Season 16
The Independent Spirit Awards is an annual American film awards ceremony honouring artist-driven films made with an economy of means by filmmakers who embody independence and originality, recognising the achievements of American independent filmmakers and promoting the finest independent films of the year to a wider audience.
The Awards debuted in 1984 and have been held annually ever since.
The Independent Spirit Awards premiered in South Africa on TopTV's Silver channel on Sunday 26 February 2012, at 22h00, beginning with the 27th annual awards (the first 26 seasons did not air in South Africa).
About the Awards
As the first event to honour independent film exclusively, the Independent 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. The show is as original as the films and filmmakers it honours.
Winners are chosen by those in the know: Film Independent members, with voting privileges extended to IFP members. Voters attend nominee screenings and view select nominated films through a screening program before selecting the Spirit Award winners.
Founded in 1984, the awards were originally known as the FINDIE ("Friends of Independents") Awards. In 1986, the awards were renamed the Independent Spirit Awards. It was also the first time the membership voted on the winners.
Over the years, Independent's Spirit Awards has grown into a vanguard event. Held as a luncheon on the beach in Santa Monica, the Awards ceremony brings together the entire film community to celebrate the best of independent film.
In 2005, the producing organisation of the Spirit Awards changed its name from IFP/Los Angeles to Film Independent. Although the name changed, the show, the organisation and the mission remain the same.