FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Seanna Hore, Ginsberg/Libby
seanna.hore@ginsberglibby.com

Gladys Santos, Ginsberg/Libby
gladys.santos@ginsberglibby.com
 

LOS ANGELES (August 20, 2024) – Film Independent announced today that it is accepting film and television submissions for the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards, taking place Saturday, February 22. The organization is excited to celebrate 40 Years of the Spirit Awards – the primary fundraiser for Film Independent’s year-round programs that cultivate the careers of emerging filmmakers and promote inclusion in the industry.

“We are thrilled to open submissions for the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards,” said Josh Welsh, President of Film Independent. “The Awards are a time to celebrate the beautiful work created over the last year, but this year they bring an undeniable sense of urgency as well. Thanks to ever-increasing media consolidation and the radical restructuring of the film world, the independent sector is under serious threat. Film Independent remains fiercely committed not just to fight to preserve that sector but to build the audience for this great and indispensable work. The Spirit Awards takes on a new meaning and importance in light of all these changes. Join us!”

The Spirit Awards performance categories, all of which are gender neutral, remain unchanged for 2025. However, in deference to production timelines, the eligibility window for Television categories will be September 30, 2023 – October 1, 2024, to account for all eligible submissions.
 
Spirit Awards Submissions Deadlines:

Film

Early Deadline: Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Regular Deadline: Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Final Deadline: Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Arts Circle/Filmmaker Pro/Secret Member Deadline: Friday, October 4, 2024

Television

Regular Deadline: Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Final Deadline: Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Arts Circle/Filmmaker Pro/Secret Member Deadline: Friday, September 20, 2024

Nominees for the 2025 Spirit Awards will be announced Wednesday, December 4, 2024.
 
The 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards were supported by Premier Sponsor Lavazza Coffee, Principal Sponsor IMDbPro and Official Partners Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, FIJI Water, Petite Fleur Champagne and Stella Artois. Easterseals Disability Services was the accessibility partner. Hotel Casa del Mar, Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows and The Georgian were the Official Hotels. Pentagram was the Visual Branding Partner. Getty Images was the Official Photographer. Vision Digital was the exclusive screening partner. Caffeine Post, eTech Rentals, Illuminar and Town and Country Event Rentals were Official Providers. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kate Walker D’Angelo at 323 556 9352 or kwalker@filmindependent.org.

Film Independent Members comprise the exclusive voting body that determines the winners of the Film Independent Spirit Awards. Members are filmmakers, film industry leaders and film lovers. Anyone passionate about film can join at filmindependent.org/join to be eligible to vote for the winners of the Spirit Awards and receive full nominee screening privileges. All Film Independent Members receive discounted submission fees, and Arts Circle, Filmmaker Pro and Secret Members get extra time to submit their film/series. To learn more about voting and Membership, please contact Evan Ward-Henninger at eward-henninger@filmindependent.org.

Please visit spiritawards.com for additional details, including submission and eligibility guidelines.

To learn more about attending the Spirit Awards and supporting Film Independent, please contact Jennifer Murby at 323 556 9353 or jmurby@filmindependent.org.
 

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT

For 40 years, Film Independent has helped filmmakers get their projects made and seen. The nonprofit organization’s core mission is to champion creative independence in visual storytelling in all its forms, and to foster a culture of inclusion. We support a global community of artists and audiences who embody diversity, innovation, curiosity and uniqueness of vision.

In addition to producing the Film Independent Spirit Awards, celebrating its 40th Anniversary, the organization supports creative professionals with Artist Development programs, grants and labs. Signature mentorship program Project Involve fosters the careers of talented filmmakers from underrepresented communities. Education events and workshops equip filmmakers of all ages and experience levels with tools and resources. Global Media Makers, a cultural exchange program produced in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, provides career-building opportunities for international film professionals. And year-round screening series Film Independent Presents offers a robust program of unique cinematic experiences, including screenings, conversations, Live Reads and Bring the Noise musical events.

For more information or to become a Member, visit filmindependent.org.