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Kate Berlant and John Early, two of comedy’s most gloriously unpredictable performers, will co-host the 2027 Film Independent Spirit Awards.
The 42nd annual celebration of the best in independent film and television
takes place Saturday, March 6, 2027, at the Hollywood Palladium, eight days before the 99th Academy Awards on March 14. The date marks a later slot on the calendar and a return to Saturday after this past year’s Sunday, Feb. 15 ceremony, which was hosted by “Saturday Night Live” alum Ego Nwodim.
“If there’s one thing we don’t need, it’s another predictable awards show,” says Film Independent President Juan Devis. “Kate and John are two of the funniest, strangest and most brilliantly unpredictable performers working today. They embody everything we love about independent storytelling: originality, fearlessness and a healthy disregard for convention. We’re excited to shake things up, break a few rules and have some fun along the way.”
The hosts are ready for the assignment.
“We’ve always been obsessed with awards shows, and we’re so honored we get to host the coolest one. Tune in to see if we choke under pressure!” Berlant and Early say in a joint statement.
Berlant and Early join a roster of past Spirit Awards hosts that includes Nwodim, Aidy Bryant, Hasan Minhaj, Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Nick Kroll and John Mulaney, Kate McKinnon and Kumail Nanjiani, Fred Armisen and Kristen Bell, Andy Samberg and John Waters.
Friends and creative collaborators for more than a decade, Berlant and Early have built a devoted following on a distinctive brand of absurdist comedy that blends sharp social satire, improvisation and performances that rarely go where you expect. Their joint work includes the acclaimed sketch series “555” and the Emmy-nominated Peacock comedy special “Would It Kill You to Laugh?,” which took familiar comedic conventions and twisted them into something entirely their own.
Individually, both have carved out celebrated careers across film, television and live comedy. Berlant’s film credits include “Sorry to Bother You,” “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” and “Don’t Worry Darling,” and she has appeared in FX’s comedy-drama series “The Bear.” She also earned acclaim for her one-woman show “Kate” and her comedy specials “Cinnamon in the Wind” and “Parmesan.”
Early is best known for his breakout performance in the dark comedy series “Search Party,” which ran on TBS before moving to HBO Max, as well as his stand-up special “Now More Than Ever.” He recently made his feature directorial debut with “Maddie’s Secret,” which also features Berlant.
This year’s ceremony adds two new categories, best international first feature and the Digital Creator Award, expanding the show’s reach across platforms.
Filmmaker Roman Coppola will also bring his artistic vision to the show in the newly created role of creative consultant.The Nominee Brunch, the annual gathering that honors all nominees and features the presentation of the Emerging Filmmaker Awards, returns to The London West Hollywood on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2027.
Nominations for the 42nd Spirit Awards will be announced Dec. 2.
