Live and Archived Streaming Versions of the Awards Will be Available Exclusively to Members; Deal Marks First Ever Awards Show Stream for Sundance Now
NEW YORK, Feb. 8, 2017 – Sundance Now, the online streaming service offering an array of curated content including award-winning independent films, documentaries and TV series, has announced plans
to live-stream the Film Independent Spirit Awards concurrently with the telecast happening live on IFC
on Saturday, February 25 at 2pm PT / 5pm ET. An archived version of the Spirit Awards will also be made
available exclusively for Sundance Now members shortly after the telecast concludes. Oh Hello on
Broadway stars Nick Kroll and John Mulaney will host the 2017 Film Independent Spirit Awards, which
will be presented to a field of nominated films that includes Manchester by the Sea, Moonlight,
American Honey and O.J.: Made in America.
This marks the first time that Sundance Now is making an awards show available to its members and is
expected to be the first of a series of live events that will be viewable on the service.
Anticipated Spirit Awards attendees include acting category nominees like Natalie Portman (Jackie),
Annette Bening (20th Century Women), Casey Affleck (Manchester by the Sea), Viggo Mortensen
(Captain Fantastic), Ralph Fiennes (A Bigger Splash), Shia LaBeouf (American Honey), and nominated
filmmakers including Barry Jenkins (Moonlight) and Kelly Reichardt (Certain Women). Moonlight, which
recently won the Golden Globe Award for best motion picture, drama, has been selected to receive the
prestigious Robert Altman Award, named after the late filmmaker, which goes to a specific film’s
director, casting director and cast. A full list of nominees and awards is available here.
Film fans who would like to stream the Spirit Awards live can sign up for a 7-day free trial of Sundance
Now at sundancenow.com.
“The Film Independent Spirit Awards are among the most prestigious honors in all of filmmaking, and
we are humbled and excited to be able to stream them exclusively on Sundance Now,” said George
Schmalz, Sundance Now curator.
“Film Independent works to support independent artists at all levels of the industry, and part of our
mission is to bring so-called specialty films to the broadest possible audience,” said Josh Welsh,
president of Film Independent. “Having the Spirit Awards available to stream exclusively on Sundance
Now is a huge step in that direction, in that it gives emerging filmmakers access to a passionate,
sophisticated and young audience online.”
To become a member of Sundance Now, sign up online at sundancenow.com for a 7-day free trial then
pay $6.99/month or $59.99/annual membership fee. Sundance Now is accessible via web, iOS, Android,
Roku, Apple TV, and Chromecast.
ABOUT SUNDANCE NOW
Sundance Now brings members the best in award-winning films, documentaries & binge-worthy TV
series. From exclusive Sundance Now Originals to new releases and hard-to-find classics—Sundance
Now has captivating stories for everyone. Members can easily discover something great to watch in one
of our handpicked collections, curated by filmmakers and cultural icons.
Follow Sundance Now on Twitter @sundance_now, Facebook Sundance Now, Instagram
@SundanceNow, and YouTube Sundance Now.
ABOUT THE FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDS
Now in its 32nd 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 Film Independent Spirit Awards are sponsored by Premier Sponsors Piaget, American Airlines, Jeep
brand, IFC, and Principal Sponsor AT&T, as well as Breyers Gelato Indulgences. FIJI Water is the Official
Water. Landmark Vineyards is the Official Wine. WireImage is the Official Photographer.
ABOUT IFC
IFC is the home of offbeat, unexpected comedies. Original series Portlandia, Documentary Now!, Stan
Against Evil and the upcoming Brockmire (April 2017) air alongside fan-favorite movies and comedic cult
TV shows. IFC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc., and available across multiple platforms. IFC
is Always On Slightly Off.
ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT
Film independent is the non-profit arts organization that champions creative independence in visual
storytelling and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation and uniqueness of
vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds an audience for their projects, and
works to diversify the film industry. Film Independent’s Board of Directors, filmmakers, staff, and
constituents, is comprised of an inclusive community of individuals across ability, age, ethnicity, gender,
race, and sexual orientation. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a
filmmaker, industry professional, or a film lover.
Film Independent produces the Spirit Awards, the annual celebration honoring artist-driven films and
recognizing the finest achievements of American independent filmmakers. Film Independent also
produces the LA Film Festival, showcasing the best of American and international cinema and Film
Independent at LACMA, a year-round, weekly program that offers unique cinematic experiences for the
Los Angeles creative community and general public.
With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of likeminded
artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent’s Artist Development
program offers free Labs for selected writers, directors, producers and documentary filmmakers and
presents year-round networking opportunities. Project Involve is Film Independent’s signature program
dedicated to fostering the careers of talented filmmakers from communities traditionally
underrepresented in the film industry.
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