The 40th anniversary of the Film Independent Spirit Awards is set to be a milestone event, celebrating the evolution of independent cinema and its creators. What started as a modest ceremony on La Cienega Blvd in Los Angeles has transformed into one of the most recognized platforms for honoring unique voices in filmmaking. This year, the awards will return to the iconic Santa Monica beach with Saturday Night Live alum Aidy Bryant reprising her role as host.

The Spirit Awards have always been a beacon for filmmakers who take risks, push boundaries, and provide the world with distinctive narratives. Over the years, the event has recognized some of the most influential names in the industry, from Spike Lee to Ryan Coogler, while honoring independent voices like Kasi Lemmons and Whit Stillman. Now, as we gear up for the 40th iteration of the ceremony, the 2025 nominees are a testament to the thriving state of indie filmmaking today.

The 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards will be streamed live on Saturday, February 22, 2025, on IMDb, Film Independent's YouTube channel, and various social media platforms. Ahead of the big day, we’re diving into the complete list of nominees, highlighting those standout films and talents that brought us unforgettable moments this year.

Best Feature

The Best Feature category showcases films that stood out for their distinct storytelling, exceptional performances, and powerful visuals. These nominees offer a mix of thought-provoking dramas and innovative narratives, all produced by some of the most talented minds in the industry. From stories about social justice to heart-wrenching character studies, these films highlight the best of independent cinema.

The nominees for Best Feature capture the year’s best in storytelling, showcasing themes ranging from personal journeys to broader societal commentaries. Anora, produced by Sean Baker, Alex Coco, and Samantha Quan, takes us through a riveting story of love and loss. Sing Sing, with producers Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar, presents an emotionally resonant look at brotherhood behind prison walls. Among the other standout nominees are The Substance, a chilling psychological thriller, and I Saw the TV Glow, a surreal coming-of-age journey that combines nostalgia with a modern twist.

Anora

Producers: Sean Baker, Alex Coco, Samantha Quan

I Saw the TV Glow

Producers: Ali Herting, Luca Intili, Dave McCary, Emma Stone, Sarah Winshall

Nickel Boys

Producers: Joslyn Barnes, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, David Levine

Sing Sing

Producers: Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar, Monique Walton

The Substance

Producers: Tim Bevan, Coralie Fargeat, Eric Fellner

Best First Feature

The Best First Feature category celebrates filmmakers who have taken the leap into feature-length storytelling with bold and original works. These films stand out for their powerful direction, innovative stories, and memorable performances, providing a glimpse into the future of filmmaking. Each nominee offers a unique perspective, showcasing the talent and vision of these emerging directors. this category puts a spotlight on up-and-coming filmmakers who have made an impression with their first major work. Sean Wang’s Dìdi and Annie Baker’s Janet Planet offer deeply human stories of identity and relationships, while Problemista by Julio Torres adds a dash of humor and creativity that challenges conventional storytelling norms.

Dìdi

Director/Producer: Sean Wang

Producers: Valerie Bush, Carlos López Estrada, Josh Peters

In the Summers

Director: Alessandra Lacorazza Samudio

Producers: Janek Ambros, Lynette Coll, Alexander Dinelaris, Cynthia Fernandez De La Cruz, Cristóbal Güell, Sergio Alberto Lira, Rob Quadrino, Jan Suter, Daniel Tantalean, Nando Vila, Slava Vladimirov, Stephanie Yankwitt

Janet Planet

Director/Producer: Annie Baker

Producers: Andrew Goldman, Dan Janvey, Derrick Tseng

The Piano Lesson

Director: Malcolm Washington

Producers: Todd Black, Denzel Washington

Problemista

Director/Producer: Julio Torres

Producers: Ali Herting, Dave McCary, Emma Stone

John Cassavetes Award

Named in honor of the legendary filmmaker John Cassavetes, this award is given to the best feature made for under $1,000,000. This year’s nominees reflect the best of independent storytelling on a shoestring budget. These films prove that great art doesn’t require big budgets, but rather a compelling story, passionate filmmakers, and dedicated talent.

Named after the legendary independent filmmaker, the John Cassavetes Award celebrates the best features made for under $1 million. This year’s nominees include the emotional rollercoaster Big Boys, directed by Corey Sherman, and Girls Will Be Girls by Shuchi Talati, which portrays the complexities of growing up through a humorous yet poignant lens. These films highlight the magic of indie cinema—where compelling storytelling can flourish without massive budgets.

Big Boys

Writer/Director/Producer: Corey Sherman

Producer: Allison Tate

Ghostlight

Writer/Director: Kelly O’Sullivan

Director/Producer: Alex Thompson

Producers: Pierce Cravens, Ian Keiser, Chelsea Krant, Eddie Linker, Alex Wilson

Girls Will Be Girls

Writer/Director/Producer: Shuchi Talati

Producers: Richa Chadha, Claire Chassagne

Jazzy

Writer/Director/Producer: Morrisa Maltz

Writer/Producer: Lainey Shangreaux

Writers: Andrew Hajek, Vanara Taing

Producers: Miranda Bailey, Tommy Heitkamp, John Way, Natalie Whalen, Elliott Whitton

The People’s Joker

Writer/Director: Vera Drew

Writer: Bri LeRose

Producer: Joey Lyons

Best Director

The Best Director nominees represent a diverse group of filmmakers who have left their mark on 2024’s cinematic landscape. These directors have brought unique visions to life, showcasing their creative prowess in shaping unforgettable stories and extracting powerful performances from their casts.

