Whom You Know: NICK KROLL AND JOHN MULANEY RETURN TO CO-HOST 2018 FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDS Awards Broadcast Live Exclusively on IFCSaturday, March 3 2:00 pm PT / 5:00 pm ET

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

NICK KROLL AND JOHN MULANEY RETURN TO CO-HOST 2018 FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDS Awards Broadcast Live Exclusively on IFCSaturday, March 3 2:00 pm PT / 5:00 pm ET

Film Independent announced today that Nick Kroll (Big Mouth, Operation Finale, Uncle Drew) and John Mulaney (Kid Gorgeous, ‘Oh, Hello on Broadway’, Big Mouth) are signing on for the second year in a row to co-host the 2018 Spirit Awards which will be broadcast live on IFC Saturday, March 3 at 2:00 pm PT / 5:00 pm ET. The Spirit Awards are the primary fundraiser for Film Independent’s year-round programs, which cultivate the careers of emerging filmmakers and promote diversity in the industry.

“The only thing better than having Nick Kroll and John Mulaney host the Spirit Awards is having them host the Spirit Awards twice,” said Film Independent President Josh Welsh. “They did such an amazing job last year and we’re thrilled to have them back in 2018.”

“From the minute Nick and John opened last year’s show, which went instantly viral, we knew we wanted them back to host this year,” said Jennifer Caserta, President, IFC. “These two talented multi-hyphenates knocked it out of the park last year and we can’t wait to see what they have planned for this year.”

Nick Kroll is an actor, writer and producer. He most recently co-created and voices numerous roles on the Netflix smash hit animated series Big Mouth. He recently wrapped productions on MGM’s Operation Finale opposite Oscar Isaac and Ben Kingley and Lionsgate’s Uncle Drew. In January 2017, he wrapped his Broadway debut with the critical and financial hit ‘Oh, Hello on Broadway’ alongside John Mulaney. Recent film credits include Jeff Nichols’ critically acclaimed film Loving, Seth Rogen’s Sausage Party and Illumination’s Sing. Nick had his own Comedy Central sketch show Kroll Show and starred as Ruxin the hit FX show The League.

John Mulaney is an Emmy Award winning writer and comedian. He is currently touring the United States with his most recent show, Kid Gorgeous. Previously, John starred in the Broadway hit, ‘Oh, Hello on Broadway’ alongside Nick Kroll. In 2015 Mulaney released his 3rd hour stand up special a Netflix Original titled The Comeback Kid. He began his career in New York’s East Village and has since toured around the world. In 2008, he began writing at Saturday Night Live where he appeared as a Weekend Update correspondent and co-created characters such as “Stefon” with Bill Hader. He currently writes for IFC’s Documentary Now and for Netflix’s Big Mouth on which he voices the character of Andrew. Mulaney’s first comedy album, The Top Part, was released in 2009. He released his second Comedy Central special and album New In Town in 2012.

Previously announced, Lily Collins (To The Bone, Rules Don’t Apply, Okja) and Tessa Thompson (Dear White People, Creed, Thor: Ragnarok) will co-host the press conference announcing the nominees of the Spirit Awards on Tuesday, November 21, at the Jeremy Hotel in West Hollywood.

This year marks the 33rd edition of the awards show that celebrates the best of independent film. Past Spirit Awards hosts have included Kate McKinnon and Kumail Nanjiani, Fred Armisen and Kristen Bell, Patton Oswalt, Andy Samberg, Joel McHale, Sarah Silverman, Samuel L. Jackson, Eddie Izzard, Queen Latifah and John Waters to name a few. The show, which will be held on the beach in Santa Monica, will be executive produced and directed by Joel Gallen of Tenth Planet Productions for the fourth consecutive year. Shawn Davis returns as producer for his 16th year and Danielle Federico and Andrew Schaff also return as co-producers.

For information on how to become a sponsor of the Spirit Awards, please contact Albina Oks, Director of Corporate Sponsorship, aoks@filmindependent.org or 310 432 1252. To learn more about attending the Spirit Awards, please contact Jennifer Murby, Associate Director of Institutional Giving, jmurby@filmindependent.org or 310 432 1253.

ABOUT THE FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDS

Now in its 33rd year, the Film Independent Spirit Awards is an annual celebration honoring artist-driven films made with an economy of means by filmmakers whose films embody independence and originality. The Spirit Awards recognizes the achievements of American independent filmmakers and promotes the finest independent films of the year to a wider audience.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards are sponsored by Premier Sponsors American Airlines, AT&T, IFC and the Jeep brand, as well as Principal Sponsors Piaget and Visit Seattle. FIJI Water is the Official Water. WireImage is the Official Photographer.

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT

Film Independent is a nonprofit arts organization that champions independent visual storytelling and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds an audience for their projects, and works to diversify the film industry. Film Independent’s Board of Directors, filmmakers, staff and constituents is comprised of an inclusive community of individuals across ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race and sexual orientation. Anyone passionate about film can become a Member, whether you are a filmmaker, industry professional or a film lover.

In addition to producing the Spirit Awards, Film Independent produces the LA Film Festival and Film Independent at LACMA Film Series, a year-round, weekly program that offers unique cinematic experiences for the Los Angeles creative community and the general public.

With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent’s Artist Development program offers free Labs for selected writers, directors, producers and documentary filmmakers and presents year- round networking opportunities. Project Involve is Film Independent’s signature program dedicated to fostering the careers of talented filmmakers from communities traditionally underrepresented in the film industry.

For more information or to become a Member, visit filmindependent.org.

About IFC

IFC is the home of offbeat, unexpected comedies. Series Portlandia, Stan Against Evil, Baroness von Sketch Show, Documentary Now! and Brockmire air alongside fan-favorite movies and comedic cult TV shows. IFC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc., and available across multiple platforms. IFC is Always On, Slightly Off.

To download the Film Independent Spirit Awards logo, click here

Click here to see the list of this year’s nominees.

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