The 2023 Emerging Filmmaker Awards nominees were announced on November 22, 2022 by 2019 Spirit Awards nominee Raúl Castillo (We Are Animals) and 2022 Spirit Award winner Taylour Paige (Best Female Lead, Zola).

The winners of the 2023 Emerging Filmmaker Awards were revealed at the Spirit Awards ceremony on March 4, 2023.
 

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).

2023 Producers Award Winner

Tory Lenosky

2022 Producers Award Winner

Lizzie Shapiro

2021 Producers Award Winner

Gerry Kim
 

SOMEONE TO WATCH AWARD

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

2023 Someone to Watch Award Winner

Nikyatu Jusu – director, Nanny

2022 Someone to Watch Award Winner

Alex Camilleri – director, Luzzu

2021 Someone to Watch Award Winner

Ekwa Msangi – director, Farewell Amor
 

TRUER THAN FICTION AWARD

The Truer Than Fiction Award is presented to an emerging director of nonfiction features who has not yet received significant attention. The recipients of this award become Film Independent Fellows. Past winners include Bing Liu (Minding the Gap), Adele Horne (The Tailenders), Garrett Scott and Ian Olds (Occupation: Dreamland) and Errol Morris (Fast, Cheap & Out of Control).

2023 Truer Than Fiction Award Winner

Reid Davenport – director, I Didn’t See You There

2022 Truer Than Fiction Award Winner

Jessica Beshir – director, Faya Dayi

2021 Truer Than Fiction Award Winner

Elegance Bratton – director, Pier Kids