October 4, 2016 – Film Independent announced today that the 2017 Film Independent Spirit Awards will be broadcast exclusively on IFC on February 25, 2017, LIVE at 2:00 pm PT / 5:00 pm ET. This year marks the 32nd edition of the awards show that celebrates the best of independent film. Nominees will be announced at a press conference held at the W Hotel hosted by Edgar Ramirez (Hands of Stone, Girl on the Train, Gold) and Jenny Slate (Obvious Child, The Secret Life of Pets, Gifted). Joel Gallen of Tenth Planet Productions returns for his third year as executive producer of the show held in its usual tent on the beach in Santa Monica, just north of the Santa Monica Pier. Producer Shawn Davis returns for his 15th show and Rick Austin returns for his third year as producer. This year’s nominees will be announced at a press conference on Tuesday, November 22 at the W Hollywood and on spiritawards.com.
“Edgar Ramirez and Jenny Slate are the perfect duo to announce this year’s Spirit Award nominees,” said Josh Welsh, President of Film Independent. “Looking at the all films this year, it’s clear that artist-driven film is alive and well and we look forward to celebrating with the independent film community on the beach on February 25th and on IFC! Once again the show will be back in the capable hands of Emmy award nominated EP and Director Joel Gallen.”
“The Spirit Awards align perfectly with the heart of what we do at IFC,” said Jennifer Caserta, IFC’s president. “We are thrilled to once again help celebrate diversity, creativity and support the recognition of important new, original voices.
Joel Gallen’s credits include the Emmy nominated specials Stand Up To Cancer (2014, 2012), the 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concert (2009), Hope For Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief (2010) and the Emmy and Peabody Award winning America: A Tribute to Heroes (2001). He produced the MTV Movie Awards for 12 consecutive years from 1995 to 2006. He has also produced and directed the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony from 2003 through 2014. Gallen executive produced and directed The Concert for Valor for HBO in November of 2014 and he also helmed the last 13 Comedy Central Roasts including the most recent roast featuring Rob Lowe.
In addition to celebrating the broad spectrum of independent filmmaking, the Spirit Awards is also 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 donations, table sales and attendance, please contact jmurby@filmindependent.org or 310.432.1253.
