2015 LIVE Telecast to Air Exclusively on IFC on Saturday, February 21 @ 2 pm PT/5 pm ET
New York, NY — February 19, 2015 — IFC and Film Independent have renewed their exclusive agreement for IFC to telecast the annual Film Independent Spirit Awards in the U.S. through 2017. IFC began airing the Spirit Awards in 1994. This year’s 30th anniversary event airs live on IFC on Saturday, February 21 at 2 pm PT/5 pm ET. The show will be co-hosted by Fred Armisen, co-creator, co-writer and co-star of IFC’s hit comedy series Portlandia, and actress Kristen Bell (House of Lies). IFC is also a premiere sponsor of the Spirit Awards.
“Each year, IFC and Film Independent work together to create a one-of-a-kind awards ceremony that has continued to attract the biggest names in entertainment to celebrate the year’s best indie movies,” said Jennifer Caserta, IFC’s president. “We look forward to continuing our relationship to bring this unique celebration to our viewers.”
“We are so happy to continue our long relationship with IFC,” said Film Independent President Josh Welsh. “They have been our partners on the Spirit Awards for many years and I can’t think of a better home for this premier awards show that celebrates the independent film community.”
ABOUT THE FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDS
Now in its 30th year, the Film Independent Spirit Awards is an annual celebration honoring artist-driven films made with an economy of means by filmmakers whose films embody independence and originality. The Spirit Awards recognizes the achievements of American independent filmmakers and promotes the finest independent films of the year to a wider audience. The winners of the Spirit Awards are voted upon by Film Independent and IFP Members. Awards are given in the following categories: Best Feature, Best First Feature, Best First Screenplay, Best Director, Best Screenplay, John Cassavetes Award (given to the best feature made for a budget under $500,000), Best Male Lead, Best Female Lead, Best Supporting Male, Best Supporting Female, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best International Film, Best Documentary and the Robert Altman Award. The Filmmaker Grants include the Piaget Producers Award, the Truer Than Fiction Award, and the Kiehl’s Someone to Watch Award. The Film Independent Spirit Awards are sponsored by Premier Sponsors Piaget, the Lincoln Motor Company and IFC. WireImage is the Official Photographer and PR Newswire is the Official Breaking News Service of Film Independent.
ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT
Now in its 30th year, the Film Independent Spirit Awards is an annual celebration that honors artist-driven films made with an economy of means by filmmakers whose films embody independence and originality. The Spirit Awards recognizes the achievements of American and international independent filmmakers and promotes the finest independent films of the year to a wideraudience. The winners of the Spirit Awards are voted upon by Film Independent and IFP Members. Awards are given in the following categories: Best Feature, Best First Feature, Best First Screenplay, Best Director, Best Screenplay, John Cassavetes Award (given to the best feature made for a budget under $500,000), Best Male Lead, Best Female Lead, Best Supporting Male, Best Supporting Female, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, the Robert Altman Award, Best International Film and Best Documentary. The Filmmaker Grants include the Piaget Producers Award, the Kiehl’s Someone to Watch Award and the LensCrafters Truer Than Fiction Award. The Film Independent Spirit Awards are sponsored by Premier Sponsors Piaget, The Lincoln Motor Company, Bank of America, Heineken, American Airlines and IFC. T-Mobile is the Official Arrivals Show Sponsor, Sauza 901Tequila is the Official Spirit and FIJI Water is the Official Water of the 2015 Spirit Awards. WireImage is the Official Photographer of Film Independent.
About IFC
IFC is the home of offbeat, unexpected comedies. Series like Portlandia, Maron and Comedy Bang! Bang! air alongside fan-favorite movies and comedic cult TV shows. Owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc., along with sister channels AMC, BBC America, SundanceTV and WE tv, IFC is available to more than 73 million U.S. homes and across multiple platforms. IFC: Always On Slightly Off