Film Independent Spirit Awards move to early March

Film Independent announced today that it would hold its 37th ceremony on March 6, a full three weeks before the Oscars on March 27.

Traditionally, the Spirit Awards have been held on the Saturday before the Oscars in its famous tent and casual setting in Santa Monica in the mid-afternoon. For 2022, the ceremony will move to 5pm on Sunday the 6th instead of its usual early afternoon slot.

Looking at this new date, this will put the Spirit Awards the day before the Oscars Luncheon, which still ensures that the most crossover talent of Oscar and Spirit Awards nominees will be available to attend. It also positions them ahead of the March 17 kickoff of Oscar winner voting for the first time, potentially influencing the race instead of mirroring it as it often does. Last year, Nomadland won both the Spirit Award and Oscar for Best Picture (or Feature, as it were) and Chloé Zhao was named Best Director at both.

“The Spirit Awards have always championed diverse, unique, independent storytelling; shifting earlier in the awards season will allow us to shine an even brighter light on the films and shows we are excited to celebrate,” said Josh Welsh, President of Film Independent.

Last season’s show added television awards in 2021 (much like the Gotham Awards did), and took place in a virtual-only ceremony hosted by Saturday Night Live’s Melissa Villaseñor. No host has been announced yet for the 2022 edition. A nomination date is also yet to be announced.