Two weeks ago, the 2016 Film Independent Spirit Awards were broadcast live on IFC—a memorable afternoon full of irreverent comedy, history-making wins and heartfelt appreciation of cinema at its most innovative and provocative.

Perhaps you watched the awards yourself, or enjoyed it vicariously through our extensive coverage on the Film Independent blog and YouTube channel. If so, then you know that the watchword of the evening was diversity—diversity of nominees, diversity of winners and diversity of the types of stories being celebrated by our hardworking and fiercely independent filmmaker community.

History was made at this year’s awards as actors of color took home not one, not two, but three of the top acting awards, including a Best Supporting Female win for Tangerine’s Mya Taylor—the first trans actor to win a major acting award.

We can’t think of a better way to put a cap on our 2016 Spirit Awards coverage than by highlighting the wonderfully eclectic collection of faces, voices and perspectives represented in this year’s Spirit Awards Class of 2016. Watch:

Diversity is one of Film Independent’s core values, informing every aspect of what we do—from filmmaker education and artist development, to live panels and events, to the unique voices showcased at the LA Film Festival.

Ask anyone who’s ever been to one of our Live Reads, Directors Close-Up panels, or who’s participated in our Filmmaker Labs or Project Involve—now in its 22nd year launching the careers of the next generation of film professionals from underrepresented communities; no matter who you are, we want you to be able to say, “I am Film Independent.”

Join the cause and become a Member of Film Independent today. You can learn more at our website.

Matt Warren / Film Independent Digital Content Manager