The 40th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards took place on Saturday at the Santa Monica Pier.
ANORA has won three @filmindependent #SpiritAwards including…
🏆 Best Feature
🏆 Best Director (Sean Baker)
🏆 Best Lead Performance (Mikey Madison) pic.twitter.com/8wxcZKZTpI— NEON (@neonrated) February 23, 2025
The event, hosted by Aidy Bryant for the second year, honors independent films made under a strict budget of $30 million or less. “I Saw the TV Glow” and “Nickel Boys” led the nominations with six each, including Best Feature.
“The Substance” was also a top contender. Early arrivals on the red carpet included nominees Justice Smith, Danielle Deadwyler, and Jessica Gunning. Other notable attendees were Walton Goggins, Julia Fox, Adam Pearson, Katie Aselton, Mikey Madison, and Demi Moore.
ANORA’s Sean Baker has won the @filmindependent #SpiritAward for Best Director. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/jjPM3ITXt9
— NEON (@neonrated) February 23, 2025
Aidy Bryant set a festive tone for the evening.
Dive into the 2025 Film Independent #SpiritAwards Program Book to learn more about this year’s Nominees and the work we do year-round that is supported in large part by today’s event. Special thanks to the amazing people and supporters—the beating heart and engine—of our… pic.twitter.com/HZjuONg7ni
— Film Independent (@filmindependent) February 23, 2025
Anora shines at Spirit Awards
Danielle Deadwyler and Jessica Gunning stunned in their outfits, while Julianne Moore, Colman Domingo, and Amy Adams brought their unique charm.
The awards show streamed live on IMDb and Film Independent’s YouTube channels, reaching a wide audience. Elizabeth Olsen, Andrew Scott, Lily Gladstone, Molly Shannon, Natasha Rothwell, Emma Stone, and Cristin Milioti were among the diverse array of celebrated figures in attendance. Carrie Coon, Adam Pearson, Natasha Lyonne, Kathryn Hahn, Patti LuPone, and Questlove added to the event’s allure.
Sonequa Martin-Green, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Ruth Negga further enriched the glamor. As the night concluded, it was clear that the Spirit Awards not only celebrated the best in independent filmmaking but also highlighted the vibrant creativity that thrives under financial constraints. The event captured the spirit of artistic freedom and ingenuity that defines the independent film industry.