31st Independent Spirit Awards


The 31st Film Independent Spirit Awards, honoring the best independent films of 2015, were presented by Film Independent on February 27, 2016. The nominations were announced on November 24, 2015. The ceremony was hosted by Kate McKinnon and Kumail Nanjiani, and broadcast live on IFC.

Winners and nominees



Films with multiple nominations and awards

NominationsFilm
6Carol
5Beasts of No Nation
5Tangerine
4Anomalisa
4It Follows
4Spotlight
3The Diary of a Teenage Girl
3James White
3Mediterranea
3Room
3Songs My Brothers Taught Me
2Bone Tomahawk
2The End of the Tour
2Heaven Knows What
2Manos sucias

AwardsFilm
5Spotlight
2Beasts of No Nation
2Room

Special awards

[Independent Spirit [John Cassavetes Award|John Cassavetes Award]]

KrishaAdvantageousChristmas, AgainHeaven Knows What

[Independent Spirit [Robert Altman Award|Robert Altman Award]]

Spotlight – Tom McCarthy, Kerry Barden, Paul Schnee, Michael Cyril Creighton, Billy Crudup, Paul Guilfoyle, Neal Huff, Brian d'Arcy James, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Mark Ruffalo, Liev Schreiber, Jamey Sheridan, John Slattery, and Stanley Tucci

Kiehl's Someone to Watch Award

Recognizes a talented filmmaker of singular vision who has not yet received appropriate recognition. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by Kiehl's since 1851.Felix Thompson – King Jack

Piaget Producers Award

Honors emerging producers who, despite highly limited resources, demonstrate the creativity, tenacity and vision required to produce quality, independent films. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by Piaget.Mel Eslyn – Lamb

Truer than Fiction Award

Presented to an emerging director of non-fiction features who has not yet received significant recognition. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by LensCrafters.Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi – Incorruptible