Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal's debut production 'Girls Will Be Girls' wins the John Cassavetes Award at the 40th Independent Spirit Awards. The film, directed by Shuchi Talati, follows a 16-year-old's rebellious journey.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards is held in a tent near the Santa Monica pier in bright daylight (2 p.m. PST). For this 40th edition, “Saturday Night Live” alum Aidy Bryant returns for her second year as host, shepherding a show that honors and celebrates independent film and television.

The Independent Spirit Awards celebrates the best in independent film and television, offering a more irreverent take on the Oscars.

Here’s who went home a winner at the Indy Spirit Awards, held on the beach in Santa Monica, Calif., on Saturday.

Sean Baker’s “Anora” won best film, best director and best actor for Mikey Madison at the Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday in what could be a preview of next Sunday’s Oscars.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards are pulling up anchor from the iconic Santa Monica beach they've long called home. Just two days after the 2025 ceremony, a new report has announced that the Spirit Awards will no longer be taking place at its regular oceanfront venue.