34th Independent Spirit Awards

The 34th Film Independent Spirit Awards, honoring the best independent films of 2018, were presented by Film Independent on February 23, 2019. The nominations were announced on November 16, 2018 by actresses Molly Shannon and Gemma Chan. The ceremony was televised in the United States by IFC, taking place inside its usual tent setting on a beach in Santa Monica, California. It was hosted by Aubrey Plaza.

John Cassavetes Award
En el séptimo día
 * A Bread Factory
 * Never Goin' Back
 * Sócrates
 * Thunder Road

Robert Altman Award (Best Ensemble)
(The award is given to its film director, casting director, and ensemble cast)


 * Suspiria

Kiehl's Someone to Watch Award
Recognizes a talented filmmaker of singular vision who has not yet received appropriate recognition. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by Kiehl's.


 * Alex Moratto – Sócrates
 * Ioana Uricaru – Lemonade
 * Jeremiah Zagar – We the Animals

The BONNIE Award
Recognizes mid-career women directors with a body of work that demonstrates uniqueness of vision and a groundbreaking approach to film making. The award includes a $50,000 unrestricted grant funded by American Airlines.


 * Debra Granik
 * Tamara Jenkins
 * Karyn Kusama

Piaget Producers Award
Honors emerging producers who, despite highly limited resources, demonstrate the creativity, tenacity and vision required to produce quality, independent films. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by Piaget.


 * Shrihari Sathe
 * Jonathan Duffy and Kelly Williams
 * Gabrielle Nadig

Truer than Fiction Award
Presented to an emerging director of non-fiction features who has not yet received significant recognition. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant.


 * Bing Liu – Minding the Gap
 * Alexandria Bombach – On Her Shoulders
 * RaMell Ross – Hale County This Morning, This Evening