37th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards moves to March 2022

Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization that produces the Film Independent Spirit Awards, announced that the 37th annual awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, March 6, 2022 in Los Angeles.

Traditionally held the Saturday before the Oscars, the 2022 date marks a shift in the season, placing the Spirit Awards squarely in the corridor leading into Oscar voting. While historically an early afternoon affair, the 2022 ceremony will be held at 5pm PST/8pm EST.

The Spirit Awards are the primary fundraiser for Film Independent’s year-round programs, which cultivate the careers of emerging filmmakers and promote diversity and inclusion in the industry.

“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.

The 36th Film Independent Spirit Awards took place in a virtual ceremony hosted by SNL breakout star Melissa Villaseñor. For the first time in its history, the 2021 Spirit Awards also honoured exceptional content in TV.

2020’s Film Independent Spirit Awards recently won a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Non-Fiction Special.