The 39th Film Independent Spirit Awards delivered unforgettable moments as indie cinema’s brightest stars gathered at Santa Monica Pier on February 25, 2024. Hosted by Emmy-nominated comedian Aidy Bryant, this year’s ceremony celebrated groundbreaking achievements in film and television while introducing major category changes.
Major Winners
Past Lives claimed Best Feature, with director Celine Song making history as only the fourth woman to win Best Director in the awards’ 40-year history. The emotionally charged drama about childhood friends reconnecting later in life also earned Best Screenplay for Song’s delicate storytelling.
Jeffrey Wright secured Best Lead Performance for his razor-sharp satire American Fiction, while Da’Vine Joy Randolph won Best Supporting Performance for her poignant role in The Holdovers. Breakout star Dominic Sessa (The Holdovers) beat nine competitors for Best Breakthrough Performance.
Category Evolution
2024 marked significant structural changes:
- New television category: Best Breakthrough Performance in New Scripted Series
- Gender-neutral acting categories expanded to 10 nominees each
- $28 million budget cap implemented for film entries
Films With Multiple Wins
| Film | Wins |
|---|---|
| The Holdovers | 3 |
| American Fiction | 2 |
| Past Lives | 2 |
Notable snubs included Todd Haynes’ May December, which entered with five nominations but left empty-handed. International films made strong showings with France’s Anatomy of a Fall winning Best International Feature.
The ceremony streamed live on YouTube via Film Independent’s channel, continuing its digital-first approach since moving from IFC in 2023. With record viewership reported, this year’s event solidified its position as Hollywood’s most unpredictable awards show ahead of the Oscars.
