Secret’s Out! Kate Berlant & John Early to Host 2027 Film Independent Spirit Awards
Sometimes a team-up just works. This year, the Film Independent Spirit Awards are thrilled to announce that we’re teaming up with comedy powerhouses Kate Berlant and John Early, who will host the 2027 Spirit Awards at the Hollywood Palladium on March 6th.
Early and Berlant have been collaborating for more than a decade in sketch, comedy, and film including the special Would It Kill You to Laugh, and Early’s directorial debut, Maddie’s Secret. Individually they’ve been celebrated as actors and comedians across film and television; Berlant in hits like Sorry to Bother You and The Bear as well as her own comedy special Parmesan, and Early in Search Party, and his stand-up special Now More Than Ever.
“They embody everything we love about independent storytelling: originality, fearlessness, and a healthy disregard for convention,” said Juan Devis, President of Film Independent. “We’re excited to shake things up, break a few rules, and have some fun along the way. If there’s one thing we don’t need, it’s another predictable awards show.”
Making good on that promise, the show has some new twists this year. The two will team up with Roman Coppola, who we recently announced as our new Creative Consultant. This year’s ceremony will also introduce the Best International First Feature and Digital Creator Award categories, as well as the Robert Redford Environmental Vision Award.
Watch Kate and John live at the Spirit Awards on Saturday, March 6, 2027.
Find out who else is coming to the party when the Film Independent Spirit Awards nominees are announced on our YouTube channel Wednesday, December 2, 2026 at 7:00 am PT.
Want to vote for the winners of the 2027 Spirit Awards? Only Members get to vote to decide the winners. You’ll receive online screeners for the nominated films and shows this award season, not to mention year-round access to a plethora of virtual and in-person screenings, special events, education, workshops and more, so we invite everyone to Join. Watch. Vote.
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Photos by Sela Shiloni