The 39th Film Independent Spirit Awards highlighted the finest achievements in independent film and television at the Santa Monica Pier. Aidy Bryant took over hosting duties this year, succeeding Hasan Minhaj. With the introduction of gender-neutral acting categories last year, the competition was intense in the six performance categories (three for film, three for TV).
The ceremony was live-streamed on Sunday, Feb. 25, on Film Independent's YouTube channel and X (formerly Twitter) feed. "Past Lives," "The Holdovers," and "Beef" emerged as the prominent winners of the night, with "The Holdovers" securing three awards, and both "Past Lives" and "Beef" claiming two each.
Although Oscar frontrunner Paul Giamatti was not nominated for his role in "The Holdovers," his co-stars Da'Vine Joy Randolph won Best Supporting Performance, and Dominic Sessa won Best Breakthrough Performance. The film itself missed out on the Best Feature category, which was ultimately won by "Past Lives," along with Best Director for Celine Song. Meanwhile, "Beef," the Netflix limited series, triumphed in both the Best New Scripted Series category and star Ali Wong received an award for Best Lead Performance in a New Scripted Series.
The significant winner of last year's Film Independent Spirit Awards, "Everything Everywhere All at Once," went on to replicate its success at the Academy Awards, securing wins for Michelle Yeoh, Key Huh Quan, Best Feature, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.