Film Independent is switching to gender-neutral film and TV acting categories at the Spirit Awards and has increased budget caps in response to the rising cost of production.
Starting with next year’s awards show on March 4, 2023, the lead and supporting film acting categories will be known as best lead performance and best supporting performance. Awards in the television acting categories will be known as best lead performance and best supporting performance in a new scripted series.
The categories include new awards for best breakthrough performance (film) and best supporting performance in a new scripted series (television). All performance categories, excluding breakthrough performance, will feature up to 10 nominees.
The budget cap for eligible films is now $30m following incremental rises over the years that saw the cap jump from $20m in 2006 to $22.5m in 2019. The budget cap for The John Cassavetes Award, presented to a film’s writer, director and producer, has doubled from $500,000 to $1m.
In response to the ongoing impact of the pandemic Film Independent is again waiving the theatrical run typically required for eligibility.
“We’re thrilled to join the other festivals and award shows that are already moving to celebrate great acting without reference to gender,” said Film Independent president Josh Welsh. “We’re also happy to welcome non-binary performers into the Spirit Awards without forcing them to choose to identify as male or female.
“Additionally, it has been a long time since we substantially increased the budget limit for eligibility. This new cap allows us to continue to celebrate the same breadth of work that we have in the past.”
The Spirit Awards joins other awards that have embraced non-gendered categories such as British Independent Film Awards, The Gotham Awards, British Independent Film Awards, and the MTV Movie & TV Awards.
At least year’s ceremony Taylour Paige won best female lead for Zola, Ruth Negga best supporting female for Passing, Simon Rex best male lead for Red Rocket, and Troy Kotsur best supporting male for Coda. The Lost Daughter (pictured) was named best feature.
Film nominations for the 2023 Spirit Awards will be announced virtually on November 22. Television nominations will be announced on December 13.
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