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

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

LOS ANGELES (December 14, 2023) – Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization dedicated to fostering independence and inclusivity in visual storytelling, announced this morning that Lily Gladstone will serve as the honorary chair at the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards. The honorary chair position is given each year to an individual who exemplifies outstanding artistic achievement and embodies Film Independent’s mission. In addition to serving in this role, Gladstone is also nominated for a Spirit Award as a writer on the film The Unknown Country.

“We’re thrilled to have Lily Gladstone joining us this year as our honorary chair,” said Josh Welsh, president of Film Independent. “As a fiercely talented performer across many mediums, not to mention a multiple time Spirit Award nominee, we couldn’t think of a better person to lead the upcoming celebration of independent artists.”

A renowned actress and activist, who is from the Blackfeet and Nez Perce Tribal Nations, Lily Gladstone has appeared in such films as Kelly Reichardt’s Certain Women and First Cow, and television shows including Billions and Reservation Dogs. She recently starred in Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, for which she was named Best Actress of 2023 by the New York Film Critics Circle. Additionally, she was previously recognized at the 2017 Spirit Awards, where she was nominated for Best Supporting Female Performance for Certain Women, and is nominated again this year for the John Cassavetes Award as a writer of The Unknown Country. A longtime supporter of independent cinema, Lily Gladstone has also appeared to great acclaim in films such as Fancy Dance and Quantum Cowboys.

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

The Film Independent Spirit Awards, hosted by Saturday Night Live alum Aidy Bryant, will take place on Sunday, February 25, 2024. The in-person show, held at the beach in Santa Monica, will be streamed live on the IMDb and Film Independent YouTube channels, and across other social platforms. The Spirit Awards are the primary fundraiser for Film Independent’s year-round slate of programs, which cultivate the careers of emerging filmmakers and celebrate creative independence, diversity, innovation and uniqueness of vision in independent film and television.

As always, winners are selected by Members of Film Independent. Members must be current as of December 18, 2023 to receive full voting benefits, including access to nominee screeners. To join Film Independent and vote on the Spirit Awards, please visit filmindependent.org/join to Join. Watch. Vote.

Film Independent Spirit Awards are supported by Principal Sponsor IMDb and Official Sponsors Bulleit Frontier Whiskey and FIJI Water. Easterseals Disability Services is the accessibility partner. Hotel Casa del Mar is an Official Hotel. Getty Images is the Official Photographer. Vision Media is the exclusive screening partner.

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.

Press and publicist credential applications for the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards are now open at filmindependent.org/press. For any questions regarding credentials, please contact Jason Berger at publicity@filmindependent.org.
 

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT

For over 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, 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.