Kate Berlant and John Early to Host 2027 Film Independent Spirit Awards

Kate Berlant and John Early will co-host the 42nd Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, March 6, 2027, at the Hollywood Palladium — eight days before the 99th Academy Awards on March 14.

Film Independent announced the pairing as a deliberate break from convention. The organization's president, Juan Devis, framed the choice in pointed terms: "If there's one thing we don't need, it's another predictable awards show." He called Berlant and Early "two of the funniest, strangest and most brilliantly unpredictable performers working today," adding that they "embody everything we love about independent storytelling: originality, fearlessness and a healthy disregard for convention. We're excited to shake things up, break a few rules and have some fun along the way."

The hosts themselves kept the tone. "We've always been obsessed with awards shows, and we're so honored we get to host the coolest one. Tune in to see if we choke under pressure!" Berlant and Early said in a joint statement.

What does the date change?

The March 6 slot moves the ceremony later on the calendar and restores it to Saturday. The previous edition ran on a Sunday, Feb. 15, hosted by "Saturday Night Live" alum Ego Nwodim. The Spirit Awards sit close to the Oscars each year, and the shift keeps the show within the final stretch of awards season while giving it its own night.

Who are the hosts?

Berlant and Early have collaborated for more than a decade on absurdist comedy that blends social satire, improvisation and unpredictability. Their joint credits include the sketch series "555" and the Emmy-nominated Peacock special "Would It Kill You to Laugh?", which twisted familiar comedic conventions into their own format.

Individually, their résumés are extensive. Berlant appeared in "Sorry to Bother You," "Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood" and "Don't Worry Darling," and in FX's "The Bear." She earned acclaim for her one-woman show "Kate" and the specials "Cinnamon in the Wind" and "Parmesan." Early broke out in the dark comedy series "Search Party," which ran on TBS before moving to HBO Max, and released the stand-up special "Now More Than Ever." He recently made his feature directorial debut with "Maddie's Secret," which also features Berlant.

They join a roster of past hosts that includes Aidy Bryant, Hasan Minhaj, Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Nick Kroll and John Mulaney, Kate McKinnon and Kumail Nanjiani, Fred Armisen and Kristen Bell, and Andy Samberg and John Waters.

What else is new this year?

The 42nd edition adds two categories:

• Best international first feature
• The Digital Creator Award, which extends the show's reach across platforms

Filmmaker Roman Coppola joins the production in the newly created role of creative consultant. The Nominee Brunch, which honors all nominees and presents the Emerging Filmmaker Awards, returns to The London West Hollywood on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2027.

Nominations will be announced Dec. 2. That date will show whether the promised unpredictability extends to the ballot itself.