Kate Berlant and John Early to host the 2027 Spirit Awards
Kate Berlant and John Early will co-host the 2027 Film Independent Spirit Awards at Hollywood Palladium in the United States. The longtime comedy collaborators join a ceremony introducing awards for international debut features and digital creators. Roman Coppola takes a new creative-consultant role, with nominations scheduled for December and the nominees’ gathering following in January.
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Berlant and Early take the Hollywood Palladium stage
Kate Berlant and John Early have been chosen to co-host the 2027 Film Independent Spirit Awards. The 42nd ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, March 6, 2027 at Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, United States. The event recognises independent film and television, with the longtime comedy collaborators sharing the hosting duties at the forthcoming edition.[1], [2]
The ceremony falls eight days before the 99th Academy Awards on March 14. The previous Spirit Awards took place on Sunday, February 15, with Ego Nwodim as host. Film Independent president Juan Devis highlighted Berlant and Early’s originality and unconventional approach in announcing the new hosts. The pair said they had long been fascinated by awards shows.[1]
The hosts bring a decade of shared comedy work
Berlant and Early have been friends and creative collaborators for more than a decade. Their joint projects include the sketch series 555 and the Emmy-nominated comedy special Would It Kill You to Laugh?, released by Peacock. The pair’s shared work combines social satire and improvisation, according to Film Independent’s announcement.[1]
Berlant has appeared in Sorry to Bother You, Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, Don’t Worry Darling and The Bear. Her other work includes the one-person show Kate and the comedy specials Cinnamon in the Wind and Parmesan. Early is known for Search Party and Now More Than Ever. His first feature as director, Maddie’s Secret, also features Berlant.[1]
New prizes accompany the nomination calendar
The ceremony is introducing an award for best international first feature and a Digital Creator Award. Filmmaker Roman Coppola joins in the newly created role of creative consultant. Only Film Independent members determine the winners. Past hosts include Aidy Bryant, Hasan Minhaj, Aubrey Plaza, Nick Kroll and John Mulaney, as well as Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman.[1], [2]
Nominations are scheduled for December 2. The Nominee Brunch is set for January 9, 2027 at The London West Hollywood, including presentation of the Emerging Filmmaker Awards. Film Independent, the nonprofit organisation behind the ceremony, also supports filmmakers through grants, development laboratories, mentorship and its Project Involve programme.[1], [2]
