About Film Independent's Spirit Awards

What you need to know this year

Film Independent's 2008 Spirit Awards ceremony takes place on Saturday, February 23. The Spirit Awards will be broadcast uncut on IFC (Independent Film Channel) with an edited re-broadcast airing later that evening on AMC. Be sure to tune in!

New members who join Film Independent by December 1, 2007 and register to vote can receive all voting benefits for the Spirit Awards, including the chance to view nominated films. If you already have a Film Independent membership, it must be current in order for you to vote. Don't forget to make sure we have your most up-to-date contact information so you can vote for the Spirit Awards. Call us at 310.432.1200 to give us any changes to your mailing address, email address, and/or phone number(s). You can also email us at Membership[at]FilmIndependent.org with these updates.

What we're all about

As the first event to honor independent film exclusively, Film Independent's Spirit Awards has made a name for itself as the premier awards event for the independent film community. It's a celebration of the spirited pioneers who bring a unique vision to filmmaking.

Along with being a great party, the Spirit Awards ceremony also brings together the top talent from independent film and Hollywood. Trophies are presented for the years' best achievements in independent film, with statues awarded for Best Feature, Best First Feature, Best Feature Made for Under $500,000 (the John Cassavetes Award), and many more.

Keeping with its roots and L.A. location, the Spirit Awards takes place each year inside a beachfront tent in Santa Monica. Currently in its 23rd year, the show is as original as the films and filmmakers it honors.

Winners are chosen by those in the know: Film Independent members, with voting privileges extended to IFP members. Voters attend nominee screenings and view nominated films online and through Netflix before selecting the Spirit Award winners.

Have more questions? Click here for our FAQs, check here for trivia, or search past nominees and winners.

Need to contact us? Click here for names, numbers, email addresses, and more.