Every year at the Spirit Awards, Film Independent gives out 3 Filmmaker Grants. The recipients of these awards become Film Independent Fellows and receive unrestricted cash grants of $25,000. The awards are by nomination only.

Someone to Watch Award

The Someone to Watch Award recognizes a talented filmmaker of singular vision who has not yet received appropriate recognition. Past winners include: Marc Forster (Everything Put Together), Andrew Bujalski (Funny Ha Ha), and Larry Fessenden (Habit).

The Winner of the 14th annual Acura Someone To Watch Award is Ramin Bahrani, director of Chop Shop.

Truer Than Fiction Award

The Truer Than Fiction Award is presented to an emerging director of non-fiction features who has not yet received significant attention. Past winners include: Adele Horne (The Tailenders), Garrett Scott and Ian Olds (Occupation: Dreamland), Ross Kauffman and Zana Briski (Born into Brothels), and Errol Morris (Fast, Cheap & Out of Control).

The Winner of the 12th annual IFC Truer Than Fiction Award is Laura Dunn for The Unforeseen.

Producers Award

The Producers Award honors emerging producers who, despite highly limited resources, demonstrate the creativity, tenacity, and vision required to produce quality, independent films. Past winners include: Gina Kwon (Me and You and Everyone We Know), Caroline Baron (Capote), and Effie Brown (Real Women Have Curves).

The Winner of the 11th annual Piaget Producers Award is Neil Kopp, producer of Paranoid Park and Old Joy.

For more information on the Spirit Awards visit the official site.

To see a full list of the nominees and grant winners from previous years visit:
The Spirit Awards Archive