Nick Kroll And John Mulaney To Co-Host 2017 Film Independent Spirit Awards

Film Independent, producers of the Spirit Awards and the LA Film Festival, announced that Nick Kroll (Loving, Sing, The League, Kroll Show) and John Mulaney (Oh, Hello On Broadway, Documentary Now!, Saturday Night Live) will co-host the 2017 show on Saturday, February 25.

The awards ceremony will be broadcast live exclusively on IFC at 2:00 pm PT / 5:00 pm ET. The 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.

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.

"From film to television to Broadway, Nick Kroll and John Mulaney have been almost everywhere – and now their world domination will be complete when they host the 2017 Film Independent Spirit Awards," said Film Independent President Josh Welsh. "We couldn't think of two smarter, funnier people to host our show, and look forward to having them on the beach on Saturday, February 25." 

"This year I asked Film Independent to find us two super talented multi hyphenates to take on the hosting duties for the Spirit Awards, and we couldn't be more thrilled to welcome Nick and John to our stage," said Jennifer Caserta, president, IFC.

Nick Kroll is an acclaimed actor, writer, producer and stand-up comedian. He is the creator and star of the critically acclaimed series, Kroll Show, which aired for three seasons on Comedy Central. Kroll co-starred as 'Ruxin' in the hit FXX series, The League.

He has guest starred on shows including New Girl, Parks and Recreation, Community and Children's Hospital. Some of his film credits include Seth Rogen's Sausage Party, My Blind Brother, Joshy, Vacation, Date Night, Get Him to the Greek and A Good Old Fashioned Orgy. He is currently staring in Loving and in the rave-reviewed Broadway production of 'Oh, Hello on Broadway', which he created and wrote alongside John Mulaney. He will next be seen in Illumination's Sing and New Line's The House.

John Mulaney is an Emmy® Award winning writer and comedian. He currently stars in the hit Broadway show, 'Oh, Hello on Broadway' which he wrote and produces with co-star, Nick Kroll. He most recently released The Comeback Kid, a Netflix Original and his 3rd one-hour stand up special, which received an Emmy® nomination (Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special) and the AV Club called "his best hour of his career". In 2008 he began working 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.  

This year marks the 32nd edition of the awards show that celebrates the best of independent film. Joel Gallen of Tenth Planet Productions returns for his third year as executive producer, producer Shawn Davis returns for his 15th show. Danielle Federico and Andrew Schaff will be co-producing the awards.

ABOUT THE FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDS

Now in its 32nd 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 Piaget, American Airlines, Jeep brand, IFC, and Principal Sponsor AT&T, as well as Breyers Gelato Indulgences. FIJI Water is the Official Water. Landmark Vineyards is the Official Wine. WireImage is the Official Photographer. 

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT

Film Independent is the non-profit arts organization that champions creative independence in 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.

Film Independent produces the Spirit Awards, the annual celebration honoring artist-driven films and recognizing the finest achievements of American independent filmmakers. Film Independent also produces the LA Film Festival, showcasing the best of American and international cinema and Film Independent at LACMA, 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.

About IFC

IFC is the home of offbeat, unexpected comedies. Original series Portlandia, Documentary Now!, Stan Against Evil and the upcoming Brockmire (April 2017) 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.

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