Film Independent announced the winners of its three Emerging Filmmaker Awards at its annual Spirit Awards Nominee Brunch on Saturday. Winners in the remaining categories are scheduled to be announced on February 22.
Opening remarks were delivered by Film Independent Board Chair Brenda Robinson, who recalled the organization’s late president Josh Welch during her speech.
Wells died on December 31 after a five-year battle with colon cancer.
“We’re giving out a lot of free hugs this week,” Robinson said. She continued, “We are in a wonderful moment today, and I am so grateful to be surrounded by such a wonderful group of people, our amazing staff, leadership and Board of Directors. This has been a week of reflection for me and for many of us.
“Anora” stars Mickey Madison and Mark Edelstein, “The Substance” star Demi Moore, and Rammell Ross, whose “Nickel Boys” was named Best Picture by the National Society of Film Critics winners, were among the stars and nominees in attendance when Robinson asked the audience . room to join in a round of applause. “I’m going to ask you to do something right now for me. I want to lift Josh up. I want to give him that praise. I want to keep feeling that energy. If you could join me in a round of applause, a standing ovation of cheers.”
The chamber joined Robinson in remembering and celebrating Walsh.
The Emerging Director Awards were then presented by “The Morning Show” star Karen Bateman.
Sarah Friedland received the One to Watch Award for her directorial work on Familiar Touch. Nicholas Collea and Pham Thien Anh were honored as finalists in this category for “Griffin in Summer” and “Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell,” respectively.
Rachel Elizabeth Seed received the Trueer Than Fiction Award for “Photographic Memory,” Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Casey were honored as finalists for “Sugarcane” and Carla Gutierrez was honored as a finalist for “Frida.”
Sarah Winshall received the Producers Award. Alex Coco and Zoë Worth were finalists in the same category.
The Film Independent Spirit Awards, now in their 40th year, will be hosted by former Saturday Night Live star Aidy Bryant.