FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Jason Berger, Film Independent
jberger@filmindependent.org

Seanna Hore, Ginsberg/Libby
seanna.hore@ginsberglibby.com
 

LOS ANGELES (February 18, 2025) – Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization dedicated to fostering independence and inclusivity in visual storytelling, announced this morning that Molly Shannon will serve as honorary chair at the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards, as well as join a star-studded lineup of award presenters. The honorary chair position is given each year to an individual who exemplifies outstanding artistic achievement and embodies Film Independent’s mission.

The honorary chair and presenters will reveal the award recipients at the beach in Santa Monica on Saturday, February 22 at 2:00 pm PST. The Spirit Awards, this year celebrating its 40th anniversary, is Film Independent’s largest annual celebration, making year-round programming for filmmakers and film-loving audiences possible, while amplifying the voices of independent storytellers and celebrating their diversity, originality and uniqueness of vision.

A renowned actress and comedian of stage, television and film, Molly Shannon spent six seasons as a cast member of Saturday Night Live, for which she earned an Emmy nomination for “Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program.” Recently on television she has also appeared in Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building, Max’s The Other Two and White Lotus, and Showtime’s I Love That for You, for which she was nominated for a 2023 Film Independent Spirit Award for “Best Supporting Performance in a New Scripted Series.” On screen she has been recently seen in Zach Braff’s A Good Person, opposite Carrey Mulligan in the Academy Award-winning Promising Young Woman and in the highly acclaimed drama Other People, for which she won a 2017 Spirit Award for “Best Supporting Actress.”

Past Honorary Chairs include Javier Bardem, Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, Jessica Chastain, Robert Duvall, Ava DuVernay, Jodie Foster, Lily Gladstone, Siân Heder, Samuel L. Jackson, Nicole Kidman, Ang Lee, Julianne Moore, David Oyelowo, Martin Scorsese, Kerry Washington and Chloé Zhao.

Joining Molly Shannon presenting the awards will be an iconic lineup headlined by Tadanobu Asano, Carrie Coon, Danielle Deadwyler, Mark & Jay Duplass, Walton Goggins, Kathryn Hahn, Alana Haim, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Patti LuPone, Melanie Lynskey, Natasha Lyonne, Sonequa Martin-Green, Natalie Morales, Ruth Negga, Karen Pittman, Questlove, Edgar Ramirez, Hunter Schafer, Randy & Jason Sklar, Julio Torres, Jessica Williams and Michelle Yeoh, with more to be announced before the show.

After walking the blue carpet, Spirit Awards presenters and nominees will mingle with guests, enjoying the Santa Monica sun during an outdoor reception featuring many notable brand installations.

Joining the Spirit Awards this year is Lavazza, the world-renowned Italian coffee company. With a shared passion for excellence, the brand invites guests, and attendees of this year’s show to a coffee break with premium espresso and specialty CoffeeTails to celebrate the bold experiences, moments and stories that connect us.

Returning this year is the IMDb Portrait Studio. All talent and filmmakers are invited to visit IMDb’s exclusive portrait studio with celebrity photographer Corey Nickols. Portraits will be published by Getty Images, as well as featured on IMDb.com and its apps and social channels, reaching hundreds of millions of entertainment fans around the world.

Back this year is the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Lounge. Ambassador and Mixologist Kyle McHugh will serve up custom cocktails for Bulleit Frontier Whiskey.

Fiji Water, the No. 1 premium imported bottled water in the United States, is back to bring its iconic square bottles to the blue carpet as the Official Water partner for the 12th consecutive year. The 330mL bottle, made from 100% recycled plastic (rPET), will be keeping all nominees, presenters and guests hydrated as they celebrate the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards.

Cast & Crew, the most trusted entertainment industry global production partner for payroll, HR, finance, data, creative and collaboration services and solutions is bringing a special touch to this year’s award show with the Encore Cam. Hosted backstage, this exclusive activation gives winners a second chance to express their gratitude, ensuring no one is forgotten in their moment of celebration.

Rooted in creativity, Miraval embodies The Art of Rosé and remains dedicated to supporting and creating art in all forms, proudly serving as an Official Partner of the Film Independent Spirit Awards. To commemorate this year’s 40th annual celebration, two of Miraval’s expertly crafted wines will be enjoyed at the Awards – Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé and Petite Fleur Rosé Champagne.

Immediately following the show, all nominees are invited to continue the celebrations at the Official 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards Cultured and IFC Films After Party at The Victorian in Santa Monica.

Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. Easterseals Disability Services returns as the official accessibility partner at the 2025 Spirit Awards.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards, emceed by returning host Aidy Bryant, will be streamed live on the IMDb and Film Independent YouTube channels, with highlights across social platforms. The previously announced nominees can be viewed here.

Film Independent Spirit Awards are supported by Premier Sponsor Lavazza Coffee, Principal Sponsor IMDbPro and Official Partners Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, FIJI Water and Miraval. Easterseals Disability Services is the accessibility partner. Hotel Casa del Mar and The Georgian are the Official Hotels. Pentagram is the Visual Branding Partner. Getty Images is the Official Photographer. Vision Media is the exclusive screening partner. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Caffeine Post, Cast & Crew, eTech Rentals, Illuminar and Town and Country Event Rentals are Official Providers.

To learn more about attending the Spirit Awards and supporting Film Independent’s mission and programs, please contact Jennifer Murby at jmurby@filmindependent.org.

To learn about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kate Walker D’Angelo at kwalker@filmindependent.org.

To learn more about the Spirit Awards eligibility rules and regulations, please visit filmindependent.org/spirit-awards/faq.

The winners of the Film Independent Spirit Awards are voted on by Film Independent Members. Membership is open to the public. For more information or to become a Member, visit filmindependent.org/join.
 

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT

For 41 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 and 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, 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.