The best, worst, and most surprising moments from the 39th Independent Spirit Awards
Hollywood's hippest awards show pressed on despite interruptions, giving Oscar underdogs like American Fiction and Past Lives the recognition they deserve
Film Features 39th Independent Spirit Awards
If the stars who rolled up to the Film Independent Spirit Awards blue carpet today were any worse for the wear following last night’s SAG Awards after parties, they didn’t show it. Then again these are professional actors, and the daytime awards show held in a tent on Santa Monica beach is always equipped with open bars and plenty of promotional liquor for a little hair of the dog. So everyone was in good spirits, so to speak.
Aidy Bryant hosted this year’s ceremony, which she dubbed the “bisexual Oscars,” honoring the best of television and film created outside the studio system. She did a fine job keeping things light and moving along under some unusually challenging circumstances. Not every joke landed, but enough of them did that we can call her first awards show hosting gig a success.
As in recent years, the show was live streamed on IMDb and Film Independent’s YouTube channels, so viewers could follow along at home. If you didn’t get a chance to tune in, or you just want to relive it all, here are some of the highlights, lowlights, and surprising wins that made this year’s show a memorable one.
16 Comments
“The Independent Film Awards probably seemed like a good opportunity for a pro-Palestinian protest, since it’s held in a tent and a spot that’s easily accessible to the public. But while the protesters’ chants of “Free Palestine” could be heard on the broadcast, they were essentially shouting down a diverse collection of filmmakers, many of whom are already dedicating their lives and voices to bringing awareness to important causes and overlooked people all over the globe. This is the one awards show where substance actually matters more than glitz and glamor, so not only was there an element of preaching to the choir, but it took away from a moment in the sun for those artists.”Jesus Christ, fuck you.
Excuse me we’re honoring films about loneliness in here.
And tv shows about fungus zombies and a guy on jury duty who doesn’t know James Marden is pranking him. These are the TRULY important causes!
Quirky characters who are “coming to terms with” some major life event. Preferably accompanied by an acoustic guitar soundtrack.
Give me a million of these before the next superhero bullshit.
Yeah, I’m pretty sure that thousands of dead children supersedes some fucking films, but what do I know.
“Hey, these rich people need to have their self congratulatory victory laps and are gonna be like, super pissed being interrupted and reminded about icky poo outside wars and genocides somewhere. Ew.”
For me the most surprising thing about this awards ceremony is that it was ever broadcast in the first place. Why do we still care about these things?
“Awards don’t matter” DRINK!!!
I thought Sessa was very good. Very accomplished for a newcomer.
“ But while the protesters’ chants of “Free Palestine” could be heard on the broadcast, they were essentially shouting down a diverse collection of filmmakers, many of whom are already dedicating their lives and voices to bringing awareness to important causes and overlooked people all over the globe. This is the one awards show where substance actually matters more than glitz and glamor, so not only was there an element of preaching to the choir, but it took away from a moment in the sun for those artists.”Quick question: What the fuck is the matter with you?
That was genuinely one of the wildest, most self important, and most out of touch things i’ve ever read on this website. I did a double take after reading that.
Yes a highly visible public event filled with media might have seemed like a good opportunity to try and raise awareness of the mass death and suffering happening across the globe which is largely enabled by our countries financial and military support, but did they stop to consider that a diverse set of millionaires were busy congratulating themselves inside?
How are HBO and Netflix productions “indie?”
They’re not, but for the TV categories it’s just any new series with an “independent spirit.” This was a fairly recently introduced thing and it doesn’t make a lot of sense, but hey, whatever pays the bills. I’ll take it.
just FYI protests are supposed to uncomfortable and disruptive. it does not matter that some of the people at the show might support the cause. absolutely disgusting and insane take
I really hate that not having gendered categories means half as many acting winners. There really has to be a better way. Making the wins more exclusive in the name of inclusion makes no sense.