser for Film Independent’s year-round programs, which cultivate the careers of emerging filmmakers and promote diversity in the industry. Nominees were announced by Gemma Chan (Crazy Rich Asians, Captain Marvel, Mary Queen of Scots) and Molly Shannon (Divorce, Private Life, Other People) at a press conference on November 16. Best Feature nominees include Eighth Grade, First Reformed, If Beale Street Could Talk, Leave No Trace and You Were Never Really Here. The show will broadcast live exclusively on IFC at 2:00 pm PT/ 5:00 pm ET on Saturday, February 23, 2019.
“I am truly honored and delighted to host the Spirits Awards this year,” said Host Aubrey Plaza. “It is a dream come true to host a show that celebrates my greatest loves… independent film, the people that make them possible and live television!”
“The search for a great Spirit Awards host is never easy,” said Film Independent President Josh Welsh. “This year we said, let’s find someone funny, smart, a cinephile, being a great actor wouldn’t hurt, and it would be an added bonus if they’ve previously won a Spirit Award. Then we realized, oh wait, that’s Aubrey Plaza! So thank you Aubrey, for hosting the Spirits!”
“As the awards season slogs to the end, let’s raise a glass to the infectious enthusiasm that only Aubrey Plaza will bring to this party,” said IFC Executive Director, Blake Callaway.
Aubrey Plaza starred opposite Elizabeth Olsen in Matt Spicer’s acclaimed feature, Ingrid Goes West which Plaza also produced. As a producer, she received a Film Independent Spirit Award for “Best First Feature” and the film was also nominated for “Best First Screenplay.” Aubrey currently stars in Noah Hawley’s television series, Legion on FX. The series, which is based on the Marvel Comic of the same name, has received critical acclaim and will premiere season three in 2019. On television, Aubrey starred in the Emmy nominated comedy series Parks and Recreation with Amy Poehler. Aubrey’s recent film credits include producing and starring in Jeff Baena’s The Little Hours alongside Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Nick Offerman, and Molly Shannon (2017 Sundance Film Festival) and Jim Hosking’s An Evening with Beverly Luff Linn opposite Craig Robinson and Jemaine Clement (2018 Sundance Film Festival). Plaza will next star in Lars Klevberg’s remake of Child’s Play opposite Brian Tyree Henry which will open on June 21, 2019.
This year marks the 34th edition of the awards show that celebrates the best of independent film. Past Spirit Awards hosts have included Nick Kroll and John Mulaney, Kate McKinnon and Kumail Nanjiani, Fred Armisen and Kristen Bell, Patton Oswalt, Andy Samberg, Joel McHale, Sarah Silverman, Samuel L. Jackson, Eddie Izzard, Queen Latifah and John Waters to name a few. The show, which will be held on the beach in Santa Monica, will be executive produced and directed by Joel Gallen of Tenth Planet Productions for the fifth consecutive year. Shawn Davis returns as producer for his 17th year, Rick Austin returns for his fourth year and Danielle Federico and Andrew Schaff also return as co-producers.
Winners, who are selected by Film Independent Members, will be announced at the Spirit Awards on Saturday, February 23, 2019. The awards ceremony will be held on the beach in Santa Monica, just north of the Santa Monica Pier.
Winners of the Spirit Awards Filmmaker Grants will be announced at the Film Independent Spirit Awards Filmmaker Grant and Nominee Brunch on Saturday, January 5, 2019, at BOA Steakhouse in West Hollywood.
Film Independent is proud to announce the return of our collaboration with AT&T, who joins once again as Premier Sponsor and Official Wireless & Video Services Partner. American Airlines joins for the fifth year and returns to fund the Bonnie Award, recognizing a mid-career female director with a $50,000 unrestricted grant. And, we welcome this year’s Official Automotive Partner, Subaru of America.
