35th Independent Spirit Awards

The 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards, honoring the best independent films of 2019, were presented by Film Independent on February 8, 2020. The nominations were announced on November 21, 2019 by actresses Zazie Beetz and Natasha Lyonne. The ceremony was televised in the United States by IFC, taking place inside its usual tent setting on a beach in Santa Monica, California. Aubrey Plaza returned to host the ceremony for the second time.

John Cassavetes Award
Give Me Liberty
 * Burning Cane
 * Colewell
 * Premature
 * Wild Nights with Emily

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


 * Marriage Story – Noah Baumbach, Douglas Aibel, Francine Maisler, Alan Alda, Laura Dern, Adam Driver, Julie Hagerty, Scarlett Johansson, Ray Liotta, Azhy Robertson, and Merritt Wever

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.


 * Rashaad Ernesto Green – Premature
 * Ash Mayfair – The Third Wife
 * Joe Talbot – The Last Black Man in San Francisco

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.


 * Kelly Reichardt
 * Marielle Heller
 * Lulu Wang

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.


 * Mollye Asher
 * Krista Parris
 * Ryan Zacarias

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.


 * Nadia Shihab – Jaddoland
 * Khalik Allah – Black Mother
 * Davy Rothbart – 17 Blocks
 * Erick Stoll and Chase Whiteside – América