Film Independent President Josh Welsh announced that David Oyelowo (Queen of Katwe, A United Kingdom) will be the 2017 Spirit Awards Honorary Chair. Oyelowo was nominated for Best Male Lead for his work in Selma (2015) and Best Supporting Male for Middle of Nowhere (2013). Past Honorary Chairs include Jessica Chastain, Kerry Washington, Benicio Del Toro, Angela Bassett, Salma Hayek, Jodie Foster, Danny Glover, Ang Lee and Martin Scorsese.
“From Middle of Nowhere to Nightingale, and from Selma to Queen of Katwe, David Oyelowo has consistently shown himself to be a fearless actor of remarkable range,” said Welsh. “As a two-time Spirit Award nominee, he is a fantastic choice to be our Spirit Awards Honorary Chair.”
Also announced today, Emmy Award winning Sterling K. Brown (This is Us, The People V. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story) and writer, producer, actress Issa Rae (Insecure, Awkward Black Girl) will co-host the Film Independent Spirit Awards Filmmaker Grant & Nominee Brunch on Saturday, January 7 at BOA restaurant in West Hollywood where they will announce the Spirit Awards Grant Winners for 2017.
“Sterling K. Brown and Issa Rae are two of the most captivating and talented actors working today,” said Welsh, “and we’re so happy to have them host our Spirit Awards Brunch in January.”
Previously announced, the Nominees for the Spirit Awards Grants are:
20th ANNUAL PIAGET PRODUCERS AWARD – The 20th annual Producers Award, sponsored by Piaget, honors emerging producers who, despite highly limited resources, demonstrate the creativity, tenacity and vision required to produce quality, independent films. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by Piaget.
Lisa Kjerulff
Jordana Mollick
Melody C. Roscher & Craig Shilowich
23rd ANNUAL KIEHL’S SOMEONE TO WATCH AWARD – The 23rd annual Someone to Watch Award, sponsored by Kiehl’s Since 1851, recognizes a talented filmmaker of singular vision who has not yet received appropriate recognition. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by Kiehl’s Since 1851.
Andrew Ahn
Director of Spa Night
Claire Carré
Director of Embers
Anna Rose Holmer
Director of The Fits
Ingrid Jungermann
Director of Women Who Kill
22nd ANNUAL TRUER THAN FICTION AWARD – The 22nd annual Truer Than Fiction Award is presented to an emerging director of non-fiction features who has not yet received significant recognition. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant.
Kristi Jacobson
Director of Solitary
Sara Jordenö
Director of Kiki
Nanfu Wang
Director of Hooligan Sparrow
The 32nd annual Spirit Awards ceremony will take place on the beach in Santa Monica on Saturday, February 25 with the premiere broadcast airing live exclusively on IFC at 2:00 pm PT / 5:00 pm ET. The Awards are the primary fundraiser for Film Independent’s year-round programs, which cultivate the careers of emerging filmmakers and promote diversity in the industry.
To learn more about table sales, attendance and donations please contact Jennifer Murby, Associate Director of Institutional Giving, jmurby@filmindependent.org. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Albina Oks, Director of Corporate Sponsorship, aoks@filmindependent.org.