The nominees for Best Director feature a mix of familiar faces and rising stars. Sean Baker receives a nod for his work on Anora, further solidifying his position as one of the leading voices in independent film. Brady Corbet is also recognized for The Brutalist, a film that delves deep into architecture and human ambition, while Jane Schoenbrun’s direction in I Saw the TV Glow challenges the boundaries of the coming-of-age genre.

Ali Abbasi - The Apprentice

Sean Baker - Anora

Brady Corbet - The Brutalist

Alonso Ruizpalacios - La Cocina

Jane Schoenbrun - I Saw the TV Glow

Best Screenplay

The nominees for Best Screenplay include some of the most talented writers in the industry. Each script captures the essence of independent filmmaking — raw, authentic, and deeply engaging. These writers crafted stories that stayed with audiences long after the credits rolled.

Scott Beck, Bryan Woods - Heretic

Jesse Eisenberg - A Real Pain

Megan Park - My Old Ass

Aaron Schimberg - A Different Man

Jane Schoenbrun - I Saw the TV Glow

POPULAR ON THE CINEMA GROUP

Best First Screenplay

Recognizing writers who are making their feature film debuts, this category celebrates new voices that have already made a significant impact. Their stories are bold, emotionally resonant, and distinctively original, proving that fresh talent can bring new and exciting perspectives to cinema.

Joanna Arnow - The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed

Annie Baker - Janet Planet

India Donaldson - Good One

Julio Torres - Problemista

Sean Wang - Dìdi

Best Lead Performance

These talented actors gave powerful lead performances, carrying their respective films with grace, intensity, and emotional depth. Their portrayals captivated audiences, bringing complex characters to life and making us feel every triumph and struggle they experienced on screen.

This category is filled with extraordinary talent, each nominee bringing raw emotional power to their roles. Mikey Madison’s portrayal in Anora earned her a spot in this list for her compelling and deeply nuanced performance. Colman Domingo in Sing Sing and Demi Moore in The Substance are among the other powerhouse performances that have kept audiences captivated throughout the year.

Amy Adams - Nightbitch

Ryan Destiny - The Fire Inside

Colman Domingo - Sing Sing

Keith Kupferer - Ghostlight

Mikey Madison - Anora

Demi Moore - The Substance

Hunter Schafer - Cuckoo

Justice Smith - I Saw the TV Glow

June Squibb - Thelma

Sebastian Stan - The Apprentice

Best Supporting Performance

The Best Supporting Performance nominees played vital roles that added richness and complexity to their films. They brought to life characters that stood out despite limited screen time, leaving audiences moved and captivated by their depth of performance.

Yura Borisov - Anora

Joan Chen - Dìdi

Kieran Culkin - A Real Pain

Danielle Deadwyler - The Piano Lesson

Carol Kane - Between the Temples

Karren Karagulian - Anora

Kani Kusruti - Girls Will Be Girls

Brigette Lundy-Paine - I Saw the TV Glow

Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin - Sing Sing

Adam Pearson - A Different Man

Best Breakthrough Performance

The Breakthrough Performance category highlights emerging actors who captivated us with their talent and promise. Each nominee delivered a performance that suggested big things are ahead, breaking into the industry with skill and passion that earned them recognition.

Isaac Krasner - Big Boys

Katy O’Brian - Love Lies Bleeding

Mason Alexander Park - National Anthem

René Pérez Joglar - In the Summers

Maisy Stella - My Old Ass

Robert Altman Award

One of the highlights of the Spirit Awards is the Robert Altman Award, which honors the director, casting director, and ensemble cast of a film. This year, His Three Daughters, directed by Azazel Jacobs and featuring a star-studded ensemble including Natasha Lyonne, Elizabeth Olsen, and Carrie Coon, received this prestigious recognition for its authentic portrayal of sibling dynamics and loss.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards, beyond being a glamorous event at the beach, represents the heart of what makes independent cinema unique—its ability to tell bold, unfiltered stories that reflect the human condition in all its complexity. With Aidy Bryant returning as host, viewers can expect plenty of laughter alongside the heartfelt celebrations of this year’s best in indie film.

If you want to get involved in choosing the winners, Film Independent invites you to become a member by December 18, 2024. Membership not only allows you to vote but also provides access to nominee screeners, screenings, special events, and more throughout the year.

Mark your calendars and make sure to tune in on February 22nd to celebrate the incredible achievements of this year’s nominees at the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards. From Santa Monica beach, it promises to be an evening dedicated to the power of storytelling and the magic of independent film.